July 25, 2023

Iti Mapukpukaw (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: Cinemalaya's first Full-Length Animated Film About a Mouthless Man, Aliens, and Relationships

Iti Mapukpukaw is an animted film under the direction and screenplay of Carl Joseph Papa; starring and featuring the voices of Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol, and Dolly De Leon. Iti Mapukpukaw, translates from Iloko to "The Missing" is an official entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and slated for limited release from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Let's check out what this 2023 Cinemalaya film entry set in Bacolod about two unlikely characters working on a film festival entry here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.

Iti Mapukpukaw 2023 movie trailer impressions the missing 19th cinemalaya entry animated film trailer review CMAQUEST feature

Iti Mapukpukaw
Plot / Synopsis

Cinemalaya's first animated full-length entry about a mouthless man. When a strange creature returns to retrieve him, his life takes unexpected and confusing turns as he tries to make sense of his memories.

Iti Mapukpukaw 2023 animated Filipino film featuring the voice of Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol and  Dolly De Leon

Director's Statement:

Eric’s story is my story. The story came to me in 2019 when I found out that a relative passed on. I haven’t heard his name for a very long time but seeing his pictures and hearing his name in conversations made me remember one summer when I was around 10. He made sexual advances on me and kept on telling me: this is what grownups do. By writing the story of Eric, I relived my past, which was a welcome coping mechanism for me. At first I was fueled by anger because I thought there was nothing else I could do. But there is something that I can do. And that is to encourage people to speak up.

When I was writing the story and conceptualizing my approach for the film, it was clear to me that this is going to be another animated film. It’s quite rare to see animated feature films in the Philippines, much so an animated film that deals with adult topics.

From the true meaning of the word animation, which is to “bring life”, I hope that in creating Eric I would have made a refuge for people who suffered the same fate as he did. And for those who have not undergone what Eric experienced, I hope that the film would shed more light on the topic, foster understanding, and initiate a conversation.

Source: Cinemalaya Facebook Trailer



Watch Iti Mapukpukaw Official trailer here:



Iti Mapukpukaw Official Movie Trailer Impression
The Missing Film Trailer Review
Iti Mapukpukaw 2023 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival First Full-Length Animated Film Entry for 19th cinemalaya


What can be said about the Iti Mapukpukaw (2023) official movie trailer? I find the film's premise and presentation very fascinating and appealing. We don't get much animated movies here in the Philippines, especially not with seemingly heavy themes. Most animated films are either kids or family movies, which can help recuperate the long and high production cost when creating animated flicks. I am now genuinely curious at the budget behind Iti Mapukpukaw, as going the animation route isn't a simple feat; but they managed to pull it off, based from the trailer. The full-length animated Cinemalaya entry piqued my curiosity with questions which only increased when doing further research beyond the film's initial press releases.

Iti Mapukpukaw 2023 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival first full-length animated entry written and directed by Carl Joseph Papa


Iti Mapukpukaw, directly translates from Iloko (Ilocano) as The Missing yet the trailer is in Tagalog. Maybe the moutless protagonist and his family are from Ilocos and we might eventually see them converse in Iloko. This is another Cinemalay entry that fully utilize our of our many diverse local dialect (Iloko), the other two being Gitling and Bulawan Nga Usa. There is little to know from the synopsis and trailer itself. Initial viewing gave me a hint that this is going to have some LGBTQ related romantic themes but upon checking out another related material (see the sources from the Synopsis section here); we found out that the themes tackles in the animated entry is inspired by the experiences of the director/screen writer Carl Joseph Papa. Of course, the director took creative liberties as it would really be absurd to have actual aliens turned him into a mouthless person. Iti Mapukpukaw might very well be an allegory of what it is like dealing with the trauma of being harassed and not being able to talk about it. Well, this is just my impression and speculation. It could very well be not the case but I am still curious about this lone animated film entry to the 19th Cinemalay Independent Film Festival this 2023. This is one of the Cinemalaya 2023 entry that I highly recommend based from the trailer and premise alone. Will it live to this expectation is what we'll eventually know on August 4 to 13, 2023.

Iti Mapukpukaw 2023 Movie Trailer written and directed by Carl Joseph Papa starring Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol and  Dolly De Leon slated for an August 4 to 13, 2023 limited release in the Philippines.


