TOKYO – Three Filipino movies will be featured at the 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF), which runs from March 14 to 23.
“And the Breadwinner Is…,” directed by Jun Robles Lana, and “Pagtatag! The Documentary,” directed by Jed Regala, will have their Japan premieres in the Spotlight and Special screenings section, respectively. Meanwhile, the Japan-Philippines co-production “This Place,” directed by Jaime Paceña II, will have its Asian premiere in the Spotlight section.
Lana’s film, which has already grossed P460 million worldwide, stars Vice Ganda and celebrates the breadwinners of families. It follows the story of an overseas Filipino worker returning home to help her family out of debt. The film will be screened at Theatre Umeda, Cinema 4, on March 18 and 21.
Paceña II’s drama, starring Gabby Padilla, tells the story of an anthropologist who travels to Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture to attend her estranged father’s funeral, where she meets her half-sister. As they navigate feelings of resentment and grief in the post-3/11 landscape, the two women come to terms with their situation through art and emotional support. It will be screened at Theatre Umeda, Cinema 4, on March 14 and 20.
Regala’s documentary follows Pinoy pop boy band SB19 during their second world tour as they strive to establish themselves and Filipino music on the global stage. It explores the challenges that nearly led to the group’s disbandment and highlights the passionate creativity of SB19 and their team of dancers, choreographers, and stage director as true artists. The film will be screened at Theatre Umeda, Cinema 4, on March 16 and 21. - Florenda Corpuz
(Images courtesy of OAFF)
