Some Nights I Feel Like Walking has already begun to gain popularity online, with both reviewers and viewers discussing the independent movie.
The man behind it, Petersen Vargas, known for blockbuster films such as A Very Good Girl and Un/Happy For You, is set to premiere his latest feature at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Northern Europe’s leading film event. The festival has previously showcased Filipino films like Fan Girl and Kalel, 15, which also received accolades.
In Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, Vargas returns to his independent beginnings and highlights the great storytelling legacy of Filipino cinema on a global scale. The film has been in development since 2018, beginning as part of a scriptwriting workshop led by National Artist Ricky Lee. Over the years, it has gained recognition through international film programs in France, Switzerland, and Japan.
Vargas expressed his feelings about competing at the festival: “I’ve worked on Some Nights I Feel Like Walking for the past six years. What began as my reaction to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s dangerous streets is now an examination of collective grief.”
The film explores the Filipino relationship with death through the journey of a dead body, as a group of street hustlers navigates Manila’s dangerous streets to fulfill their friend’s last wish.
Vargas reflects on the significance of the moment: “Competing at an A-list film festival like Tallinn Black Nights feels like an unshakeable dream. It’s an honor to share this ultimately Filipino story and experience.”
The narrative centers on themes of queer identity, survival, and found families, resonating deeply with the challenges of belonging faced by many Filipinos. The cast includes established indie actors such as Jomari Angeles and Tommy Alejandrino, along with newcomers Miguel Odron and Argel Saycon.
“This film is also my first venture into international co-production,” Vargas noted, thanking co-producers from Singapore and Taiwan. The film is a collaboration involving studios from the Philippines, Singapore, and Italy, including Daluyong Studios and Origin8.
Some Nights I Feel Like Walking has been selected for several international film development platforms, including Cannes L’Atelier and the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab, where it won the SEAFIC Award. These accomplishments underscore the talent of Filipino filmmakers and the importance of showcasing their stories globally.