How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 animated film featuring Carlo Aquino and Gio Gahol? Will you be seeing the first full-length animated film and an entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival during its August 4 to 13, 2023 screening week at the Philippine International Convention Center? Share your thoughts and opinion about Iti Mapukpukaw (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.
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July 19, 2023

Gitling (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: A Cinemalaya 2023 Film Festival Entry About Two People Making a Film Festival Entry Transcending their Language Barriers

Gitling is a drama film under the direction and screenplay of Jopy Arnaldo; starring Gabby Padilla, Ken Yamamura and Emmanuel Dela Cruz. Gitling (translates to dash, punctuation mark) is an official entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and slated for limited release from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Let's check out what this 2023 Cinemalaya film entry set in Bacolod about two unlikely characters working on a film festival entry here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.

 Gitling 2023 movie trailer impressions 19th cinemalaya film festival entry drama film trailer review Pinoy Movie Blogger feature


Gitling
Plot / Synopsis

Gitling 2023 drama film about a Japanese director and his female translator submitting a film in the Bacolod film festival


In a surprising twist, a young Filipina translator and a Japanese director push the boundaries of language and uncover the joy of comprehension during an unlikely period: when they work on adding subtitles to his movie in Ilonggo (a local Filipino dialect). Together, they hurry to complete the task before the film's big debut at the Bacolod Festival. Little did they expect that their teamwork would unveil the true beauty of understanding and the immense power of language and connection.


Watch Gitling Official trailer here:



Gitling Official Trailer Impression
Gitling Cinemalaya Film Trailer Review

Gitling 2023 drama film and 19th Cinemalaya independent film festival title featuring Gabby Padilla and Ken Yamamura


What can be said about the Gitling (2023) official movie trailer? I am loving the line-up of Cinemalaya 2023 thus far, this time, Gitling is set outside Metro Manila; showcasing the beauty of the City of Smiles, Bacolod. This time around it is a story of two unlikely individuals working together with a common goal in mind, translating the Japanese filmmaker's language to Ilonggo and submitting it in a local film festival. Earlier press releases (synopsis) shared online stated that the female lead character cancelled her wedding engagement, and the film trailer seemingly alludes to this when they talk about the finality of marriages. I don't know if this is also what the theme of the film by the Japanese director is all about, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Gitling 2023 drama film featuring Gabby Padilla as a film transalor who cancelled her wedding engagement


Gitling feels melancholic from this trailer. And with a topic of marriage being seen in a more negative tone it is not surprising. The big question is will this somber tone take a more positive turn. Will Gitling be a romance in the making for the two unlikely leads; or just two professionals finding camaraderie and friendship from their working experience. I find the premise interesting and as it feels a bit meta, i.e., being a film about film-making and submitting it to a local film festival. I am looking forward to how the film will use Bacolod and the dialect to convey the budding connection for the two lead. I like this kind of mystery on the film's trailer rather than a two minute-long trailer that basically spoils most of the major beats of the film it should supposed to tease. The simple synopsis for the entries in Cinemalaya 2023.

Gitling 2023 Cinemalaya independent film festival entry written and directed by Jopy Arnaldo starring Gabby Padilla, Ken Yamamura and Emmanuel Dela Cruz


How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 drama film featuring Gabby Padilla and Ken Yamamura? Will you be seeing this entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival during its August 4 to 13, 2023 screening week at the Philippine International Convention Center? Share your thoughts and opinion about Gitling (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.
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July 18, 2023

Bulawan Nga Usa (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: A Cinemalaya 2023 Film Festival Entry About a Mythical Golden Deer that Grants Wishes

Bulawan Nga Usa, directly translates from Cebuano to Golden Dear, is a drama film under the direction and screenplay of Kenneth De La Cruz; starring Matthews Espinosa, John Niel Paguntalan, CJ Pagayon, Filemon Capanang, Babbeth Fuentes Vargas, Tara Rose Molina, GC Castro, Lolita Madrid, Krystoffer Ays Grabato, and Sharon Idione. Bulawan Nga Usa is an official entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and slated for limited release from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Let's check out what this 2023 Cinemalaya film entry in Cebuano about self-discovery has in store for us here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.

Bulawan Nga Usa 2023 Movie Trailer Impressions Cinemalaya Drama Filipino Film Trailer Review Pinoy Movie Blogger Feature


Bulawan Nga Usa (Golden Dear)
Plot / Synopsis

Bulawan Nga Usa 2023 Cinemalaya film about a tight relationship of a grandfather and his grandson


After Makoy's dear grandfather passed away, he sets off on a captivating adventure to a magical mountain. His goal is to find the fabled golden deer that can make wishes come true. Along the way, Makoy becomes friends with a lively mountain boy who accompanies him in the pursuit of the legendary creature and finding himself.


Watch Bulawan Nga Usa Official trailer here:


Bulawan Nga Usa Official Trailer Impression
Golden Dear Cinemalaya Film Trailer Review

Bulawan Nga Usa 2023 aka Golden Dear 2023 Filipino Film and official entry to the 19th Cinemalay Independent Film Festival


What can be said about the Bulawan Nga Usa (2023) official movie trailer? I always genuinely find it fresh to see Filipino films featuring other local Filipino dialect (besides Tagalog) gets featured in local and international film festivals to get more eyes on it. Bulawan Nga Usa or Golden Dear is a Cebuano film about self-discovery something that many of us can relate to. Based from the trailer, it shows the close ties of a young boy towards his grandfather that introduce him to the legend or myth of the wish granting golden deer.

Bulawan Nga Usa 2023 aka Golden Dear a Cebuano film and entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Film Fest


It would be quite interesting if the film would take a somewhat supernatural turn. I can only speculate that it won't and it simply would just be one's journey to discover one's purpose in life through recollection and reflection of what his life has been at the film's point; and how his grandfather inspired him. The film also shows a more simple life at the province, having a good loving male figure to look up to, and dealing with grief upon losing that role model. But of course, this is just my personal opinion, and this is what makes the Golden Dear 2023 Cinemalaya entry a curious title. It just teases you to discover the film along with the film's premise. I personally am curious as to how the film will unfold.
Bulawan Nga Usa 2023 Cinemalaya independent film festival entry directed and written by Kenneth De La Cruz starring Espinosa, John Niel Paguntalan Showing on August 2023


How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 drama film featuring Matthews Espinosa and John Niel Paguntalan? Does this film feel fresh to you or not? Have you seen any recent Filipino film that features our own local/provincial dialect outside Tagalog? Will you be seeing this 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival entry during its screening week from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center? Share your thoughts and opinion about Bulawan Nga Usa (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.
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July 15, 2023

Mary Cherry Chua (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: A Filipino Urban Legend About a Slain Student's Spirit Haunting a School Gets Adapted into the Big Screen

Mary Cherry Chua is a horror film produced by Viva Films under the screenplay and direction of Roni Benaid starring Abby Bautista, Kokoy de Santos, Lyca Gairanod, Krissha Viaje, Ashley Diaz, Joko Diaz, and Alma Moreno and is slated for a July 19, 2023 nationwide theatrical release. Let's check out what this 2023 horror film about the urban legend of Mary Cherry Chua has in store for Filipino horror movie enthusiasts here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.

Mary Cherry Chua 2023 movie trailer impressions horror film trailer review Pinoy Movie Blogger Feature


Mary Cherry Chua
Plot / Synopsis

Mary Cherry Chua 2023 horror movie adaptation of a Philippine urban legend of Mary Cherry chua

Merry Cherry Chua is based on a Filipino Urban Legend about a kind, beautiful, and exceptional student who was later found dead within the premises of the school she was attending. While the culprit behind her murder surrendered, her spirit still lingers and haunts the halls of the school and the people within it.


Watch Mary Cherry Chua Official trailer here:



Mary Cherry Chua Official Trailer Impression
Mary Cherry Chua Film Trailer Review

Mary Cherry Chua 2023 filipino horror movie ouija board scene


What can be said about the Mary Cherry Chua (2023) official movie trailer? As a big horror movie fan, the premise isn't that revolutionary but it would be interesting to see a popular Filipino urban legend get another big screen adaptation. What is interesting about urban legends is how familiar yet unknown they are. You may hear that it originated at a particular school, but later found out that it isn't. That almost every school has its own version of Mary cherry Chua, just like how every school was once claimed to be a burial grounds or cemetery.

Mary Cherry Chua 2023 filipino horror film adaptation of a filipino urban legend about a slain student haunting school ground


What is interesting is that I am not even familiar with Mary Cherry Chua's urban legend. What I am familiar with is the concept of haunted school grounds and lingering restless spirits haunting people within it. One can say it is a tried and tested formula while others may say it is a tired cliche as well. The only difference is that this time you just have fresh faces or talenst from Viva Films this 2023 acing along with veteran performers like Joko Diaz, Alma Moreno, and Rolando Inocencio. I think this urban legend can seamlessly be blended within one of the segment of a Shake, Rattle, & Roll (SRR) film; but I can also say that Filipino film production studios and creatives are running out of concepts to make for a compelling and noteworthy horror film because of horror franchises like SRR are using all the concept up. The same reason why Pridyider (2012) became its own supernatural horror title even if it was part of an episode of the original Shake, Rattle, & Roll (1984). Will Mary Cherry Chua be scary or engaging enough to justify its normal standalone Filipino film runetime or will it feel dragging and longer than it should. I guess, movie goers will know that once it premieres in cinemas nationwide.

Mary Cherry Chua 2023 produced by Viva Films written and directed by  Roni Benaid starring Abby Bautista, Kokoy de Santos, Lyca Gairanod, Krissha Viaje, Ashley Diaz showing July 19, 2023


How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 horror film featuring another popular Filipino urban legend? What popular urban legend are you familiar about? What recent horror film that focuses on urban legends have you enjoyed? Will you be seeing this horror film once it hits the theaters in the 19th of July, 2023? Share your thoughts and opinion about Mary Cherry Chua (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.
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July 14, 2023

As If It is True (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: A Cinemalaya 2023 Film Festival Entry About Two People Using Each Other for Clout and Eventually Falling in Love?

As If It is True is romantic drama film under the direction of John Rogers, story by John Rogers and Dolly Dulu, starring Ashley Ortega, Khalil Ramos, Adrianna So, John Silverio, Angellie Sanoy, Rachel Coates and Marnie Lapus. As If It is True is an official entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and slated for limited release from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Let's check out what this 2023 Cinemalaya film entry about two people who started out parasitically benefitting on each other's reputation and if their love will truly blossom here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.
As If It is True 2023 movie trailer impressions 19th cinemalaya independent film fenstival entry film trailer review pinoy movie blogger


As If It is True
Plot / Synopsis

As If It is True 2023 cinemalaya 2023 entry about musician and content creator falling in love

An exhausted online content creator and a struggling musician start a romantic relationship with the shared goal of benefiting from each other. However, they find it difficult to distinguish between taking advantage of each other and experiencing genuine love.


Watch As If It is True Official trailer here:


As If It is True Official Trailer Impression
As If It is True Cinemalaya Film Trailer Review

As If It is True 2023 19th cinemalaya independent film festival directed by John Rogers with story by John Rogers and Dolly Dulu, starring Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega

What can be said about the As If It is True (2023) official movie trailer? I think it's a typical romantic Filipino film with a contemporary twist, with two struggling "celebrities" who benefitted in starting a not-so-fake relationship for clout. From what we see from the performance of the lead pair on this trailer, I think there is good chemistry between them and can pull the more dramatic moments on the film. That to me is critical for a romantic film be remembered fondly... chemistry and performance. Let's just hope that the next trailers won't spoil anything significant that will make one roll their eyes as to how predictable it can possibly get and might lose interest in the film.
As If It is True 2023 Ashley Ortega and Khalil Ramos romantic pair Cinemalaya 2023

While not revolutionary, using the struggling musician and burnt-out content creator is what makes this generic romantic film feels fresh. On a mostly online age where people gravitate towards music and online personalities more than ever, this combo makes it feel relevant. There has been a number of online personalities who later came out to reveal that their relationship was fake in order to get attention and clout. This makes you question how cold and calculated people can be in order to become successful in the cut-throat world of online content creation. Maybe that is the secondary goal of the As If It is True film; to put a spotlight to that parasitic setups and shallow mindset of these individuals and maybe add a pinch of positivity that may result to your typical happy ending. Reflecting on this reality, it might just pique some Cinemalaya movie-going public's interest on how Ashley Ortega and Khalil Ramos' characters will end up in the film.
As If It is True 2023 romantic drama  movie directed by John Rogers, story by John Rogers and Dolly Dulu, starring Ashley Ortega, Khalil Ramos showing from August 4 to 13, 2023

