With its two exciting new films, Kabitan and Pukpok, VMX invites audiences to explore powerful stories of love, betrayal, and ambition this November. Featuring bold storytelling and compelling performances, these films shed light on the complex lives of women facing tough emotional challenges.
Premiering on Nov. 12, Kabitan explores the tangled web of affection between two women who share a surprising bond. Directed by Sigrid Polon, the film brings to life the emotional intricacies of Alice, played by Athena Red, and Mika, portrayed by Alessandra Cruz. Both find themselves playing second fiddle in their respective relationships.
Beautiful but depressed, Alice has become a mistress and finds temporary solace in a condo that has been converted into a love nest with her married lover. In contrast, Mika is vivacious and new to the city—and to the position of “the other woman.” Their connection begins amid the bustle of Mika’s moving day and grows stronger as they see how vulnerable she is in a crisis. Although they remain attached to their loves, their bond becomes more intimate as they rely on one another more than they expected. But when Van, Mika’s lover, decides to divorce his wife, the delicate balance is upset, testing Alice and Mika’s friendship.
Kabitan, which also features Juan Pablo Calma and Chester Grecia, asks the question: Can love transcend the roles assigned by society?
On Nov. 22, Pukpok, directed by Christopher Novabos, delves into a gritty world of deceit and desire set against a bustling construction site. Allison Smith stars as Jennilyn, a cunning secretary with a hidden agenda.
Jennilyn balances her job with a dangerous side hustle, colluding with a security guard to steal and sell construction materials. Her manipulative charm soon entangles her with the site owners, brothers Christian (Rash Flores) and Richard (Seon Woo Kim), as she skillfully pits them against one another.
The stakes escalate with the arrival of Randy (Mon Mendoza), a new worker. Together, Jennilyn and Randy scheme for bigger heists, using Jennilyn’s seductive tactics to extract vital information from Christian. However, as her ambitions grow, so do the risks, leading to a climax filled with unexpected twists.
Pukpok delivers a sharp commentary on ambition and the moral costs of survival, ensuring an edge-of-your-seat experience for viewers.
