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| Ang Huling Chacha ni Anita |
“We chose the 8 final entries on the basis of originality of material and freshness of approach, the authentic reflection of Filipino culture and human experience, and their good potential for audience engagement,” says Ting. “Our blurb here is ‘Kuwento ang Hari Dito’ because they all have great stories that are worth watching. These are good genre films as we have drama, comedies, action, horror. It’s really exciting, from the finished films to the filmmakers themselves and the stars in each film.”
The biggest star is no less than Superstar Nora Aunor who plays the title role in Mes De Guzman’s “Ang Kuwento Ni Mabuti”. Shot in Nueva Vizcaya, the movie is a compelling family drama that tells the story of Ate Guy as a healer named Mabuti. Despite being so poor, she maintains a positive outlook in life, but her personal principles are put to a test when she finds a bag with a huge sum of money. Ate Guy speaks Ilocano in the movie, another first for the Superstar, and she co-stars with Arnold Reyes, Mara Lopez and the late Ama Quiambao.
The other entries are: Sigrid Bernard’s “Ang Huling Cha-Cha Ni Anita” a lesbian themed story about a 12-year-old girl, Anita (Jay Bordon), who falls in love with the new woman in town, Pilar (Angel Aquino).
Mike Alcazaren’s “Puti” (must be a tribute to Mike de Leon’s classic “Itim”). This is a psychological thriller that stars Ian Veneracion as a painter whose wife dies in an accident, with Jasmine Curtis Smith, Lauren Young and Bryan Pagala.
Ato Bautista’s “Mga Alaala ng Tag-ulan”. This is a coming of age story about a young man, Artista Academy’s Akihiro Blanco, who experiences his first love and heartbreak with the sexy Mocha Uson as his love interest. Co-starring Mon Confiado as his dad.
Randolph Longjas’ “Ang Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin” – This is a comedy about interracial romance starring Tuesday Vargas and American actor Travis Kraft as her husband. They play a couple who celebrate life and marriage with karaoke music, superstitious in-laws, immigration laws, unexpected pregnancies, brown-outs, Thanksgiving turkey, and with love on the side.
Ron Bryant’s “Bingoleras” - Another comedy with multiple characters. It shows the intersecting lives of six women playing bingo together: Eula Valdez, Max Eigenmann, Charee Pineda, Mercedes Cabral, Hazel Orencio and Liza Diño. Also in the cast are Art Acuna in his first gay role, Lou Veloso, Junjun Quintana, Cita Astals, Amay Bisaya and Coco Martin in a special role.
Janice Perez’ “The Muses” - Rock artist Kitchie Nadal shows her acting chops in this music-filled youth drama about sibling rivalry in the music business where two sisters discover hidden truths about fame, family and their own selves. Playing the sister is Janelle Jamer.
Sari Raissa Dalena and Kiri Dalena’s “The Guerilla Is A Poet” – This is a daring docu-drama based on the life of martial law activist Joma Sison. It shows how he started the rebel movement and ends with his capture after organizing the NPA. It stars Karl Medina, older brother of Ping and Alex Medina, as Joma, with Chanel Latorre as a composite character representing the amazons in the rebel movement.
