Film enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to watch the critically acclaimed film Taklub as it begins its regular run in selected SM Cinemas beginning Sept 16. The film by world- renowned director Brillante Mendoza was in the official selection of the Un Certain Regard Category during the recent Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded a Special Commendation from the Ecumenical Jury.
Taklub is a story of three major characters – Bebeth, Larry, and Erwin, whose lives intertwine after the Supertyphoon Haiyan caused the city of Tacloban in a horrendous state – leaving the survivors in search for their dead ones, keeping their sanity intact, and protecting what little faith there might be.
Bebeth (Nora Aunor) searches for the remains of her three children that could identified; Larry (Julio Diaz) who lost his wife, consoles himself by joining a devout group of Catholics carrying a life size cross around the city. Erwin (Aaron Rivera) and his elder brother try to hide the truth about their parents’ death from their little sister.
As if grieving for the lost ones is not enough, a series of events – man made and natural – continue to test the endurance of the characters along with the rest of the people, awaiting for a time to wipe those tears
Prior to the screening, Director Mendoza hosted a cast party at SM Aura Premier to thank the members of the cast and crew, as well as those who assisted them during the filming.
No less than Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez attended the event, as did Tacloban’s First Lady and Councilor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez. Other guests included UN Ambassador of Goodwill Gion Gounet, and members of the Tzu Chi Foundation, who have done a lot of relief work in Tacloban; while friends from the film industry came to give support: director Paul Soriano, actresses Andi Eigenmann and Mercedes Cabral; and actors Soliman Cruz and Bernardo Bernardo.
The highlight of the event was when Director Mendoza and showed the guests the Special Commendation from the Ecumenical Jury Award, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
Taklub will be shown at cinemas at SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Manila, and SM City Sta. Mesa beginning today.