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
Plot / Synopsis



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



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 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.



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.

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 (Golden Dear)
Plot / Synopsis



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



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.



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.

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.

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
Plot / Synopsis


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


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.

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.

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.

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 (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


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).





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.


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.

John Denver Trending (2019) Cinemalaya Movie Trailer Impressions: A Drama About Cyberbullying on Social Media and its Aftermath

John Denver Trending is a 2019 drama film and an official Cinemalaya 2019 finalist written and directed by Arden Rod Condez starring Jansen Magpusao and Meryll Soriano, and is slated for a limited Philippine theatrical release from August 2-13, 2019. Let's check out what this 2019 Cinemalaya film festival entry about social media, cyberbullying, and the outcome of such ordeal to someone of the receiving end of it here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


John Denver Trending
Plot / Synopsis

In “John Denver Trending,” director Arden Rod Condez bookmarks a period in people’s lives when they allow social media to reshape their mindset. Based on true events and will be shot entirely in Pandan, Antique, it narrates how the life of a 14-year-old farm boy has changed when he was caught on a viral video brutally attacking a classmate.

This is also about you and social media.

Source: Cinemalaya

Watch the John Denver Trending Official trailer here:





John Denver Trending Official Trailer Impression
John Denver Trending Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the John Denver Trending (2019) official movie trailer for Cinemalaya 2019? Well, the trailer is short but meaty. It short teaser establishes what this film is going to be all about; of the possible destructive psychological and emotional damage that cyberbullying can do to an individual. With the film's synopsis and this evocative trailer, it makes you think twice about riding that next big social media bandwagon and to think before hitting that post button.


The synopsis reads that the kid was involved in some physical disagreement. Now, it would be pretty interesting in what direction will the film take this premise. Will it take the safe approach and make the kid into this "pure" victim of circumstances and was simply framed? Or will the film show that the kid is actually not as good as he is portrayed and probably "deserved" what was coming to him and if he did deserve it, does it justify how people react and become the bully themselves to this boy. With these ideas in mind, it makes you curious about what's what? This is what I love with trailers being actual trailers; just enough to tease and make one wonder. Hopefully, it doesn't get too preachy and would make moviegoers reflect on the incredible power (and destructive power) of social media.





How about you guys? What do you think about this 2019 Cinemalaya drama film festival entry about the commentary of the social media, the psychology of mob mentality, cyberbullying and the after-effects? What are similar films like this that you have seen and liked in the past (is there even one)? What do you think about the performance found in this trailer? 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 John Denver Trending (2019) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.

Iska (2019) Cinemalaya Movie Trailer Impressions: The Struggles of an Impoverished Grandmother and her Autistic Grandchild

Iska is a 2019 drama film and an official Cinemalaya 2019 finalist written by Mary Rose Colindres and directed by Theodore Boborol starring Ruby Ruiz playing the titular role of Iska is slated for a limited Philippine theatrical release from August 2-13, 2019. Let's check out what this 2019 Cinemalaya film festival entry about a grandmother and her special needs grandchild here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


Iska
Plot / Synopsis

ISKA is written by Mary Rose Colindres, “Iska” by Theodore Boborol is about a loving but impoverished grandmother of an autistic child who loses everything and turns into someone society reckons her to be.

Source: Cinemalaya

Watch the Iska 2019 Cinemalaya Official trailer here:





ISKA Official Trailer Impression
Iska Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the ISKA (2019) official movie trailer for Cinemalaya 2019? Well, bring on the handkerchief moviegoers, this one is going to be a tearjerker. Well, that is what this 2019 Cinemalaya official film fest entry gives off and I'm sure there is more to it than that as it seems to also tackle how local communities usually tend to misunderstand families with special needs people in their household; this could be a commentary about that as well.





Iska, from its synopsis and the trailers, features a solid performance from its titular character played by Ruby Ruiz and the film's entire cast. It is a film that is a must-watch for everyone and not simply for families who have special needs people in their homes as it could educate people who do not fully understand what having someone with special needs is like and what more if the setting is on a community/society that only looks at it with their limited capacity. The film also uses the University of the Philippines as one of its backdrop, which feels like a commentary all on itself; of impassioned students fighting for their rights and for an impoverished society all the while mingling with someone in the exact same position right under their noses, but they don't seem to know or indifferent towards them. Pretty interesting title card. But that could just be my interpretation and that is what makes films great! This is definitely fresh for me and intrigued by the line "turns into someone society reckons her to be" in its synopsis. This could feel like another tragic ending, but that is what we'll soon see when Iska hits limited theaters in the Philippines and the CCP from August 2-13, 2019.


How about you guys? What do you think about this 2019 Cinemalaya family drama film festival entry about a grandmother dealing with her special needs grandchild and a community that barely understands it? What are similar films like this that you have seen and liked in the past? What do you think about the performance found in this trailer? 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 when it hits the theaters? Share your thoughts and opinion about ISKA (2019) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.

Silong Trailer Impressions: Piolo Pascual and Rian Ramos Romantic Thriller Film Premiering on Cinemalaya 2015 at the CCP Main Theater

Silong is a 2015 romantic thriller film presented by SQ Film Laboratories and Black Maria Pictures directed by Jeffrey Hidalgo and Roy Sevilla Ho with story and screenplay by Roy Sevilla Ho which stars Piolo Pascual and Rhian Ramos screened and premiering on August 14, 2015, 9:00 PM at the CCP Main Theater, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City as a closing film for Cinemalaya 2015. Let's check out what this romantic thriller film and first big screen pair-up of Rhian Ramos and Piolo Pascual has to offer.


Silong
Plot / Synopsis

Doctor Miguel Cascarro (Piolo Pascual) is mourning the death of his pregnant wife in a bus accident. As he drives home one day, he finds a badly beaten and bloody Valerie (Rhian Ramos) on a deserted country road and takes her home to nurse her back to health. But the deepest scars are the ones you can't see.


PIOLO PASCUAL and RHIAN RAMOS together for the first time in the big screen via "SILONG" (Shelter), a new romantic thriller, and Cinemalaya 2015 is honored to have it as the Closing Film (world premiere)! "SILONG" (Shelter) will be screened on August 14, Friday, 9:00 PM at the CCP Main Theater, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. You may avail your tickets (P150 regular price and P100 student price) from CCP box office and Ticketworld outlets! SILONG is directed by Christian Jeffrey Hidalgo and Roy Sevilla Ho.

Watch Silong Official trailer here:

Silong - Official Trailer (2015) from Black Maria Pictures on Vimeo.

Silong Official Trailer Impression
Silong Film Trailer Review

So what is there to say about the Silong movie trailer? Well we can start off by saying that the film's premise is intriguing. Although not being ground-breaking and all (that is if you have been long enough to watch foreign films), this is probably quite refreshing to see this kind of premise adapted locally or (well) hit the big screen in a mainstream film industry overly saturated by supernatural horror films, cliched love stories, or shallow comedies spearheaded by mainstream film production companies. It is probably fitting that this film gets a Cinemalaya premiere to receive a much more open and appreciating movie going audience hungry for refreshing quality films.


The chemistry between Rhian Ramos and Piolo Pascual and their acting basing from the trailer seems to be actually quite good and if all goes all as expected those who will see it are in for a treat. There are a series of scenarios on how these kinds of films might end and that is part of the charm of these kind of combination of genre. What is the mystery behind this woman? How will the film unfold itself in its run? I highly urge film goers to catch this and other films included in the Cinemalaya 2015 for something refreshing, compelling, and great.


How about you guys? What do you think about the Piolo Pascual - Rhian Ramos on-screen team up? What do you think of the film's premise? Have you been to any screenings of Cinemalaya before? Do you have any favorite film that was first screened at cinemalaya which was later picked up by major film studious and television stations? Share your thoughts and opinion on the Silong official trailer in the comments section below:

Bwakaw Trailer Impressions: A Story of Self-Discovery, Life, and Friendship

Bwakaw is a 2012 comedy drama film written and directed by Jun Lana starring Eddie Garcia, Beverly Salviejo, Soxy Topacio, Rez Cortez, featuring Princess as "Bwakaw". Bwakaw is produced by Cinemalaya, APT Entertainment, and Octobertrain Films which first premiered on CINEMALAYA: Philippine Independent Film Festival last 21 July 2012. The film is locally and commercially distributed by Star Cinema and has a nationwide (Philippine) theatrical release of 5 September 2012. Bwakaw will also premiere in the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2012 New York Film Festival. Let's check out what Bwakaw has in store for the Filipinos and the rest of the world.

Bwakaw
Plot / Synopsis

Shot in a style and rhythm which recalls neo-realist classics like Umberto D, Bwakaw is, in part, about those people who have been left alone on the margins of society — but it's also about self-discovery. A chance and ugly encounter with a cab driver blossoms into a friendship, and eventually desire. The experience changes Rene, putting him in touch with feelings he's hidden for far too long, and softening his interactions with people. But, as Rene, discovers, the path he's about to take comes with its own risks.

Source: NYFF 2012 Bwakaw Official Trailer

Watch Bwakaw Official trailer here:


Bwakaw Official Trailer Impression
Bwakaw Film Trailer Review

Bwakaw is currently out in Philippine theaters as I made this trailer impressions. I saw Bwakaw last week when I ran some errands at a the local mall here in the Philippines, sadly, I was not able to see it right then. I am fully aware of its theme, story, and quality content after seeing its trailer a couple of days ago and hearing rave reviews about this Cinemalaya independent film. So after re-watching the trailer again what should I do now?

Multi-awarded celebrated actor and director Mr. Eddie Garcia is perfect for the role Rene, a man who finally discovers his true self (preference), but is there still time to celebrate when he lived an isolated life alienating the people around him, not to mention he nears the dawn of his life. Besides the struggle of Rene, Bwakaw also features Rene's new found friendship a stray dog which he slowly grew fund of and become his bestfriend. But when you have little time left to live because of old age, how will you go out with your life with a new identity and a new friend to potentially leave behind? Sorry for doing the summary thing, I just can't help it, the movie is that good that it made me talk about it even further. I really believe and I think a lot can agree that Bwakaw is one of the quality films that most critics have been dreaming to have on the big screen. A break of sort! A break from the over-saturation of repetitive romantic comedy flicks and uninspired horror titles. I would like to thank Star Cinema for distributing Bwakaw locally making it possible for us who haven't seen the film in its original run in Cinemalaya to actually see Bwakaw in its full glory. I am really starting to like what Star Cinema have been doing this past few weeks as this is what the the Filipino people need, an intelligent and quality film that has something to tell, has sense, and has value. The support of the most prolific Philippine film production company is what the sagging Filipino film industry need to usher in again the golden age of Filipino films. I hope that Star Cinema will continue to focus more on making new and promising films which may balance their over-saturation of the Philippine theaters with romantic films. Either that or they can also start redistributing quality independent films. Not just Star Cinema, but all major Filipino film studios can join this noble cause.. that includes you Viva, Regal, GMA, and Studio 5. I hope they would do so in the years to come especially if a film seems to be as good as Bwakaw or Sinapupunan (Thy Womb). I am curious at how the film would unfold. I've read some responses from Youtube about the potential tragic ending that this film may have, well it is probably a no-brainer, but the question is will it be showcased on the film's last moments? No one can really know what kind of end Bwakaw would have. Is death always a tragedy? My biggest regeret last week was not seeing the film when had the chance to. I just hope it is not too late for me to catch this on Philippine theaters. I did that same mistake with I Do Bidoo Bidoo, sadly the film was taken off he theaters that quickly which is really a big puzzle for us who think that it should have a lengthier theatrical run. Bwakaw gets a high recommendation from the Pinoy Movie blogger because of its impressive trailer, its humor, and the drama of a man's struggle and a friendship at the brink of immediate ending. Watch out for the Bwakaw review anytime this week as I wouldn't definitely miss it for anything for the world.

How about you guys? What do you think about the story featured in Bwakaw's trailer? Share your thoughts about Bwakaw official trailer here: