Lights! Camera! Action!
All is set for Dennis Marasigan’s Free Range, Paolo Villanueva’s Pauwi Na, Zig Dulay’s Paglipay, Maricel Carriaga’s Pitong Kabang Palay, Victor Acedillo Jr’s Kakampi, and Jose Johnny Nadela’s Pilapil, the six official film entries to the first TOFARM (The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines) Film Festival.
They will hit the big screen Wednesday next week and are expected to inspire, educate, entertain, and touch the hearts of audiences and lovers of world-class Filipino films.
This truly original film festival highlights the many aspirations and ambitions, dramas and dreams, obstacles and opportunities, tribulations and triumphs of farmers. They are all celebrated and highlighted in the six competing motion pictures.
Dr. Milagros O. How, EVP of Universal Harvester, Inc., thought of holding a film festival about farmers and farming along with award-winning film and TV director, Maryo J. delos Reyes, who she designated as TOFARM Film Festival Director.
Dr. How said in a recent interview, “I have sincere and deep concern for the welfare of the farmers. This festival is just one of my means to raise the concerns of Filipino farmers, their aspirations and that the public will not only be aware, but appreciative of their hard work. Through the films we have chosen, the audience will hopefully realize the farmer’s way of thinking, everyday living and their vocation which is planting, harvesting and feeding the entire nation.”
Delos Reyes enthused, “TOFARM Film Festival is the entertainment industry’s modest way to educate the public about our dear farmers and their immeasurable contribution to all our lives. These films hopefully will not only be a cerebral experience but an emotionally uplifting journey for all those who will watch it.”
The finalists all received seed money to produce thier films. Those who will make it as the first, second, and best film will bring home cash prizes as well.
The winners will also have beautifully crafted trophies.
Prior to the actual festival run, a gala night, with no less than the Manuel Silos classic, Biyaya ng Lupa, will be screened at the SM Megamall Cinema 7 on July 13. Heirs and next of kin of the cast and director of the film as well as former VIPs of LVN Pictures and its stars are expected to attend the screening.
The awarding ceremonies will be held at the Rizal Ball Room of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on July 20.
The entries to the first TOFARM Film Festival include Pilapil, (written and directed by Jojo Nadela) that tells of a man who wants to escape the farm life to seek greener pastures, and a young boy who considers it his paradise. In one stroke of fate, their lives cross.
James Blanco, David Remo, Pancho Magno, Diva Montelaba, Bonbon Lentejas, Rez Cortez, and Orlando Sol perform in the film.
The other entries are: Pitong Kabang Palay (written and directed by Maricel Carriaga) with Arnold Reyes, Sue Prado, Micko Laurente, Alfonso Ynigo Delen, and Precious Miel J. Espinosa; Free Range (written and directed by Dennis Marasigan) with Paolo O’Hara, Jackie Rice, Mads Nicolas, Michael de Mesa, Jojit Lorenzo, Leo Rialp and Anna Feleo;
Kakampi (written and directed by Victor Acedillo, Jr.) with Neil Ryan Sese, Gloria Sevilla, Felix Roco, Suzette Ranillo, Kate Brios, and Perry Dizon; Pauwi Na (written and directed by Paolo Villaluna, inspired by a news article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (“Family pedals way back home to Leyte,” Sept. 7, 2003), with Bembol Roco, Cherry Pie Picache, Meryll Soriano, Chai Fonacier, Jess Mendoza, Jack the Dog, Boots Anson Roa, Gio Alvarez, and Tessie Tomas; Paglipay (written and directed by Zig Dulay) with Garry Cabalic, Anna Luna, Joan de la Cruz, Manel Sevidal, Natasha Cabrera, Norman King, Gigi Locsin, Joel Saracho, Upeng Fernandez, Ken-ken Nuyad and JC Santos.
TOFARM Film Festival runs from July 13 to 19at SM Megamall and SM North Edsa. Provincial screenings are slated on Aug. 24 to 30 at SM Angeles Pampanga and SM Cabanatuan; Sept. 14 to 20 at SM Cebu; and Oct. 12 to 18 in SM Davao.
Supporting this film festival is LandBank of the Philippines.
For more information, visit www.tofarm.org or the festival’s Facebook site, TOFARM Film Festival Philippines.
For inquiries, send e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected].