This is quoted from Armi's multiply page. I'd just like to spread the great news. I am super happy for Raya. Cannes!!!! Wow! Amazing, right! Way to go! Congratulations dear!!!
"Another Filipino film is selected in the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Raya Martin’s “Now Showing” is competing in the 40th Directors’ Fortnight, a parallel section that showcases new and little-known directors from around the world. Since 1968, it has since launched the international careers of directors such as Werner Herzog, Jim Jarmusch, and the late Lino Brocka.
Only 23, Martin has been reaping international recognition for the past several years. His first feature, “Short Film About the Indio Nacional” won several awards in film festivals abroad, while his second film “Autohystoria” won the Lino Award Grand Prize and Best Director in Cinemanila International Film Festival last year. Martin is also the first Filipino to be granted the Fond Sud by the French government for his new film currently in development, “Independencia”.
Running at 4 hours 40 minutes, “Now Showing” is a coming of age narrative set in downtown Manila. A young girl’s story is told in a documentary manner and series of found footage. In between, clips from the 1960's Filipino classic film, “Tunay na Ina” is shown. The film project received the Hubert Bals Grant at the Cinemanila Boracay Co-Production Meeting in 2005. Post-production is supported by Ignite Media, Inc.
Behind the film is young and prize-winning producer Arleen Cuevas. Only 27,her last project “Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela” won Best Film at the Teddy Awards in this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. Cuevas has also collaborated with director Adolf Alix, Jr. on several films including “Batanes” and “Tambolista”.
“Now Showing” stars theater actresses Ness Roque, Adriana Agcaoili, Meila Romero, Daisy Carino and Via Antonio. Roque, playing the lead role, is a 16-year old theater actress currently taking up Filipino Literature at the Ateneo de Manila University. Upon learning that the film was selected in this year’s Cannes, Roque said, “I am thrilled! When Raya called and told me that we're going to Cannes, I asked him to stop and let me breathe. Hindi ako makahinga!”
Martin looks forward to premiering in the prestigious film festival. “Excited ako ipalabas yung film dun. It’s an unusual film.”
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) gives support through a travel grant, enabling the production staff to attend the premiere in Cannes Film Festival, in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the French Embassy in the Philippines, and the Philippine Embassy in France.
Labels: cannes film festival, films, indie, raya martin
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