A total of 14 sections, including a Lav Diaz special screening and a free short films showcase, comprise this year’s PPP online edition

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 8, 2020 (UPDATED) — It’s a gathering of almost anything and everything Filipino in the 4th edition of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) that features at least 147 titles — 69 full-length films and 78 short films.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), as organizer of the PPP, extends the call for inclusion in the film industry as evidenced by the PPP4 poster that enjoins all stakeholders to “Sama All!” from October 31 to November 15.

The poster’s key elements represent films from the online festival’s 14 sections: PPP Short Films, Romance, Youth & Family, Classics, PH Oscar Entries, Genre, Bahaghari, Tribute, From the Regions, Documentaries, PPP Retro, Special Screenings, CineMarya, and PPP Premium Selection.

The 10 distinguished Premium Selection titles

Films that have never been released to the Philippine audience or had a limited release in the country comprise the esteemed Premium Selection section. National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik leads the Premium Selection roster with “Ang Lakaran ni Kabunyan: Kabunyan’s Journey to Liwanag.”

Two classic ‘80s films are part of the pack: “Batch ‘81” by Mike de Leon, which had the late Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda as executive producer and the late Mark Gil as the lead actor, and the restored version of “Brutal” by the late Marilou Diaz-Abaya from the FDCP’s Philippine Film Archive. Amy Austria, Charo Santos-Concio, and Gina Alajar headline “Brutal” along with the late Johnny Delgado and Jay Ilagan.

“The Helper” by Joanna Bowers is a documentary on Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers in Hong Kong while “Come On, Irene” by Keisuke Yoshida is a live action manga series adaptation starring Ken Yasuda and Nats Sitoy that had an international premiere at the 2018 Busan International Film Festival.

Also included are Glenn Barit’s “Cleaners,” the Best Film in the Asian Next Wave Competition of the 2019 QCinema International Film Festival, and Vincent Soberano’s “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids.” The 2019 Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival Best Action Film and Best Martial Arts Film stars Soberano with Sarah Chang, Roxanne Barcelo, and Monsour del Rosario.

Three entries to the 2020 Sinag Maynila Film Festival round up the Premium section list: “He Who Is Without Sin” by Jason Paul Laxamana starring Elijah Canlas and Enzo Pineda, “Kintsugi” by Lawrence Fajardo starring JC Santos and Hiro Nishiuchi, and “The Highest Peak” by Arbi Barbarona starring Dax Alejandro and Mara Lopez. 

CineMarya puts the spotlight on Filipino women

Another special PPP4 section will premiere the final 12 short films of the CineMarya Women’s Film Festival, an initiative of the FDCP in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Quezon City Film Development Council, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). CineMarya challenges Filipino filmmakers to create women-centered short films that aim to empower women and men alike to propagate gender sensitization. 

The Luzon finalists are “Dad-aan Na (Her Walks)” by Julius Lumiqued, “Super-Able” by Arjanmar Rebeta, “Night Shift” by Mariel Ong, and “Dalaginding na si Isang” by Nigel Santos while those from the National Capital Region (NCR) are “Noontime Drama” by Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real, “She’s Perfect” by Jochelle Casilad, “Hakab” by Mel Aguilar-Maestro, and “Super Woman” by Angela Andres.

“Winged Dreams to the Blue Heavens” by Aimee Apostol-Escasa and “Binakol sa Dahon” by Gary Tabanera hail from Visayas and “Ola” by Mijan Jumalon and “Adira” by J.I. Hamid come from Mindanao. The 12 finalists each received seed money worth PHP 100,000 and they underwent mentorship at the Cinemarya Film Lab & Pitch in October 2018, Cinemarya Story Development Lab in December 2018, and Cinemarya Editing Lab in February.

Not only does CineMarya have its own PPP4 section, it will also hold events such as talkback and panel sessions. The CineMarya Awarding Ceremony in November will give out the following awards with corresponding cash prizes: Best Film, Best Director, Jury’s Choice, Best Screenplay, and other special awards.

A grand showcase of Philippine short films

In PPP Short Films, audiences will be treated to 66 free titles from the FDCP’s Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition and 21 regional film festivals. The featured Sine Kabataan past entries are “Sa Unang Araw ng Pasukan” by Arjen Manlapig, “Bato Bato Pik” by Lorys Plaza and Jaq Sanque, and “Kalakalaro” by Rodson Suarez.

The Luzon shorts are from CineKabalen: The Kapampangan Film Festival, North Luzon Film Festival, SINEliksik: Bulacan DocuFest, and Urduja Film Festival in Pangasinan while the Visayan shorts are from Binisaya Film Festival in Cebu, CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival and Bantayan Film Festival in Iloilo, Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival and Bakunawa Film Festival in Bacolod, Margaha Film Festival in Sagay, and Lutas Negros Oriental Film Festival in Dumaguete.

The Mindanao shorts hail from cineANIMO Ozamiz Short Film Festival, Cine de Oro Film Festival in Cagayan de Oro, Davao Ngilngig Film Festival, Festival de Cine Paz Mindanao in Zamboanga, Mindanao Film Festival, Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX), Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival and Sundayag Film Festival in General Santos City, SineBugsay: Caraga Region’s Film Festival, and Northern Mindanao Film Festival.

A call for solidarity during the pandemic situation 

The “PPP4, Sama All!” slogan is not just for filmmakers but also for audiences so that they may appreciate Philippine Cinema and help in the FDCP’s goal of providing support to the film industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. All proceeds from the sales of PPP Festival Passes will go to the producers involved.

“This year’s PPP may be different, but I assure that it will continue to celebrate the heritage and potential of our film industry by spreading the love for Philippine Cinema. The festival will also promote solidarity because ultimately, PPP 4 is one way to help sustain the Filipino film industry in light of the pandemic’s devastating effects,” stated FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. 

Aside from QCinema, Sinag Maynila, Sine Kabataan, and CineMarya, PPP4 also features titles from various producers as well as from Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, CineFilipino Film Festival, and ToFarm Film Festival. The Special Screenings section will show “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon” by Lav Diaz. 

PPP4 will be held from October 31 to November 15 on the FDCPchannel.ph platform. The Early Bird Rate worth PHP 450 for the 16-day Full Run Pass (PHP 599) is available until October 15 only. Other subscription options are the Half Run Pass (PHP 299) for eight days, Day Pass (PHP 99), and Free Pass (for short films and public events). Discounts will be available beginning October 16 for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens (20%) and students (30%).

For updates on additional PPP4 titles and other information, visit FDCPchannel.ph or facebook.com/FDCPPPP.

The PPP4 Festival Lineup as of October 14, 2020:

PPP Premium Selection

• “The Helper” by Joanna Bowers
• “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids” by Vincent Soberano
• “Brutal” (restored) by Marilou Diaz-Abaya
• “Cleaners” by Glenn Barit
• “Come On, Irene” by Keisuke Yoshida
• “Ang Lakaran ni Kabunyan: Kabunyan’s Journey to Liwanag” by Kidlat Tahimik
• “He Who Is Without Sin” by Jason Paul Laxamana
• “Kintsugi” by Lawrence Fajardo
• “The Highest Peak” by Arbi Barbarona
• “Batch ‘81” by Mike de Leon

Special Screenings

• “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon” by Lav Diaz

Romance

• “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” by Ice Idanan
• “Moments of Love” by Mark Reyes
• “Ulan” by Irene Villamor 
• “Never Not Love You”  by Antoinette Jadaone
• “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” by Joyce Bernal
• “Una Kang Naging Akin” by Laurice Guillen
• “Mga Mister ni Rosario” by Alpha Habon

Youth and Family 

• “Pepot Artista” by Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr.
• “Family History” by Michael V.
• “1st Sem” by Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibañez
• “Edward” by Thop Nazareno
• “Dayo” by Robert Quilao

Classics

• “White Slavery” by Lino Brocka
• “Genghis Khan” by Manuel Conde
• “Manila by Night” by Ishmael Bernal
• “Balikbayan #1: Memories of Overdevelopment Redux VI” by Kidlat Tahimik
• “Ang Panday” by Ronwaldo Reyes (Fernando Poe, Jr.)

