Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival’s closing film, Mina Anud, a masterpiece of Cebuano filmmaker Kerwin Go, is receiving rave reviews from the audience of the annual indie fest and from the people who got to watch it in Cebu.
The film, which is a collaboration of Regal Entertainment, Inc., Hooq Original Movie and Epicmedia, is a one-hour and 44-minute feature that follows two surfers, Ding and Carlo, who must decide whether the lure of riches is worth risking family and freedom, after three tons of cocaine land on the shores of a peaceful seaside community.
According to director Go, the film was inspired by true events. In 2009 in the province of Eastern Samar, the cocaine washed up on the shores of the province, and things turned downright surreal.
Mina-Anud is being credited for its being socially relevant and an eye-opener. One of the praises that the movie received was that it succeeds in being funny while tackling a serious topic.
Though told in a humorous manner, the film still succeeds in sending the message across to viewers.
“The film is fantastic. It’s a fun ride. I would definitely recommend it for those who wants to see a wild story, unusual story, great scenery, great performances, no question I would recommend it,” said a viewer from Cebu.
Entertainment editor Troy Ciar of Sun Star Super Balita shared, “It is amazing and brave movie, I hope everybody will watch it. Nice, very nice, two thumbs up. I’m recommending it.”
Direk Erik Matti commented after watching the film in CCP, “Maganda, maganda yungbanter ng barkada, masaya yung movie.”
“The film is very organic, it will affect you because it doesn’t have any pretentious,” says director Dondon Santos.
Atty. Salvador Panelo, Presidential Spokesperson has seen the film in CCP, “It’s a beautiful movie. The actors are good. And it’s a true story, there are lessons to be learned.”
“Mixture of adventure. It’s a different kind of story-telling, this is a film to watch.” says FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño.
The film’s lead stars are Dennis Trillo, Jerald Napoles, and Matteo Guidicelli. Joining them are Alvin Anson, Mara Lopez, Anthony Falcon, Marc Felix, Lou Veloso, Richard Manabat, Dionne Monsanto, Elia Ilano, Lui Manansala, and Luke Landrigan.
Showing only in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 21.
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Litmus test for JoshNella
The team up of Joshua Garcia and Janella Salvador has been a long time coming, but it will finally happen in the new series, The Killer Bride.
It is a dream come true for the fans of Joshua and Janella, who, just like their avid supporters, are very excited to finally star in a project together as a love team.
“I got excited when I learned I will be working with Joshua because we were supposed to work in other projects but didn’t push through. I think this the perfect time and project for us,” said Janella.
In preparation for their roles, the two underwent a series of workshops to effectively portray their roles.
“It is our first time to work together so there was awkwardness. But we were given workshops, so we eventually became comfortable with each other. We were dedicated to learn,” Joshua shared.
Janella is set to play Emma, a woman who claims to have been possessed by the soul of the killer bride Camila Dela Torre (Maja Salvador). She will meet Elias (Joshua), the right-hand man of Vito Dela Cruz, the man who was supposed to marry Camila before she died.
Many believe that Emma came to Las Espadas to fulfill Camila’s plan of revenge. But Elias will go to great lengths to protect the Dela Cuestas, especially Vito, even if it would cost him his life.
Where will Elias and Emma’s encounter lead them to?
The cast also includes Dominic Ochoa, Loren Burgos, Alexa Ilacad, Eric Nicolas, Keanna Reeves, Eddie Gutierrez, Aurora Sevilla, Cris Villanueva, James Blanco, Lara Quigaman, Ariella Arida, and Sam Concepcion. The series is directed by Dado Lumibao.