Following its success at the recent Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and its upcoming theatrical release in October, director Kip Oebanda’s “Balota” has added another milestone with its international premiere at the 44th Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF).
Starring Marian Rivera, who won the Best Actress Award at the 20th Cinemalaya, “Balota” tells the story of a teacher named Emmy and her efforts to protect a ballot box containing election votes, even as it puts her life and that of her loved ones on the line.
Part of the festival’s Southeast Asian Showcase, the film will join other full-length features making their world or U.S. premieres. Other Filipino films featured at the festival include Ramona S. Diaz’s documentary “And So It Begins,” National Artist Lino Brocka’s “Bona,” and Mikhael Red’s “Friend Fire.”
The Hawai’i International Film Festival focuses on Asia-Pacific cinema and will run from Oct. 2 to 13 in Honolulu and from Oct. 15 to 17 in West Oʻahu, with screenings on Maui, Lanaʻi, Kauaʻi, the Big Island (Waimea), Molokaʻi, and Hilo.
Balota will be screened at HIFF on Oct. 6, 12, and 21.
