PIOLO-GERALD STARER IN CANNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
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t the onset, films done by Independent producers, or Indie Films, were not heard-of films. Indie Films were considered low-budget films, budget not enough to buy stocks of negatives and positives, not enough for the laboratory post-production expenses, not enough for the dubbing expenses… thus, the use of the digital format. Even the talent fees of actors and production staff were way under par or standard. Locations were minimal and inexpensive, mostly depicting the “ugly” side of Philippine society which is poverty. Indie films producers were mostly aspiring filmmakers who acquired international grants to finance their films. There was more “artistic freedom”. And to recoup all expenses despite the absence of commercial theatrical exhibitions, indie films were, later on, made artistically qualified for the various international film festivals. And our filmmakers were not disappointed. Many budding directors made a name for themselves internationally, then locally. This gave indie films a different light or a prestigious image. Named stars became willing to do roles for indie films, unmindful of the substandard talent fees. Even named directors joined the bandwagon. And even the big film production outfits made affiliate in-
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ARTISTA WINNIPEG MAY ISSUE
dependent film productions that will produce their “indie” films. Until such time that, eventually, with the new footing and image indie filmmaking had achieved, and in pursuit of the artistic image, the giant film production outfits started to produce art films which are qualified to enter prestigious international film festivals. “On The Job (OTJ)”, Star Cinema’s Erik Matti action film, starring Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson, will hold its world premiere as part of a section at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs or the Directors’ Fortnight, which is held independently by the French Directors Guild. The lone Filipino movie in the section will be screened alongside 30 other films -- 21 feature films and 9 short films -- from around the world. Also cast in the film are Shaina Magdayao, Joel Torre, Joel Marquez and Angel Aquino. Aside from “OTJ,” two other Filipino films will participate in this year’s Cannes. “Death March,” which stars Kapamilya actors Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo, will compete in the Un Certain Regard section of the annual film festival, along with another Filipino film, “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” by acclaimed filmmaker Lav Diaz.