New York, NY, May 13, 2005 - ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc. has officially announced the opening of the New York Filipino Film Festival at its midtown theater, The ImaginAsian, 239 East 59 Street (between 2nd & 3rd Ave.), from Friday, June 10 through Thursday, June 16. Comprised of newly-released films and classics from the Philippines, as well as documentaries, shorts, and original works by young Filipino American filmmakers, the festival was conceived to coincide with the Philippine Independence Day celebration in June. The critically acclaimed film Panaghoy Sa Suba, directed by Cesar Montano, will kick off the festival on opening night. Consul General of the Philippines Cecilia B. Rebong has issued an official statement, commending, "I congratulate Unico Entertainment and ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc. for successfully showing world-class Asian films, including award-winning Filipino movies like Magnifico. I am sure that their Filipino film festival during the Philippines' independence week will meet with equal success. I find it noteworthy that The ImaginAsian helps Asians in the United States effectively share their unique culture and traditions with Americans through film. I also laud Unico Entertainment for promoting the best of Philippines cinema here in the northeastern United States."
"It is wonderful for us to dedicate a week to showcase top quality Filipino films at The ImaginAsian," said Anil Srivatsa, SVP of ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc. "I am especially proud to join all New Yorkers in observing the importance of the Philippine independence through quality Filipino films, which readily represent the Philippines' rich culture and history."
The ImaginAsian, which was launched last year, has become the home of many Filipino and other Asian and Asian American films. Recently, such acclaimed Filipino films as last year's Sundance winner Imelda, and Magnifico, the winner of the prestigious Berlin Film Festival Jury Prize, have both screened at The ImaginAsian. All films to be shown during the festival will have English subtitles. The festival lineup is as follows:
Crying Ladies (2003)
The Philippines' official entry as Best Foreign Language Film to this year's 2005 Academy Awards, "Crying Ladies" is a heartwarming comedy about the loves and lives of three professional mourners. Directed and written by Mark Meily, the film stars the Philippines' biggest megastar, Sharon Cuneta, along with Angel Aquino, Ricky Davao, and internationally-acclaimed actress, Hilda (Insiang) Koronel.
Panaghoy Sa Suba (Call of the River, 2004)
This World War II romantic drama tells the story of boatman Duroy's (Cesar Montano) enduring love for the elusive Iset (Juliana Palermo). Competing for her attention are an American businessman and a Japanese officer. Directed by and starring Cesar Montano, the film gets top support from Joel Torre, Caridad Sanchez.
--Official Selection, World Cinema section, 2005 Cannes Film Festival
--Best Picture nominee and frontrunner, 2005 Urian Awards
--Best Picture runner-up, 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival
Imelda (2004)
An official selection in over 30 international film festivals and a Sundance Film Festival award winner in 2004, this acclaimed documentary explores the complex persona of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos: her ascent to power and fall from grace. Few contemporary political figures have been as controversial and outspoken. Directed by Ramona S. Diaz, the film stars the former First Lady herself.
--Winner, Sundance Film Festival 2004, Award of Excellence in Cinematography
--Winner, International Documentary Association, ABC News/Video Source Award
Closer to Home (1995)
This film powerfully weaves a haunting tale of two people inexorably drawn together for vastly different reasons. In the hopes of buying a future for her impoverished, debt-ridden family, Dalisay leaves the Philippines as a mail-order-bride to marry Dean, a disillusioned ex-merchant marine in New York City, who himself is escaping from his own kind of family troubles. Directed by Joseph Nobile, the film stars John Michael Bolger and introduces Madeline Ortaliz.
Magnifico (2003)
"Magnifico" is the heartwrenching story of a young boy named Magnifico whose amazing love, faith, and courage shine through life's sadness and misfortunes. When his brother Miong loses his scholarship in Manila, his parents start to lose all hope in extricating themselves from a life of abject poverty. In fulfilling his silent and earnest mission, he unknowingly becomes positioned to change the lives of his family and townmates, touching their hearts in ways they never imagined. Directed by Maryo J. De los Reyes, the film stars Albert Martinez and Jiro Manio in the title role.
