Looking for good documentaries? Those attending the inaugural Cinematografo International Film Festival will be in for a treat!
The Festival is a film exhibition series designed to elevate and showcase emerging Filipino and Filipino-American talent in producing films and television content to the world stage.
Cinematografo, guided by their mission to bring the homegrown potential to the global scene, aims to foster, nurture, and inspire filmmakers from the Filipino diaspora giving them full support in any way possible.
Highlights:
U.S. Premiere Opening Film: "Larawan" (the Portrait)
November 9, 6pm
Adapted from the musical play of the same title, Ang Larawan (The Portrait) is based on National Artist Nick Joaquin’s three-act play, “A Portrait of a Filipino as an Artist.” Set in pre-World War II Intramuros (Old Manila), it tells the story of sisters Candida and Paula Marasigan, daughters of high profile painter, Don Marasigan. The sisters undergo financial hardship and are torn whether they should sell their father’s last great painting, ‘The Artist and His Muse’.
Tribute to Film Maker, Ramona Diaz: "Motherland"
November 11, 7:30pm
For her fifth feature length documentary, director Ramona Diaz reinforces her niche in the industry as a driving force in documentary cinema. The film takes us into an almost claustrophobic yet intimate experience inside one of the world’s busiest maternity wards, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila. Presenting the story in its purest verite form, the film opens with the hospital staff doing their perfunctory roles and then moves fluidly into a sobering look into humanity and motherhood. Followed by a conversation with filmmaker Ramona Diaz, as part of a tribute to her career.
Digitally Remastered classic release of "Sana Maulit Muli" (Hopefully Once More)
November 11, 8pm
Co-starring Tony award-winning performer Lea Salonga and matinee idol Aga Muhlach, the film is regarded as a classic by most Filipinos in the romantic film genre. It tells of the journey of a young couple who opted to live apart in search of a better life. Under the direction of Olivia Lamasan, the festival is proud to bring the film back to the big screen, digitally remastered after twenty years. Shot in the San Francisco Bay Area.
International Premiere Closing Film: "Ghost Bride"
November 12, 6pm
To save her family from being homeless and her father dying from a heart condition,Mayen (Kim Chiu) desperately agrees to the offer of a Chinese matchmaker for a huge amount of money. In exchange, Mayen must submit herself as a Ghost Bride to a wealthy but dead Chinese man.
This deal, however, happens to be a deadly curse when the dead groom’s ghostbecomes jealous and possessive of Mayen. It begins to take a toll on her and the people close to her heart.
WHEN: November 9-12, 2017
WHERE: AMC Dine-In Kabuki 8, 1881 Post St, San Francisco
For more information, click here.
