Two films, one project, and seven companies will represent the Philippines at the Busan International Film Festival from October 6 to 15
The Filipino film industry continues to make a scene worldwide as it joins a plethora of prestigious events that celebrate the beauty of cinema and the diversity of culture from which these outputs stem. This year, our very own Gensan Punch and On the Job: The Missing 8 are coming to the 2021 Busan International Film Fest to represent the country. The films were directed by Brillante Mendoza and Erik Matti, respectively.
One of seven Asian films nominated for the Kim Jiseok Award in Busan is Gensan Punch, It revolves around the story of a Japanese man with a prosthetic leg who goes to the Philippines to train and become a professional boxer. The film is also a CreatePHFilm Fund for Post-Production grantee by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and will have its world premiere in Busan before premiering exclusively on HBO.
Meanwhile, On The Job: The Missing 8 is a film that follows the story of a corrupt media man who seeks justice for the disappearance of his colleagues. Veteran actor John Arcilla, who plays journalist Sisoy Salas in the film, is the first Filipino to bag the Volpi Cup for Best Actor in the recently concluded Venice Film Festival.
See also: Review: 'On The Job: The Missing 8' Exposes The Philippines' Long Battle Against Corruption
FDCP will host the online panel discussion “Co-Producing with the Philippines” and a virtual Philippine pavilion with seven local companies: Sine Caboloan Ltd. Co., ABS-CBN (International Production & Co-Production), ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., Eichef Media / HFilms Co., Cignal Entertainment, The Producers Asia, and KT House Productions Inc. in the 15th edition of Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) from October 11 to 14.
“I am very excited that more Filipino films, projects, and talents have been selected to participate in such a respected film festival to showcase their stories. The agency is ready to support upcoming projects and talents that will make a mark on the future of our Philippine Cinema,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra.
Below are the screening details of Gensan Punch and On The Job: The Missing 8, respectively.
Gensan Punch Screening Schedule:
- October 9 (Sat), 17:30, Busan Cinema Center Cinema 2
- October 10 (Sun), 16:30, CGV Centum City 7
- October 13 (Wed), 16:00, CGV Centum City 7
On The Job: The Missing 8 Screening Schedule:
- October 9 (Sat), 13:00, Lotte Cinema-7
- October 11 (Mon), 15:30, Lotte Cinema-8
- October 14 (Thurs), 14:30, Lotte Cinema-2
Established in 1996, the annual Busan International Film Festival aims to introduce new films and first-time directors, especially from Asian countries. It also attracts a youthful audience through its efforts to develop and promote young talents.
NOW READ
Producer Quark Henares on ‘On The Job’, Chatting with Bong Joon-ho, and the Venice Film Fest
Movie Review: Why Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite (2019) Is A True Cinematic Masterpiece
John Arcilla on His Road to the Volpi Cup—'acting and expressing do not have boundaries'
To learn more about this event, please feel free to reach the Film Development Council of the Philippines Media Relations Unit through +6328 256 9958 loc. 100; or email them mediadesk@fdcp.ph. You may also visit their official website at fdcp.ph.