'Ekstra' lone PH film nominated at New York Festivals

MANILA – The independent film “Ekstra,” starring Vilma Santos, is the lone Filipino movie to be nominated at this year’s New York Festivals.

The movie has been nominated in the Best Feature Film category, and it will compete against Italy’s “Calcolo Infinitesimale.”



Originally an entry to the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2013, “Ekstra” marked the indie film debut of Santos.

It was also released by ABS-CBN's film production outfit, Star Cinema after it bagged several awards at the 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

As Loida Malabanan, Santos plays a professional TV and film "extra" who opts to withstand harsh conditions to fulfill her passion.

Read our movie review of “Ekstra” here

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Jasmine surprised with Cinemalaya win

MANILA – Young actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith still can't believe that she won in the recently concluded Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for her very first movie.

The younger sister of Kapamilya talent Anne Curtis bagged the best supporting actress award for her role in “Transit,” which was entered in the “New Breed” category of the popular indie film fest.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News after the awarding ceremonies on Sunday, the young actress said she did not expect to win as joining the festival itself is already an honor for her.

“Hindi ko talaga siya in-expect. We were having a conversation before I heard my name. When I heard my name, I said, ‘Am I presenting again?’ And then someone said, ‘You just won best supporting actress.’ Yung face ko talagang, I don’t want to go out yet. I tried to compose myself,” she said.

She added: “I’m so happy. I did not expect this for my first film. I did not even expect to be getting a film from Cinemalaya. Just that was enough for me and getting an award is more than enough. I’m over the moon.”

After receiving her award, Curtis-Smith said the first person she sent an SMS to was her mother.

“I texted my mom, she’s probably asleep in Australia. My Ate (Anne Curtis) texted me. I’m just so thankful and so blessed. I’m just so thankful for everything and everyone who hugged me,” she said.

“Transit” tells the story of Filipino diaspora in Israel. It specifically deals with one family, siblings working in Tel Aviv. They have expired working visas. They are in hiding.

Read ABS-CBNnews.com’s review of the movie here:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Gay film to open 2013 Cinemalaya

MANILA – A gay film based on a true story will open the 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition next week.

“Jazz in Love,” the first independent documentary film of Baby Ruth Villarama, will be shown at 7 p.m. on July 26 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, right after the Cinemalaya opening ceremony.

The event is open to the public.

A recipient of the Regal Prize during the Manila Film Financing Forum of the 2012 Cinemalaya, “Jazz in Love” tells the story of a gay Filipino named Jazz who prepares for the visit of his German boyfriend by taking a qualifying language exam at the Goethe Institut.

The German visitor, however, is overwhelmed by Philippine realities that may not end happily for Jazz, the CCP said, describing the film.

“’Jazz in Love’ is a deconstruction of love in a country where migration is rampant every day… the film hopes to capture an aspiration to follow the dream of true love and known happy endings,” Villarama said in a statement.

“An average of 350 Filipinos depart daily overseas as partners of foreign nationals. That would picture an estimate of 127,750 documented Filipinos leaving the country every year and getting married to foreign nationals. I hope this little film project will shed wisdom on the truth about the universal language of love and leaving.”

This year’s Cinemalaya will run from July 26 to August 4 at the CCP and at three malls – TriNoma in Quezon City, Greenbelt 3 in Makati, and Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa. The festival will feature 25 new digital films in competition, and about 70 films on exhibition.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com