How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 romantic drama film featuring Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega? Does this film feel fresh to you with a contemporary spin featuring an online creator and struggling musician starting a relationship for online clout? Will you be seeing this 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival entry during its screening week from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center? Share your thoughts and opinion about As If It is True (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.
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July 8, 2023

Litrato (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: A Drama-Comedy Starring Ai-Ai delas Alas About an Elderly Woman with Memory Loss and her Loved Ones' Missing Photo

Litrato is a 2023 a drama-comedy under the direction of Luisito Lagdameo "Louie" Ignacio, story by Louie Ignacio, screenplay by Ralston Jover, produced by 316 Media Network; starring Ai-Ai delas Alas, Quinn Carillo, Ara Mina, Liza Lorena, and Bodjie Pascua; and is slated for a July 26, 2023 Philippine theatrical release. Let's check out what this 2023 film about an elderly woman in search of a lost but memorable photo and the people surrounding her here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.
Litrato 2023 movie trailer impressions drama comedy filipino film trailer review pinoy movie blogger feature

Litrato
Plot / Synopsis
"Loving, I'm loving you. Even tomorrow, you will not be with me."
Quinn Carrillo will play “Angel”, the strict caregiver in the movie.

Litrato 2023 Filipino movie starring Ai-Ai delas Alas as an elderly woman who lost a photo of her daughter and grand-daughter



Litrato is an upcoming drama-comedy movie directed by the renowed filmmaker, Mr. Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio.
Starring AiAi Delas Alas with Ara Mina, Liza Lorena, Bodjie Pascua, and Quinn Carrillo.
Showing on July 26, 2023 in cinemas nationwide.

Source: 316 Media Network's FB Page



Watch Litrato's Official trailer here:

Litrato Official Movie Trailer Impression
Litrato Film Trailer Review

Litrato 2023 Filipino film story by Louie Ignaci, screenplay by Ralston Jover, produced by 316 Media Network starring Ai-Ai delas Alas, Liza Lorena, and Bodjie Pascua

What can be said about the Litrato (2023) official movie trailer? Litrato seems to be another promising family drama film with a dash of comedy as hinted in the trailer with the seemingly unlikeable protagonist (Ai-Ai delas Alas). It makes you wonder as to where is that memorable photograph Ai-Ai's senile elderly character's daughter and grand-daughter is and what happened to her beloved family. The film doesn't seem to focus on the dementia aspect like most of its contemporaries do when using the elderly as the central character. The film has an all-star cast of noteworthy seasoned actors and actresses, with some fresh faces like Quinn Carillo. Who is and where are the remaining family members of Ai-Ai's character? Those questions are what will drive interest for the film besides its cast and superb performance.
Litrato 2023 Filipino film starring Quinn Carillo as a caregiver to Ai-Ai delas Alas elderly character

I am going on a tangent here but is still relevant to Filipino films in general. There should be more aggresive marketing and detailed press release for Filipino films. I have to really dig deep within the 316 Media Network's official Facebook Page to find the Litrato (2023) official movie poster which then cite the story, screenplay and other critical details of the film. Beyond a critically acclaimed director (Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio), I genuinely believe that story and screenplay writers should also be mentioned in the same breath, along with the actors. This is why I always make it to a point to scrounge up details to complete the information behind a particular film. Writers are crucial and can make or break a film. Litrato is a story by Louie Ignacio (the film's actual director) with screenplay by Ralston Jover. It also wouldn't hurt, if the marketing team can cite some plot or synopsis to give us an idea on who or what to expect in the film. All in all, Litrato is a promising Filipino family film that I would encourage people to consider watching when it hits theaters on the 26th of July.
Litrato 2023 official movie poster starring Ai-Ai delas Alas, Quinn Carillo, Ara Mina, Liza Lorena, and Bodjie Pascua open in cinemas nationwide on July 26, 2023

How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 drama-comedy starring Ai-Ai delas Alas and Quinn Carillo? What is your fondest memory of your grandmother? Will you be seeing this 2023 filipino movie on cinemas nationwide this July 26, 2023? Share your thoughts and opinion about Litrato (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.
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July 8, 2019

ANi (2019) Cinemalaya Movie Trailer Impressions: A Filipino Sci-Fi Coming-of-Age Film About a Journey of a Boy and His Robot

ANi is a 2019 a coming-of-age science fiction film and an official Cinemalaya 2019 finalist with a screenplay by Toni Zuñiga, Kim Zuñiga, and Sandro Del Rosario; under the direction of Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario starring Ricky Davao, Zyren Dela Cruz, Miguel Valdes, and Anna Luna; and is slated for a limited Philippine theatrical release from August 2-13, 2019 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Let's check out what this 2019 Cinemalaya film festival entry about a Filipino sci-fi film about a boy with his malfunctioning robot here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.

Ani 2019 movie trailer impressions Ani The Harvest 2019 Cinemalay film trailer review Pinoy Movie Blogger feature

ANi (The Harvest)
Plot / Synopsis

When his grandfather falls ill, an orphaned boy and his malfunctioning robot embark on a quest to look for magical grains that he believes will save the old man’s life.

Source: Cinemalaya


Watch the ANi Official trailer here:





ANi (The Harvest) Official Trailer Impression
ANi (The Harvest) Film Trailer Review

Ani official Cinemalaya 2019 finalist with a screenplay by Toni Zuñiga, Kim Zuñiga, and Sandro Del Rosario and directed by Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario about a coming-of-age Filipino sci-fi film

What can be said about the ANi (2019) official movie trailer for Cinemalaya 2019? Well, Ani feels fresh to me; not in the context of what we've seen so far in mainstream Filipino films. We just don't get something done seriously and competently. The technology is already there but companies just don't want to invest in something outside horror and romantic films. And even if they do, it isn't a guarantee that the visual effects are going to be visually appealing amidst the many months of preparation and post-production. Well, luckily Ani seems to break this mold. There are some good studios backing up the film, so that helps boost it up a notch. Of course, all will be for naught, if the narrative and performance will fall behind. The ANi trailer is good so far and intriguing at best. ANi isn't categorized as a straight-up horror but more of a coming-of-age science fiction film, but we can sense a looming dread in this film from its trailer; of a dystopian society run by warbots (war robots).

Ani 2019 Cinemalaya movie Philippine sci-fi movie  starring Ricky Davao, Zyren Dela Cruz, Miguel Valdes, and Anna Luna about a war robot warbot and a child on a journey to find magical grains



This is the hook of Ani. What are these "warbots" in this dystopian society? And the premise tells that the film will follow a boy and his malfunctioning robot to find a magical grain. How can a magical grain cure the life of his old man? What part do these warbots play in society and why are the ordinary people seem to both be afraid and hostile towards them? This raises more questions that hopefully will be resolved as the film unfolds. While some of the performance from the trailer is questionable (I'm looking at you scene where kids are beating what seems to the main robot or the kid protagonist), hopefully, it won't detract what seems to be an interesting premise. As a big fan of horror, fantasy and sci-fi, Ani is one of my most anticipated film for the Cinemalaya 2019.

Ani The Harvest 2019 Cinemalaya film festival entry  Filipino scifi movie set in dystopian society ruled by warbots or robots

How about you guys? What do you think about this 2019 Cinemalaya sci-fi coming-of-age film festival entry about a dystopian future possibly ruled by war robots? What are similar films like this that you have seen and liked in the past (internationally)? How do you like that it uses another local dialect instead of the safe Filipino (Tagalog) language? Will you be seeing this 2019 Cinemalaya official film festival finalist on its limited theatrical run in the Cultural Center of the Philippines from August 2 to 13, 2019? Share your thoughts and opinion about ANi (2019) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.

ANi 2019 official Cinemalaya 2019 finalist directed by Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario starring Ricky Davao, Zyren Dela Cruz, Miguel Valdes, and Anna Luna showing from August 2-13, 2019 at the CCP
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