Filming has begun for Deadma Walking based on the winning screenplay at the 2016 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Screenplay division).
The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature is, by far, the most prestigious literary prize in the Philippines. The blockbuster romance-comedy That Thing Called Tadhana was also based on a Palanca-winning screenplay.
Deadma Walking revolves around gay BFFs (best friends for life) John and Mark whose friendship is put to the test when one of them learns he has a terminal illness. He asks his friend to help him stage his fake death, wake, and funeral. It is his dying wish to see how his friends, family members, and other people familiar with him would react on his passing on. The result is a comedy of “deadly” proportions.
Palanca juror Soxie Topacio, an actor and director, says, “It’s comedy after comedy with a surprise ending.” Fellow juror Ed Lejano, a film writer and director, raves, “In this age of fake news, Deadma Walking promises to be this year’s Die Beautiful in a rollicking comedy about a fabulous, fake death.”
At least two other industry stalwarts are fans of the award-winning screenplay. “It’s beautiful!” director/writer Mark Meily cheers. “I was looking for pitfalls to happen especially since it is about a man faking his death, pero wala. Very human yung mga events that they go through. Galing!”
Film and advertising executive Madonna Tarrayo was hooked right away when she read the title. She adds, “And when I finally read the script, I found it witty and engaging. Tamang-tama ang timpla.”
Deadma Walking screenwriter Eric Cabahug describes the film as “a celebration of the creativity, chutzpah, and can-do spirit of the Filipino in the face of trials and adversity.”
Starring in the laugh-out-loud film are Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman, both fine actors with several awards under their belt.
Gamboa was named Best New Male TV Personality at the 19th Star Awards for TV, Best TV Actor at the 23rd Star Awards for TV, and Best Supporting Actor for the film Intoy Syokoy sa Kalye Marino at the 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
Guzman, meanwhile, won Best Actor for Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me at the 7th Cinemalaya filmfest, the German Moreno Youth Award at the 2012 FAMAS, and Best Actor in a Comedy at the 2012 Golden Screen Awards. He also won the Gawad Buhay Best Actor and Aliw Awards Best Actor for his performance in the stage adaptation of the movie classic Bona.
Deadma Walking presents Gamboa and Guzman with one of the biggest acting challenges in their careers and promises to fully showcase their range and depth.
Directing the movie is industry veteran Julius Alfonso (Felix Manalo), a longtime assistant director for award-winning directors Joel Lamangan and Chris Martinez. The stellar production team also includes award-winning cinematographer Lee Briones (Baler, Tanging Yaman), production designer Angel Diesta (Die Beautiful), and editor Vanessa de Leon (Kimmy Dora, The Gifted).
The movie is produced by T-Rex Productions, producer of the historical Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli, and the comedy Patay Na Si Hesus, which won the Audience Award at last year’s QCinema Film Festival.
Fun, fierce, and fabulous, Deadma Walking will grace the big screens towards the end of 2017.