Bigshot Film Festival: Modern Heroes

To help promote fresh new talent in the film industry, SM Cinema partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines to bring you the first year of the Bigshot Film Festival, tackling the theme of Modern Heroes. I was invited to their press conference last Tuesday to see the previews of the 3 independent films and got to meet some of the actors as well.

Bigshot received over 50-script entries which were narrowed down to 15, 3 of which were chosen by prolific film practitioners Raymond Lee, Mark Meily, and Nick Deocampo. For coming up with the best script entries, they were given P600,000 each to help in producing their full-length films.

During the press con, we were able to watch the trailers and some behind the scenes footage of all three films. We also got to ask the directors and actors some questions about their experience shooting their first full-length movies which will be shown on SM theaters nationwide.

Suntok sa Buwan

Directors: Bianca Catbagan and Jose Antonio de Rivera
Actors: Daniel Fernando, Joem Bascon, Nonie Buencamino

Synopsis: Two boxers, one young and talented and the other aged yet passionate, prepare against each other in the bout that will define their lives.  When a boy with everything to lose faces a man with nothing to lose in the ring, who will win the fight?

My take: I’m not a fan of boxer movies. Heck, I don’t even follow any Pacquiao news. I just don’t see any excitement in the sport except for the topless athletes. Hahaha. However, I’m very curious if this film will bring something new to the concept. Besides, it stars Joem Bascon. Hello?

Tahanan

Directors: Krizzie Syfu
Actors: Lauren Young, Mark Gil

Synopsis: Samantha Benitez,a college student, goes on a journey to find inner peace in the company of orphaned children.  As a young heart encounters different stories of hardships, twelve children teach Sam a great deal about love, courage and family.

My take: It looked a bit too cheesy when you first see the poster. But after watching the first 10 minutes of the film, I admit I was drawn to how the story of the kids will play out. I think this is the type of drama that I will like.

Balang Araw

Directors: Archie Dimaculangan, Jono de Rivera and Cheska Ramos
Actors: Jao Mapa, Aleera Montalla, Shielbert Manuel, Tarhata Rico,

Synopsis: A call center agent, an expectant mother, a working student, and a neophyte robber – all dream of better lives.  They are all drawn together by a petty crime at a convenience store which excalates and ultimately examines their notion of heroism and self preservation.

My take: I’m also a little excited for this one because of what could happen during the crime scene and who will emerge as the hero. Plus, I think actor Carlo Cruz is hot. Way hotter in person. Hahaha. Call me!

Aside form these 3 films, thh Bigshot Film Festival will also feature Mark Meily’s Cinemalaya 2011 entry ‘Donor’, Raymond Lee’s ‘Endo’, and Nick Deocampo’s ‘Cine/Sine’. More good reason to go to the film festival, right?

Now, I know you guys are concerned about the entrance fee. Good news is you can buy tickets for an entire day of film showing for just P100! Which means if you buy a ticket, you get to watch all the Bigshot movies that will be shown for the day. And if you’re a student, you just have to present your school I.D. which will give you a 50% discount! P50 for 3-4 movies ain’t so bad, right? Plus you get to support films that were created by student filmmakers. It’s a win-win for everyone!

The Bigshot Fim Festival will run from January 25 to 31 at SM North Edsa, Mall of Asia, Megamall, Manila, and Cebu. You can head on to SM Cinema’s official website to check out the schedule of each film.

I will be checking out all three films this weekend during their premiere and will be writing about each so you’ll know which one to look out for.