PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • november 1-15, 2014
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by David C. Farmer
The Hawaii International Film Festival presents this November the U.S. premiere of a compelling, funny and moving film from the Philippines. “Where I Am King” was shown at the Toronto International Film Fe s t i va l l a s t S e p t e m b e r and won Balanghai trophies for Special Jury Prize, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress honors at the 2014 Cinemalaya X, the biggest Independent Film Festival in the Philippines. When wealthy man R i c a r d o V i l l e n a ( Ro b e r t Arevalo) is informed that he’s close to bankruptcy, he decides to go back to his roots and take his runaway bride granddaughter Anna (Cris Villonco) and college dropout grandson Ricky (Rafa Siguion-Reyna) to the slums of Manila’s Tondo area to learn about real life, even if it’s against their wishes. Despite its notorious and now-closed landfill called Smokey Mountain, notable personalities, celebrities, and politicians born and raised in Tondo include Revolutionary leader Andrés Bonifacio, action star Fernando Poe Jr, former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, TV host/comedienne Vice Ganda, and popular actress Judy Ann Santos. Director Carlos SiguionRe y n a ’s c o m e b a c k s e r i o
re vi e w :
“Where I Am King (Hari ng Tondo)”
comedy after a 14-year break from feature-length filmmaking is a departure from the dramas he was associated in the late 90s. It is his first film in the digital format, but more importantly, as he says, “the film has simply been an intense professional, creative and personal journey for me, born in Tondo, Manila, more than five decades ago.” He received his M.F.A. in film from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (NYC)
and has had a distinguished career with twelve feature films, various short films and documentaries, television and stage productions. He joined the faculty of Tisch School of the Arts Asia’s M.F.A. program in film in 2008, where he has since taught film directing, screenwriting, team collaboration in filmmaking, and music video. The film is a family affair, working with his wife Bibeth Orteza, the film’s producer and screen writer, and his son, newcomer supporting actor Rafa Siguion-Reyna. Ms. Orteza even appears in an amusing cameo turn as a disgruntled fishmonger. The ensemble is excellent, guided by an inspired script and Carlos Siguion-Reyna’s skillful direction. Cinemalaya Best Actor Robert Arevalo and Best Supporting Actress Cris Villonco give and a truthful and deeply felt performances, while Rafa SiguionReyna’s solid performance cements the authenticity of the unbreakable family relationships. Orteza’s often hilarious dialogue speaks eloquently of her characters’ humanity and skillfully expresses the humor of sadness. Indeed, the humor illuminates the
sadness; and, as in Samuel Beckett’s best work, laughter relieves the underlying misery while etching the harsh reality of the Tondo slums. This is a film that will appeal to both serious critics and fun-loving movie goers. It is an enjoyable comedy that manages to pack a serious punch to the heart. HIFF Screenings: Saturday, November 8 at 5:00 p.m., Dole Cannery E Sunday; November 9 at 11:30 a.m., Dole Cannery E. Cast & Crew: Director, Carlos SiguionReyna; Producer, Bibeth Orteza. Cast: Robert Arevalo, Rez Cortez, Liza Lorena, Aiza Seguerra, Cris Villonco, Ciara Sotto, and Rafa SiguionReyna. Cinematographer: Jay Abello. Writer: Bibeth Orteza. See more athttp:// program. hiff.org/films/detail/ where_i_am_king 2014# sthash. 69m9cZmQ. dpuf. Interview Actor-writer Bibeth Orteza (Elizabeth O. SiguionReyna) enjoyed success as a comedienne on film and television, hosted her own variety shows and several morning shows, and wrote top-rated and
Bibeth Orteza
award-winning television comedy shows. She is currently writer-director of “Vampire ang Daddy Ko (Daddy is a Vampire)” on GMA Network, starring Vic Sotto. She last played the lead role of Perla, in John Paul Su’s “Pagpag (The Refuse)” (2012), for which she was recognized as Best Actress in NYU Tisch Asia First Run Film Festival 2013 Craft Awards. She will appear here in person at the HIFF screenings. DCF: Is this film based on true events or on your personal experiences?