The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is giving indie film fans a rare treat.
From this month up to the end of March, CCP Arthouse Cinema will be screening some of the most memorable and thought-provoking indie movies for free. The screening will be on a first come, first served basis. All the public has to do is register before the show starts.
Here are some of the movies which will be screened for free.
Lagarista (Feb. 23, 3pm) by Mel Chionglo
Note: No trailer available
A man whose job is to deliver film reels to Manila’s theaters falls in love with a beautiful young student. He learns that she is, in fact, a prostitute and tries to stay away.
Starring: Piolo Pascual, Janna Victoria, and Cherry Pie Picache
Requited (Feb. 28, 2pm) by Nerissa Picadizo
A disease-stricken biker goes on one final adventure that would bring him face-to-face with the woman his loves.
Starring: Jake Cuenca, Anna Luna, and Richard Quan
Mamang (Feb 28, 5pm) by Denise O’Hara
Based on the life of the director’s grandmother, an elderly woman fights senility to enjoy her life with her only living son. But the ghosts of her past are difficult to keep at bay.
For his role as the son, Ketchup Eusebio won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 2018 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Starring: Ketchup Eusebio and Celeste Legaspi
Serbis (March 9, 3pm) by Brillante Mendoza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqXYd6Ui0vU
A family living in Angeles City, Pampanga is the owner of a rundown movie theater that screens pornographic movies. The theater serves as a witness to countless family dramas as well as to hustlers running their various businesses. The movie was nominated for the 2008 Palm D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Gina Pareño won Best Actress and Mendoza won Best Director at the Pacific Meridian International Film Festival in Russia.
Starring: Gina Pareño, Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz, and Coco Martin
Liway (March 14, 2pm) by Kip Oebanda
Based on a true story, the movie is about a young boy growing up inside a military camp during martial law with his parents, who were formerly rebels. His mother tries her best to shelter him from life’s harsh realities by telling stories of an enchantress named Liway. At present, this film is the highest grossing Cinemalaya movie of all time.
Starring: Glaiza de Castro, Dominic Roco, Kenken Nuyad, and Sue Prad
Lola Loleng (March 14, 5pm) by Jean Cheryl Tagyamon
A short animated film about a woman who gets to know more about the secrets of Loleng, a parol (Christmas lantern) artisan.
Pan de Salawal (March 28, 2pm) by Che Espiritu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XNSWSK1ZuA
A young girl with mystical powers heals the sick in her neighborhood — but first, she must violently hurt them before they get better.
Miel Espiritu won Best Director for this movie at the 2018 Cinemalaya.
Starring Bodjie Pascua, Miel Espinosa, and Madeleine Nicolas.
Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching (March 28, 5pm) by Dos Ocampo and Inna Salazar Acuña
A conman tries his hand at text scamming, thinking that it won’t really hurt anyone. One day, he sends a text to someone who ends up believing that he is the son of the conman’s dead relative.
For her performance, Lollie Mara won the Best Supporting Actress at the 2016 Cinemalaya.
Starring: Janus del Prado, Ketchup Eusebio, and Lollie Mara
Apart from these, six short films will also be screened for free. For the full line-up of films, visit CCP Media Arts’ Facebook account.
