Veteran international writer Mike Hale featured two Filipino films on his June 21 articles on the New York Times showcasing the 15th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF). The film festival is still ongoing and runs until June 9, the author noted that it is now time for the Philippines to shine.
The two Filipino films that merited special mention in the New York Times article were Ralston Jover’s “Hamog” and Erik Matti’s “Honor Thy Father.”
Samuel Jamier, a festival organizer was also interviewed by Mike Hale as he remarked that Southeast Asian cinema was “underrepresented” in the past. “It was time for us to remedy this,” he stated.
Jamier also noted that although Southeast Asian movies like the Philippines may have “lower budgets… and rough edges” compared to the mor mature industries in Japan, China and South Korea, there is “an immediacy-a raw vitality in storytelling,” in the films from this previously overlooked region.
The movie “Hamog” was likened by Jamier to Hector Bebenco’s “Pixote” and describe the move as “Alternately tragic, bittersweet and frightening.” “Hamog” tells the story of street kids surviving the mean streets of Manila featuring child actors, Bon Lentejas and Therese Malvar.
“Hamog” is the annual event’s centerpiece presentation and will be screened on July 1—the same day Malvar will receive the Screen International’s Rising Star award from the fest. “Hamog” recently won the Outstanding Artistic Achievement award at the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival, as well.
The movie “Honor Thy Father” was described by the New York Times as movie that “shares… a sense of moral outrage.” The lead star of the movie newly awarded Urian Best Actor John Lloyd Cruz will attend the screening on July 2. The veteran actor John Lloyd Cruz also also attend the screening on July 2.
Mario Cornejo’s “Apocalypse Child” was likewise shown at the NYAFF on June 24—with cast members Sid Lucero and Annicka Dolonius gracing the event.