Star Powerhouse

Coinciding with the celebration of 100 years of Philippine cinema, Found Films and EMBA Production proudly bring Lola Igna - one of the three arthouse films under the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Sandaan Showcase. While so much of cinema’s history is shaped by the the stories beneath the stories, Lola Igna aims to connect with the Filipino moviegoers with important life lessons to learn. The film is headlined by Ms. Angie Ferro, starring Yves Flores, Meryl Soriano and Maria Isabel Lopez.  Lola Igna started filming in August 2018; explored the story from the point of view of a granddaughter and a great-grandson and the dynamics of their relationship with their great-great-grandmother. It’s about emotions, and coping as one nears the end of life.  Living in a secluded hut in the middle of rice fields, Lola Igna is a 118-year old grumpy old woman who just wants to die already, but her neighbours are hung-up on winning the world record for the oldest living grandmoth...

The film has a simple and yet compelling narrative that there are surprise in every step of the way. The progression of the story and the buildup of emotions were tastefully done, not under nor overly done. For me it has a great balance when it comes to the tone of colours, frames, angles and music. Same goes with the harmony and chemistry of the actors in every scene. Everything was well patterned, synchronized and organised

Growing up with different myths and folklores from many regions in the country, I would say that Lambana is something that we should be proud of. Aside from the fact that it is entertaining and has a very creative set designs, and characters, it tells the story of the Filipino folklores along with the moral lessons that every character wanted to share to the audiences. Lambana is an immersive theatre experience that not only allows its audiences to interact with characters but also allows you to dictate on what could happen next depending on how you will respond to the characters in every scene. What I love about each actors was they’re all focused in their characters no matter how odd my response was. They stick with their roles ensuring to deliver the values and the lessons of their character.

A fitting tribute to Filipino cinema as it celebrates its centennial this year, CIRCA relives the glory days of cinema through its characters – with the great Anita Linda (who at 94 is the oldest working actor in the industry) headlining the film about Doña Atang, a once celebrated film producer in the early days of cinema who wants to be reconnected with her peers as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Her wish opens up a Pandora’s box as her filmmaker/grandson searches for them - we remember the glorious years of cinema from of its workers- a nostalgia piece filled with memories of what the good old days of Filipino cinema is like.

This September and October, THE IKARUS THEATER COLLABORATIVE together with THE LANGGAM PERFORMANCE TROUPE, DEUS SEX MACHINA and PRAXIS LITERARY COLLECTIVE invites you to  THEATER BYTES , a festival of plays that tells our stories, a peek into the hearts of six inspired auteurs, with three daring theater companies at the helm. Set A: September 14, 28, October 12 5pm Open House/Bazaar/Open Mic 7pm The Launch of Janus  8pm Grandpa's Dead  9pm Alter THE LAUNCH OF JANUS explores the idea of ‘advancing’ the creative process, specifically what would happen if technological intervention eventually replaces the very tools that we hold dear as artists, which are human imagination and effort. THE LAUNCH OF JANUS is written and directed by Jenny Logico-Cruz and Blonski Cruz, and performed by THE LANGGAM PERFORMANCE TROUPE starring Joel Garcia, Betty Uy-Regala, Andres Romeo, Jessa Espina, and Justin Ayran. ...