THE EIGHT OFFICIAL entries in the coming Metro Manila Filmfest has been named and no entry comes from a big movie company with big name box office stars. Rejected were Star Cinema’s movie with Vice Ganda (whose movies usually become the topgrosser), Vic Sotto’s “Enteng Kabisote” sequel (another perennial moneymaker) and Regal’s franchise, “Mano Po 7”.
Those that made it are: “Die Beautiful”, a comedy-drama produced by IdeaFirst Company and October Train of Perci Intalan and Jun Lana (Lana is the writer and director), starring Paolo Ballesteros (who won best actor in the recent Tokyo International Filmfest), Joel Torre, Iza Calzado, Inah de Belen, Albie Casino, Gladys Reyes.“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever Is Not Enough”, a comedy about showbiz produced by Quantum Films and stars Eugene Domingo with Joel Torre, Jericho Rosales, Agot Isidro, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez and Khalil Ramos, written by Chris Martinez and directed by Marlon Rivera.
“Kabisera”, a family drama directed by Real Florido and Arturo San Agustin, starring Nora Aunor, Ricky Davao, Perla Bautista, Victor Neri, JC De Vera, Jason Abalos, Ronwaldo Martin, Kiko Matos and RJ Agustin.“Saving Sally”, a combination of live action and animation directed by Avid Liongoren and starring Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad and newcomer Enzo Marcos.
“Oro”, a political film about extra judicial killings in the mining industry written and directed by Ateneo professor Alvin Yapan, starring Joem Bascon, Irma Adlawan (in a role originally meant for Nora Aunor) and Mercedes Cabral.
“Seklusyon”, a horror film about four young priests harassed by a demon, from Reality Entertainment, directed by Erik Matti starring Dominic Roque, Ronnie Alonte, Johnvic de Guzman, JR Versales, Neil Ryan Sese, Lou Veloso, Elora Espano and child star Rhed Bustamante as the devil.
“Sunday Beauty Queen”, a documentary about Overseas Foreign Workers written and directed by Babyruth Villarama-Gutierrez.
“Vince, Kath and James”, a romantic comedy from Star Cinema directed by Theodore Boborol starring Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte.