Her first entry is the horror flick "Death and the Senses" (we think they will need a title more catchy than that.) It stars Rayver Cruz, Janine Gutierrez, Ian Veneracion, Lotlot de Leon, Jayson Gainza and John Lapus (a mix of Kapamilya and Kapuso stars), directed by Randolph Longjas (who made the indie comedy "Ang Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin").
Her other entry is the rom-com, "Walang Forever", starring Jennylyn Mercado and JM de Guzman (another Kapuso and Kapamilya pairing), directed by Dan Villegas. Dan also directed Jennylyn in last year's "English Only, Please" a surprise blockbuster and award-winner in the Metro-Manila Filmfest last year. Knowing how Atty. Joji puts all her heart and soul in every project she does, she might just surprise us again and come up with more winners this year come December.
The other entries that will compete as the topgrossers with more established box office stars are OctoArts-APT Films' "Romcomin Mo Ako" starring Ai Ai de las Alas, Vic Sotto and Ryzza Mae Dizon, directed by Jose Javier Reyes; ABS-CBN Film Productions' "Beauty and the Bestie" with Vice Ganda and Coco Martin, directed by Wenn Deramas; and ABS-CBN Film Productions' "Mr. and Mrs. Split" with Kris Aquino and Herbert Bautista, directed by Antoinette Jadaone of "That Thing Called Tadhana".
One slot went to Regal's Mother Lily, who, instead of fielding her usual "Shake Rattle & Roll" entry now comes up with another horror flick, "Haunted Manzion". She is putting her bets on Kapamilya newcomers Janella Salvador, Marlo Mortel and Jerome Ponce, written and directed by Jun Lana.
The other two entries are from independent companies. First is Teamwork Productions' period historical drama, "Hermano Puli (Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Apolinario de la Cruz)", directed by Gil Portes and starring John Prats, Aljur Abrenica and Karylle. The last one is Haunted Tower Pictures' "Nilalang (The Entity)", also a horror flick starring Robin Padilla with Japanese adult film star Maria Ozawa, directed by Pedring Lopez (zino ziya?).
Two films are on the waiting list, to be reconsidered if one of the aforementioned entries will back out: "Conman" (formerly titled "Ponzi" and "Honor Thy Father"), starring John Lloyd Cruz, directed by Erik Matti. (This has already been shot and is now in post-production. We're wondering why this didn't make it when John Lloyd is an A-list actor and Erik Matti is an award-winning director.)
"Lakambini" starring Lovi Poe in a historical drama based on the life of Gregoria de Jesus. This would be fitting to make the film festival more relevant and not just a very commercial film fiesta.
Also missing in the list is "Kabisera", a serious drama bannered by Nora Aunor. Didn't they consider it commercially viable enough to be a filmfest entry? We're so sad for Ate Guy's fans who are hoping she will have an entry again this year after the award-winning "Thy Womb".