--Winner, Berlin International Film Festival, Jury Prize (Kinderfilmfest Division) 2004
--Winner, Best Picture, Star/ FAMAS/ FAP/ URIAN Awards 2004
Maid in Singapore (2004)
Perhaps the most important screenwriter the Philippines has ever produced, Clodualdo "Doy" del Mundo Jr. ("Maynila, Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag," among numerous other gems) directs this documentary that gives a much-needed human face to the generic and often condescended notion of "maids" or "DH (domestic help)." As he follows the lives of several women, this non-fiction film presents the bitter struggles and hard-earned triumphs of three out of over 70,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Singapore. Directed by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., the film features a special appearance by Sharon Cuneta.
--North American Premiere
--Official Selection, CineManila International Film Festival 2004
Santa Santita (Magdalena, The Unholy Saint, 2005)
"Magdalena, The Unholy Saint" (aka "Santa Santita") explores the theme of the biblical Magdalene - the loose woman who becomes a saint. Malen, a reckless adolescent, is thrust into the grown-up world after her mother, a devout prayer-woman, dies. Torn between her love for Mike and her faith in the Lord, Malen faces the conflict of her life. Directed by Laurice Guillen (of the acclaimed hit "American Adobo"), the film stars Jericho Rosales and Hilda Koronel.
--Winner of 8 nominations including Best Picture, FAP awards (Film Academy of the Philippines)
Babae Sa Bintana (Woman By The Window, 1998)
Suffering severely from depression after being left by his wife, Mitch finds momentary distraction with the woman (named Jack) who just moved in front of his house. Her beauty is what saves him from utter desperation and isolation. Soon enough, a precarious affair between them turns into a perilous conflict in the dark and decadent underworld of Manila. Directed by Chito Rono, this suspense-mystery stars Richard Gomez and Rosanna Roces.
--Winner, Best Director, Urian Awards 1998
Laro Sa Baga (Playing With Fire, 2000)
An erotically-charged romantic odyssey, "Laro Sa Baga" ("Playing With Fire") is the intense drama of two young people who fall in love while exploring the politics of sexual awakening and social relations. A racy movie with full-frontal male nudity, the film examines how innocence can easily turn into deceit, and how tender passions can unexpectedly explode into violence. Directed by Chito Rono, starring Carlos Morales and Ara Mina.
--Winner, Best Picture, Urian Awards 2000
Karnal (Carnal, 1984)
Set in a remote Philippine village in the 1930s, "Karnal" ("Carnal") is a family drama about fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and the stark differences between the city and the barrio. A riveting tale of sin and sexuality directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, "Karnal" features strong performances from Vic Silayan, Joel Torre, Cecile, Castillo and Charito Solis.
--Winner, Best Picture and other major awards, Urian 1984
Makiusap Sa Diyos (A Plea to God, 1991)
The dramatic story of Dolores, a nun who becomes a rape victim, "Makiusap Sa Diyos" ("A Plea to God") portrays a strong but kindhearted woman at odds with a patriarchal society. Questioning God's mysterious ways, she leaves the convent and marries in an attempt to escape her past. Directed by Lino Brocka (his last film before his death), the film stars Ruffa Gutierrez, Christopher De Leon, and Gabby Concepcion.
--Winner, Best Supporting Actor, Gabby Concepcion, Urian Award 1991
Cain At Abel (Cain and Abel, 1982)
The rich matriarch Senora Pina is a selfish and strong-willed woman who favors her younger son, Ellis, over the older Loren, who is blamed for the death of his father. A bitter family feud ensues, then escalates into a full-scale war that involves the entire town. Directed by Lino Brocka, this action drama stars Christopher De Leon and Philip Salvador in one of his best performances.
Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (You Were Weighed And Found Lacking…, 1974)
Arguably one of the landmark Filipino movies of the '70s, "Tinimbang Ka" is at once a sharp, funny, and moving domestic drama that centers on many topical yet timeless issues-family values, religious hypocrisy, corrupt politics, the growing gap between the rich and the poor. Brocka, brave social critic that he is, uses a small provincial town as a microcosm, painting an often unflattering but always truthful portrait of Philippine society. Directed by Lino Brocka, the film stars Lolita Rodriguez and Christopher De Leon in his spectacular debut performance as Junior.
Batang Westside (The Westside Kid, 2001)
A masterpiece that can stand alongside such classics "Biyaya Ng Lupa," "Maynila: Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag," and "Ganito Kami Noon," Lav Diaz's visionary epic is an investigation into the murder of a Filipino youth in New Jersey. Shot on location during a harsh winter in New York's Tri-State area right before 9/11, the film chillingly evokes the times we live in-the gnawing alienation and isolation of America's rootless migrants and inhabitants. Directed by Lav Diaz, the film stars Joel Torre, Gloria Diaz, and a cast of talented locals from Manhattan, Queens, and New Jersey. --Winner, Best Picture, Singapore Film Festival 2002
--Winner, Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Urian Awards 2001
Naglalayag (Silent Passage, 2004)
A chance encounter on a rainy night leads to a "May-December" affair between Dorinda, a widowed judge in her late 40s, and Noah, a young taxi driver half her age. As true love emerges between them, it becomes increasingly apparent that their friends and family (and the media) will not take kindly to such an unlikely relationship. Directed by Maryo J. De Los Reyes, the film stars Superstar Nora Aunor and Yul Servo
--Winner Best Actress,Best Actor Brussels Independent Film Festival 2004, Winner Best Picture,Best Actress,Best Director,Best Supporting Actress,Best Story,Best Screenplay Manila Film Festival 2004, Winner Best Actress,Best Supporting Actress,Best Screenplay Gawad Sineng-Sine PASADO 2004, Winner Best Actress Gawad TANGLAW 2004.
Sakay (1993)
Contrary to popular belief, Philippine resistance to American rule did not end with the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo in 1901. There were numerous resistance forces fighting for Philippine independence until the year 1910. One of these forces was led by Macario Sakay, who established the Tagalog Republic and was later arrested and jailed for his seditious activities. Sakay was a tailor, a barber, a comic actor and moro-moros, but also fought side by side with Bonifacio and other nationalists during the initial phase of the Filipino-American war. Directed by Raymond Red, this historical film about Sakay's heroism stars Julio Diaz and Tetchie Agbayani.
Individual tickets are priced at $10. Discounted festival passes are available at $75 for all films, $50 for 8 film admissions, and $25 for 3 film admissions. Tickets are being sold at The ImaginAsian's box-office, and through
www.carouselpinoy.com and
www.fanclubx.com. For more information, please call The ImaginAsian at 212-371-6682 or visit
www.theimaginasian.com.
About The ImaginAsian and ImaginAsian Entertainment
The ImaginAsian (
www.theimaginasian.com) is New York City's premier Asian American theater, dedicated to showcasing the exciting world of Asian and Asian American cinema and culture. From international box-office smash hits to critically acclaimed independent films, the theater hosts the best Asian-themed titles hailing from all over Asia and the U.S., with English subtitles provided for all foreign-language films. Moreover, The ImaginAsian's state-of-the-art facilities and Asian café provide a unique home to an exciting series of film festivals and cultural performances.
ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc. is a multimedia organization committed to providing a voice for Asian Americans through multiple outlets, including television, radio, and theatrical exhibition. Headquartered in New York City, ImaginAsian Entertainment aims to promote Asian American culture to mainstream America. ImaginAsian TV (
www.iatv.tv), The ImaginAsian (
www.theimaginasian.com), ImaginAsian Radio (
www.imaginasianradio.com), and iaLink (
www.ialink.tv) are integral divisions of ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc.
Contact: Don Ciaramella / Matt Biscuiti
The Lippin Group/NY
212-986-7080
[email protected][email protected] Sabina Lee
The ImaginAsian
ImaginAsian Entertianment, Inc.
212-869-4288 x 2022
[email protected] Vincent Nebrida
Unico Entertainment
A division of Unitel Pictures International
646-435-9431 / 718-565-1375
[email protected] Presenting organizations
The ImaginAsian
www.cinefilipino.comPlanet Philippines
Unico Entertainment
www.fanclubx.comPerlas ng Silangan Restaurant
Kaya Collective
www.carouselpinoy.comJohnny Air Cargo
