Filipino films had made it to the 77th Cannes, showcasing unique storytelling and Filipino artists’ cinematic excellence.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival has so far shown a diverse array of films that capture global cultures and narratives. Among the selections include some Filipino movies, all of which highlight and celebrate the creativity and resilience of our very own artists. The occasion served as an opportunity for these cinematic gems to reach a broader audience, which can foster cross-cultural discussions and appreciation.
The festival stands as a testament to the evolution of Philippine cinema through the included flicks, ranging from contemporary narratives to timeless classics.
Here are some of the Filipino films included in the prestigious event.
READ ALSO: For The Cinephiles: 5 Must-Watch Flicks At The 77th Cannes Film Festival
“Daughters Of The Sea” (2024)
Martika Ramirez Escobar directed Daughters of the Sea. It tells Lucia’s story, who discovers surprising connections while living through the lives of two others. She witnesses how fish vendor Raquel is in search of her husband, while Delia, who owns a pet shop, cares for a dying mermaid. Lucia, a museum tour guide, met a cartographer named Danilo, who was assigned to assist her. Little did she know: he was her father.
The film is about the complexities of living with the unknown aspects of life and finding comfort in the uncertainties of existing. “It shows how we’re all islands on a map, finding connections to each other,” Escobar’s director’s note said.
The La Fabrique Cinema program of the 77th Cannes Film Festival will produce Daughters of the Sea. This seeks to help directors from emerging countries have international exposure.
According to Les cinémas du monde (Cinemas of the world), La Fabrique is a workshop held during the Cannes Film Festival. The program offers personalized support to pitch and expand professional networks.
Short Filipino films participate at Directors’ Fortnight
Four short films made it to the Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des cinéastes). It is an independent section from Cannes and highlights more experimental and controversial films. Under this program’s umbrella is the Directors’ Factory program, which aims at the emergence of new talents on the international scene. In this category, a regional director partners up with an international counterpart.
Here are four Filipino movies that made it to the Directors’ Fortnight, under Directors’ Factory 2024:
Cold Cut (2024) focuses on the character Joy, a 19-year old who prepares for a local talent show audition. She becomes captivated by a mysterious stranger. The film also spotlights local talents from Dapitan City and emphasizes its compelling narrative and vibrant cinematography. Acclaimed filmmakers Don Eblahan and Siyou Tan directed the movie.
Night Birds (2024) witnesses how the mythical bird god Tigmamanukan is summoned to help actress Ivy escape her husband. He wastes their money on cockfighting. It is a tale of female emancipation intertwined with mythology. Maria Estela Piaso and Indian director Ashok Vish collaborated on the short film.
Silig (2024) chronicles the story of Mamang, who returned to her hometown to plan her own funeral. She shocks everyone she knows when she chooses cremation over a traditional burial. Arvin Belarmino and Cambodian director Lomorpich Rithy (YoKi) co-directed the short film.
Walay Balay (2024) follows the tale of Norayda and her daughter Yahaira. An official letter amidst the Marawi conflict puts their lives on a tumultuous turn. Eve Baswel teams up with Malaysia’s Gogularaajan Rajendran for the project.
“Radikals” (2024)
Arvin Belarmino’s short film, Radikals, will compete at the Cannes Critics’ Week or the Semaine de la Critique. The movie depicts the story of a young rookie from a chicken dance group who faces an attacker after being the worst dancer at a performance. It led him to a series of strange events that reveal what the group does to their weakest link.
The Semaine de la Critique aims to discover and support fresh talents from around the world, according to Film Philippines. It is also the only entry from Southeast Asia in a field of 13 shorts, as mentioned in a report from Rappler.
“Bona” (1980)
A classic Filipino film makes it to the Cannes through Lino Brocka’s Bona. A young girl named Bona drops out of high school to follow Gardo, a minor actor in a frugally-produced film. Doing so had angered her father and kicked her out of their home. She moved in with the actor, but he treated her “like a maid.”
A report from Rappler mentioned that the restored film made it to the Cannes Classics selection. Director Joey Javier Reyes, who is the current Film Development Council of the Philippines chair, announced it as well through his Instagram post.
“The restored version of BONA by Carlotta Films was screened as part of the Cannes Classics this afternoon,” he said. “40 years after its showing, Lino Brocka’s masterpiece showcasing the genius of the incomparable Nora Aunor remains solid and even made more precious by time.”
Carlotta Films Chief Executive and Co-founder Vincent Paul-Boncour said Bona was invisible for 40 years. “[It was] almost unknown. It is one of Lino Brocka’s masterpieces. His cinema is timeless.”
Banner photo via Instagram @kani.releasing.
