INSTALADO (2017) Trailer Impressions: A Filipino Sci-Fi About Artificial Augmentation and Capitalism

INSTALADO is a science fiction film presented by Universal Harvester Incorporated, Kamaru Productions, Petix Productions, Batang Ina Productions, and Kapampangan Cinema Movement; under the screenplay and direction of Jason Paul Laxamana starring McCoy De Leon, Jun-jun Quintana, and Francis Magundayao slated for a limited screening from July 12 to 18, 2017 in selected cinemas (screening list available below). Let's check out what this Filipino sci-fi indie about artificial augmentation has to offer for the lucky few who will be able to catch it on its limited run.


INSTALADO
Plot / Synopsis

Victor lives in a time when the dominant form of education is through installation, a process wherein bodies of knowledge can be installed directly on people's brains using technology owned by big corporations. However, like many others in the agricultural town of Porac, Victor cannot afford the sky-high cost of installation, which he believes is the key to improve his family's life. To raise money for installation, Victor abandons farming and works as the housekeep of a wealthy childhood friend who has become extremely successful after undergoing a series of installations.

Source: Official Facebook Page

Watch INSTALADO Official trailer here:





INSTALADO Official Trailer Impression
INSTALADO Film Trailer Review


What can be said about INSTALADO (2017) official movie trailer? Well, I am actually quite impressed by this trailer and film as a whole. Let me ask you this first, how many Filipino films have been made under the science fiction genre? Yup, your guess is as good as mine. Not a lot, usually the ones I remember is from the Shake, Rattle, & Roll franchise but that is quite obscure as it still technically belongs to the horror genre; or maybe you know better than I do, so be sure to mention that in the comments section below. So it is quite, fascinating that the filmmakers who dare explore this genre is coming from the independent film industry, which is why I have all the respect for this industry.


The film not only showcase that Filipino filmmakers can tackle sci-fi, but do it in a social and meta commentary kind of a manner; That INSTALADO reflects the ruthlessness of capitalism and how society works vis-a-vis what is observed in the current state of the Philippines or most countries centered on capitalism. The film also feature corruption into the mix; that absolute power corrupts; of depending too much on the status quo; on losing what truly is important - the self; the value of discipline and perseverance. The film isn't free from flaws just like any independent film on a tight budget out there (compared to the unlimited cash flow of the mainstream films that can only spew out Enteng Kabisote cliched variants that has overstayed its welcome). Good thing the focus isn't reliant on the computer generated graphics, but the story... of a bigger science fiction universe about artificial augmentation by large corporations but the narrative focuses only on a selected group of people at the grass-roots level of society which may or may not change the status quo. If it was made in Hollywood, it most probably would focus on the explosives or theatrics of this sci-fi world but of course we are talking about a Filipino sci-fi on a budget. If only bigger Filipino film studios gamble on newer independent scripts and filmmakers who prefer stories than conveyor-belt themes that doesn't even break the status quo.


Catch INSTALADO on the following screening schedule:

July 12 (Wednesday)
11 AM - Robinsons Galleria
4 PM - SM Megamall
6:30 PM - SM Manila
9 PM - Greenbelt 1

July 13 (Thursday)
11 AM - Gateway
1:30 PM - Robinsons Galleria
6:30 PM - SM Megamall
9 PM - SM Manila

July 14 (Friday)
11 AM - Greenbelt 1
1:30 PM - SM Megamall
4 PM - Robinsons Galleria
9 PM - Gateway (GALA NIGHT)

July 15 (Saturday)
1:30 PM - Greenbelt 1
4 PM - SM Megamall
6:30 PM - SM Manila
6:30 PM - Gateway
6:30 PM - Robinsons Galleria

July 16 ( Sunday)
1:30 PM - Robinsons Galleria
6:30 PM - Greenbelt 1
9 PM - SM Megamall
9 PM - Gateway

July 17 (Monday)
6:30 PM - Greenbelt 1
9 PM - Gateway
9 PM - SM Megamall

July 18 (Tuesday)
11 AM - SM Manila
4 PM - Gateway
6:30 PM - SM Megamall
9 PM - Greenbelt 1
9 PM - Robinsons Galleria

How about you guys? What do you think about this Filipino sci-fi film? Will you check it out this week (the writing of this post) to find out if it is as good as what the trailer has shown us? Will sci-fi ever worked here on the Philippines as much as horror and romance have? Share your thoughts and opinion about INSTALADO (2017) official movie trailer in the comments section below and let's discuss about it.

Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay Trailer Impressions: 2012 Re-Released of Lilia Cuntapay's Filmography and First Lead Role

Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay was a November 2011 Cinema One Originals entry which had a limited release will now have its commercial released on October 31, 2012. The independent film is about the biography of Philippines true horror icon/queen Lilia Cuntapay. Let's check out the trailer of Madam Lilia's first lead role in Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay.

Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay
Plot / Synopsis

The story follows her through the days leading up to a fictionalized awards night where she is nominated as a Best Supporting Actress for the very first time. Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay is written and directed by ANTOINETTE H. JADAONE which features Lilia Cuntapay.

Watch Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay Official trailer here:


Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay Official Trailer Impression
Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay Film Trailer Review

Being a big fan of horror and grew up watching 90's Filipino horror films it was really a big mistake for me to miss the limited release of Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay. Luckily, the November 2011 biographical film about the ultimate extra of most Filipino horror films of the late 80's and all the way to the present, Lilia Cuntapay will once again be released commercially this October 31, 2012. This time I won't miss it.

Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay received recognition from various award giving body and its light hearted feel on the trailer is more than enough to convince me to watch this biopic of a film. For those who have seen it last year, it would be really great if they can include Madam Lilia's actual speech as a bonus feature ala-Avengers eating Shawarma post credit clip to serve as a treat to those who will re-watch it again, but who knows they might do so. Pinoy Movie Blogger will review the film once it hits the theaters in October 31, 2012. Check the official FB Page of the film HERE.

How about you guys, what do you think about this film dedicated to that dear old grandma that spook the hell out of us in most horror films? Have you seen the film back in its 2011 release? Will you be seeing it now? Share your thoughts on Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay 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: