Double treat from Star Cinema
It’s a double cinematic treat this March as Star Cinema releases two of last year’s most-talked-about Cinema One Originals Festival entries — Baka
Bukas and 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten. Baka Bukas, which was a finalist in the narrative category in last year’s Cinema One Originals filmfest and recipient of the Audience Choice Award, marks the feature film directorial debut of Samantha Lee. She also received critical acclaim both locally and internationally because of her riveting documentary titled Agos (Waves).
Baka Bukas stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Louise delos Reyes, two of today’s most promising young actresses. The film offers a fresh take on significant issues that have always been part of the lives of today’s youth — from complicated relationships to career struggles, as well as their whirlwind journey of acceptance from their families, friends and most especially, themselves.
Jasmine, who also starred in Transit, which was the official Philippine entry to the 86th Academy Awards under the Best Foreign Language Film category, bagged the Best Actress award for her role as Alex in Baka Bukas. Jasmine captivated audiences by portraying the role of a 20-something lesbian working multiple jobs while being secretly in love with her best friend.
Playing the role of Jess, Louise captures the complexities of a typical millennial trying her hardest to find her true self in the process of chasing her dreams.
Meanwhile, 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is directed by Petersen Vargas and it took home the Best Picture award during last year’s Cinema One Originals filmfest. 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is the fruition of Petersen’s translation of writer Jason Paul Laxamana’s powerful words into compeling cinematic imagery.
As a young director, Petersen currently has four nominations and a win under his belt in different film festivals
and award-giving bodies. Featured in the ensemble cast of 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten are Jameson Blake, Ethan Salvador and Khalil Ramos. Ethan is a Top 40 finalist of Pinoy
Boyband Superstar and a Star Magic artist. He was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Magnus Snyder.
Khalil Ramos, who is also a Star Magic artist and a Star Music recording artist, received a Best Actor nomination for portraying the role of Felix. A second placer in Pilipinas Got Talent, Khalil’s Star Cinema film credits include A Second Chance and The Achy Breaky Hearts.
Jameson, who is a former Big Brother housemate and currently part of It’s
Showtime’s Hashtags boy group, also received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as Maxim Snyder in the film.
Both films are hip, fresh, risky, adventurous and hopeful. Baka Bukas and
2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten pose the question to every millennial: How much do you love your best friend? The characters in both movies dare to love their best friends even if it is complicated, even if it means waiting and ultimately, even if it means risking their friendships.
Witness the limitless bounds that true friendship could surpass in these two films that every millennial and movie aficionado should not miss.
Baka Bukas is showing in cinemas nationwide starting tomorrow, March 1, while Cool 2 Be 4gotten hits cinemas nationwide on March 15.