PH Oscar Entries

• “Ma’ Rosa” by Brillante Mendoza
• “Verdict” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez
• “Sa Pusod ng Dagat” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya
• “Saranggola” by Gil Portes
• "Signal Rock" by Chito S. Roño

Genre

• “Alpha: The Right to Kill” by Brillante Mendoza
• “Instalado” by Jason Paul Laxamana
• “Abomination” by Yam Laranas
• “Dyamper” by Mes de Guzman
• “Jose Rizal” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya
• “El Presidente” by Mark Meily
• “In Nomine Matris” by Will Fredo
• "Aswang" by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes

Bahaghari

• “Akin ang Korona” by Zig Dulay
• “Billie and Emma” by Samantha Lee
• “Ned’s Project” by Lemuel Lorca
• “Ang Huling Cha Cha ni Anita” by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo
• “Rainbow’s Sunset” by Joel Lamangan

Tributes

• “Deathrow” by Joel Lamangan (for Eddie Garcia)
• “Adela” by Adolfo Alix, Jr. (for Anita Linda)
• “Insiang” by Lino Brocka (for Mona Lisa)
• “Muro-Ami” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya (for Marilou Diaz-Abaya)
• “Filipinas” by Joel Lamangan (for Armida Siguion-Reyna)
• “Sonata” by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes (for Peque Gallaga)

From the Regions

• “Tanabata’s Wife” by Choy Pangilinan, Charlson Ong, and Lito Casaje
• “Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong” by Mes de Guzman
• “Baboy Halas (Wailings in the Forest)” by Bagane Fiola
• “Tu Pug Imatuy” by Arbi Barbarona
• “Magkakabaung” by Jason Paul Laxamana
• “Ari: My Life with a King” by Carlo Catu
• “Salvi: Ang Pagpadayon” by TM Malones

Documentaries

• “Nick and Chai” by Cha Escala and Wena Sanchez
• “Lugta Ke Tamama (Land from God)” by Kevin Piamonte
• “The Search for Weng Weng” by Andrew Leavold
• “God Bliss our Home” by Nawruz Paguidopon
• “Carving Thy Faith” by Hiyas Bagabaldo

PPP Retro

• “Pauwi Na” by Paolo Villaluna
• “Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus” by Dwein Baltazar
• “Star na si Van Damme Stallone” by Randolph Longjas
• “Paglipay” by Zig Dulay
• “Circa” by Adolfo Alix, Jr.

CineMarya

• “Dad-aan Na (Her Walks)” by Julius Lumiqued
• “Super-Able” by Arjanmar Rebeta
• “Night Shift” by Mariel Ong
• “Dalaginding na si Isang” by Nigel Santos
• “Noontime Drama” by Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real
• “She’s Perfect” by Jochelle Casilad
• “Hakab” by Mel Aguilar-Maestro
• “Super Woman” by Angela Andres
• “Winged Dreams to the Blue Heavens” by Aimee Apostol-Escasa
• “Binakol sa Dahon” by Gary Tabanera
• “Ola” by Mijan Jumalon
• “Adira” by J.I. Hamid

PPP Short Films (free)

Sine Kabataan

• “Sa Unang Araw ng Pasukan” by Arjen Manlapig
• “Bato Bato Pik” by Lorys Plaza and Jaq Sanque
• “Kalakalaro” by Rodson Suarez

Binisaya Film Festival

• “Yawyaw” by Idden de los Reyes
• “To Siomai Love” by Remton Zuasola
• “Uwan Init Pista sa Langit” by Remton Zuasola and Keith Deligero

cineANIMO Ozamiz Short Film Festival

• “Passion of Cries” by Earl Hendrix S. Reyes
• “Bituin” by Jun Vincent C. Abao
• “Trespas” by Reyan Christian C. Amacna

Cine de Oro Film Festival 

• “Baruganan” by Angelo Dabbay
• “Ang Reyna nga walay Sapot” by James Murillo Elaco
• “Mama” by Adrian Manapil

CineKabalen: The Kapampangan Film Festival

• “Gulis” by Kyle Francisco
• “Mis Da Ka” by Carlo Catu
• “Kalinguan Tane Ing Lutunang Ima” by EJ Gagui

CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival

• “Manggagarab” by Kyle Fermindoza
• “Lumay” by Marcelo Tolentino IV
• “Singkal” by John Rovic Lopez

Davao Ngilngig Film Festival

• “Saop” by Julienne Ilagan
• “Lazaro’s Trip” by Joy Dalman
• “OctoGod” by Shievar Olegario

Festival de Cine Paz Mindanao 

• “Peste” by Kendrick Fernandez
• “Black Sky” by Jen Balberona
• “Chase” by Rosette Caoile

Lutas Negros Oriental Film Festival 

• “Abag” by Jomar Solania
• “Tubod” by Geraldyn Acibron
• “A Wakeful Sennight” by Andy Alvarez

Mindanao Film Festival

• “Budots” by Jay Rosas
• “Trabungko” by Joshua Caesar "Wowa" Medroso
• “Anong Nangyari kay Andrew Magsilang?” by Ivan Cabanial, Cris Manero, and Neo Bryce

Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX)

• “Pasuon” by Bryan Jimenez
• “Tami-aw” by Mary Ann Gabisan
• “Supot” by Jelford Teves

North Luzon Film Festival

• “Dagiti Tallu a Birhen (The Three Virgins)” by Melver Ritz Gomez
• “Ana Bikhayr (Okay Lang Ako)” by Hannah Ragudos
• “Naianud a Gameng” by Marvin Coloma

Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival

• “Pamalugu (in limbo)” by Ram Botero
• “Inged II: The Ukha Story Untold” by Hassanodden Hosni Hashim
• “Maupay nga Aga, Puniti Kita” by Joi Villablanca

Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival 

• “Dalit” by Belle Loyola
• “Jameson” by Kurt Soberano
• “Buding ang Babaye nga Naglutaw” by Mark Raymund Garcia

SineBugsay: Caraga Region’s Film Festival

• “Alindahaw” by Mary Claire Amora
• “Ang Paghulat” by Christine Marje Mangayao
• “Tabyog” by Junlou Tordos

SINEliksik: Bulacan DocuFest

• “El Heroe Verdadero: Don Antonio Bautista” by Christopher Adriano
• “Estasyong Itinangi (s)” by Carl Angelo Espiritu
• “Ang Naglalahong Kaharian ni Haring Kalabaw” by Andrew A. de Guzman

Urduja Film Festival

• “Palaris: Samput ya Palbayani na Binalatongan” by Kristel Ann del Rosario
• “Duyog (Magkasama)” by Rhea Esteban
• “Balsakan (Rosary)” by Harvie C. Aquino

Northern Mindanao Film Festival

• “Kasubo sa Kahidlaw” by Kenneth Sabijon
• “Simulacrum” by Christian Alan Toring
• “Plastic Mirror” by Daniel Clark Cabantan

Sundayag Film Festival 

• “Paralisado” by Yen Morales
• “Garbo” by Alan Filoteo
• “Handuran sa Kahilitan” by Amaya Han

Margaha Film Festival 

• “Paon” by Seb Valdez
• “Inangtan” by JM Alconga
• “Pinta” by Maureen Martin

Bantayan Film Festival

• “Ako Guimbal” by Bob Perez
• “Lisua ang Makasasala” by Lodrigo Basco
• “Mga Binhi sa Palad ni Ruding” by Niño Maldecir

Bakunawa Film Festival 

• “Banaag” by Justine Ogapong
• “Pula” by Therese Gomez
• “Laagan” by Maria Elene Frida Apordo, Joven Cahaban, Renee Buenaobra, and Giac Ezekiel Apordo