Entertainment

Cinemalaya 2023 best film is a win for Filipino animators

‘Iti Mapukpukaw’ deserves to be shown nationwide

Published

August 23, 2023

Martynne De Leon

Note: This review contains minor spoilers from the film

It’s been a week since the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2023. However, the impact of this year’s film roster still lingers up to this day.

After watching almost all films from the line-up, I can say that the best film, Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) is well-deserved of the award. With a powerful storyline, brilliant execution, and the creative animation — the film needs to be seen by more people.

A feat for Philippine animators

Cinemalaya is not new to animation entries, especially in the Short Film category. However, Iti Mapukpukaw is the first full-length entry to ever grace the premier independent film fest. That’s a huge win for Filipino animators.

Over 90 local animators worked on the film’s animation, which took around six months to complete. Iti Mapukpukaw features two art styles: rotoscope and traditional 2D hand drawing. Each one was used to narrate different but interconnected stories of the film.

As someone who uses Photoshop at work, it’s impressive how the filmmakers included graphic design elements in telling the story. It features Eric, a mouthless graphic designer in Makati whose past and present begin to unfold with the arrival of a “familiar alien.”

The film used several Photoshop references, which I think a lot of creatives will appreciate.

Powerful storyline

Iti Mapukpukaw is a visual feast for the audience. But the story is also well-written and rightfully weaved into the animation.

The first parts of the film give off a sci-fi vibe — with some fictional elements like alien, spaceship, planets and the like. As the film progressed, I was impressed with how everything is stitched together to tell a more complicated and powerful narrative.

It’s a story about losing parts of yourself after experiencing a traumatic phenomenon. It’s also about the hard, yet important process to eventually claiming those parts back.

Despite the difficult subject matter, Iti Mapukpukaw is told in a gentle, loving way without trying too hard.

A friend also commended how the film touched the LGBTQA+ topic very subtly, and without forcing it. In the first part of the film, Rosalinda (Eric’s mom, portrayed by Dolly de Leon) teased her son about Carlo (portrayed by Gio Gahol) as his potential suitor. As a member of the community, my friend says she appreciates this progressive portrayal of LGBTQA+ relationships in a Filipino film — that they are normal and accepted, no other explanations needed.

Brilliant actors

Iti Mapukpukaw cast is, hands-down, a brilliant ensemble.

Carlo Aquino, despite having no mouth (plus ears and eyes, eventually) in the film, portrayed Eric’s character so, so well. I was so intrigued of his back story even before it unfolded. He tells his story so well even without any lines (almost!) throughout the film.

Gio Gahol’s character, I believe, is the kind of person we all need, and we hope to become. He plays Carlo, Eric’s patient and lovable officemate who listens, stays, and tries to understand even through the toughest of times.

He is a huge contribution to the film’s charm, in my opinion. We all deserve a Carlo in our lives. Not to mention, Gio Gahol is a really great actor. I have seen him act in theatre plays as well, and he is very convincing every single time.

And of course, Golden Globe Nominee and Academy member Dolly de Leon’s role as Eric’s mom is such a delight. Her fun antics in the film proved she’s a natural. That’s why she won the Best Supporting Actress award for this film.

Golden Globe Nominee and Academy member Dolly de Leon with yours truly

During Dolly de Leon and Gio Gahol’s guesting in one episode of Ang Walang Podcast, one of the film’s producer Antoinette Jadaone mentioned that the actors were especially handpicked by Iti Mapukpukaw director Carl Joseph Papa to portray the three leading stars in the film.

According to them, it is rare to get your first choice because of multiple reasons like scheduling conflicts. Somehow, the universe aligned to cast them all together. It was meant to be.

Apart from the brilliant acting, it’s refreshing to watch an animated film with the actors using local languages: Ilocano and Tagalog.

A testament to Filipino values

Perhaps one of the overlooked elements of Iti Mapukpukaw that proves its charm is how Filipino it is — from the subtle gestures during the scenes to the big life problems in the story. It doesn’t try to follow any Western style. Instead, it is deeply grounded in Filipino roots and values which makes it more relatable to the Filipino audience.

As someone who has Ilocano roots myself, I believe more Ilocanos would be delighted to hear the language in the big screen.

Iti Mapukpukaw is overall an excellent film that deserves to be shown nationwide, and we hope it would be released in mainstream (especially regional) cinemas soon.

Entertainment

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes showing on May 8

The 4th film under the reboot franchise

Published

April 26, 2024

GadgetMatch

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is coming to Philippine cinemas on May 8 for IMAX, 4DX, and 2D. It is the fourth installment of the Planet of the Apes reboot franchise, and the sequel to 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

The upcoming action sci-fi is directed by Wes Ball. It features a new timeline where the apes are the dominant species. It is set several generations after Caesar’s reign. For those who have followed the reboot trilogy, the film’s story is set up by the simple question “What has happened since Caesar’s death?”

Proximus Caesar, played by Kevin Durand, is the apes’ new leader in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” In this timeline, humans have also regressed into primitive beings. Yet, things aren’t going smoothly for the apes. Proximus is apparently thirsty for power. He is determined to do everything to conquer the entire world, even if that means wreaking havoc on human species.

That’s where young chimpanzee hunter Noa (Owen Teague) and wise orangutan Raka (Peter Macon) conspire to uncover the truth behind Proximus’ unvirtuous intents. Noa will eventually meet a feral human named Mae (Freya Allan). Mae is being hunted by Proximus’ forces for her intelligence.

When Noa finds out that Proximus has been brainstorming everyone, he resents and tries to lead others in a battle to preserve the future for both apes and humans.

Entertainment

May 2024 movie checklist: Back to Black, The Fall Guy, IF, more

Plan your next movie trip

Published

April 24, 2024

Levi Verora Jr

Summer season has been nothing short of scorching hot so far. One of the best ways to cool down? Sit comfortably inside a cozy cinema and enjoy watching a movie. To help you plan your next movie trip with friends, family, your loved ones, or even just alone, here are May 2024’s upcoming titles.

There are lots of movies to choose from, covering different genres like action thriller, comedy, horror, and drama. from family-friendly comedies to nerve-wracking horrors, from an Amy Winehouse biopic to the latest installment in a popular franchise, May 2024’s lineup has it all.

Feel free to chow down on popcorn and flush it with ice-cold soda if you want to.

The Fall Guy (May 1)

Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke, and Stephanie Hsu team up for an action comedy film loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name.

Gosling plays protagonist Colt Seavers, a seasoned stuntman who has endured a near career-ending accident. Colt’s ex-girlfriend, Jody Moreno, is played by Blunt. Moreno is working with Taylor-Johnson’s character Tom Ryder for her directorial debut. However, Tom goes missing, and that’s where Colt volunteers to find the actor whom he apparently had also doubled a long time ago.

Tarot (May 1)

Filipino-American Jacob Batalon returns to the big screen, this time headlining a supernatural horror film. His character is part of a college group of friends, including Avantika, Harriet Slater, and Adain Bradley.

Like how most horror film stories develop, the group commits a reckless mistake when they violate the sacred rule of Tarot readings. Unknowingly, they unleash unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.

IF (May 15)

Real-life couple John Krasinski (writer, director) and Emily Blunt are back, this time exchanging thriller for a family-friendly live-action comedy. They are joined by a star-studded ensemble that includes Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell, George Cloonney, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, and Blake Lively.

IF is about Blunt’s character who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends. She embarks on a magical adventure with that power to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

Monkey Man (May 15)

Dev Patel, who played Jamal in the revered Slumdog Millionaire film, makes his directorial debut in this action thriller. Monkey Man is about a man’s quest for vengeance against corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and victimize the poor and powerless.

Also the main protagonist Kid, Patel takes on the role of a vengeful monkey mask-wearing grown up who wants to exact revenge on Baba Shakti. As Monkey Man is also co-produced by Patel, it features a predominantly Indian cast in key roles in a story set in the South Asian country.

Back to Black (May 15, Ayala exclusive)

Back to Black is a celebration of the most iconic homegrown star of the 21st century. The film chronicles the life and music of the late Amy Winehouse. Viewers will get to know more about Winehouse’s family background, her path to success, as well as her demons. Marisa Abela stars as Winehouse in the powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 22)

The fifth installment of the Mad Max franchise takes viewers back in time with a spin-off and prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. The film puts focus on a young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy). She is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). Furiosa needs to survive many trials as she plots a way back home through the Wasteland.

The Garfield Movie (May 29)

Lastly, everyone’s favorite Monday-hating, lasagna-loving cat is back for another outdoor adventure. Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield has a new journey to undergo in this animated film. This, after an unexpected reunion with his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson). The fresh new story puts more focus on Garfield, Odie, and Vic, instead of him with Jon and Liz.

Entertainment

Transformers One trailer: Get to know Optimus Prime, Megatron’s origin stories

In cinemas September 18

Published

April 19, 2024

GadgetMatch

Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Transformers One, the upcoming latest installment of the Transformers film franchise.

Before fans get excited for the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, this animated film focuses first on Optimus Prime’s relationship with his adversary, Megatron.

The origin story is set in Cybertron, long before the transformers land on earth in the chronological timeline.

The trailer reveals Optimus Prime’s previous name, Orion Pax. On the other hand, Megatron was previously known by D-16.

Joined by Elita-1 and Bumblebee, the two main protagonists journey to Cybertron’s surface, which hasn’t been explored beforehand due to the dangers it is said to have.

On the surface, the crew realizes that right away, but are bestowed the power to transform. After some figuring, they manage to utilize this ability to defend Cybertron from intruders.

Overall, the three-minute trailer gives a lighter and funnier vibe. That’s in contrast to the previous iterations where the story is more serious from the get-go.

The transformers’ appearance also looks simpler and more toned down, giving an old school feel which is appropriate, considering this movie is set an earlier time when Cybertron was more intact.

Transformers One is showing on Philippine cinemas on September 18. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson.