Cinemalaya takes a bold stand with Lav Diaz’s ‘Ang Hupa’
For its 15th year, Cinemalaya makes a striking move when it decides to open the film festival with Lav Diaz’s Ang Hupa (The Halt) on Aug. 2, 6 p.m. at CCP Main Theater lobby.
For the first time in the film festival’s history, Cinemalaya will screen a four-hour-and-thirty-minute film to kick-start one of the most anticipated cinematic events in the country.
Known for defying filmmaking traditions, Filipino director Diaz has been a hardcore believer in the slow cinema movement, having written and produced numerous films with the longest of narratives.
Also, Diaz films have been known for being politically charged, with themes depicting the harsh social and political realities happening in the country. He is the creative brain behind some of the best independent films in recent years, including Batang West Side, Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis, Ang Babaeng Humayo, Norte, the End of History, among others.
This screening is a homecoming of sort for Diaz’s Ang Hupa after making its world premiere at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight, the non-competition section of Cannes Film Festival, in France early this year.
The film is set in the year 2034 AD. Southeast Asia has been in the dark for the last three years, literally, because the sun hasn’t shone as a result of massive volcanic eruptions in the Celebes Sea in 2031. Madmen control countries, communities, enclaves and bubble cities. Cataclysmic epidemics have razed over the continent. Millions have died and millions have left. Diaz’s new film, a mix of sci-fi and horror, is “about death of a dictator, the death of morality, the death of truth.” Actor Piolo Pascual, veteran director-actor Joel Lamangan and actress Shaina Magdayao topbill the film. Joining them are actors Hazel Orencio, Mara Lopez, Pinky Amador, Susan Africa, Noel Miralles, Joel Saracho, Philip Heremans, Gala Athena Diaz, among others. Cinemalaya is rolling out the red carpet during the opening, with a pre-screening program, to be directed by CCP artistic director and festival director Chris B. Millado. Cinemalaya 2019 runs from Aug. 2 to 11 at the CCP venues, and Aug. 5 to 13 at selected Ayala Malls Cinemas and Vista Malls nationwide. For full screening schedule, visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.