"Boses" To Premiere In New York: Actor Ricky Davao, director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil to grace premiere

Ricky Davao takes a break from his busy schedule to make a trip to New York City to attend the premiere of the film “Boses,” one of the most popular and successful entries to the 2008 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

A project of the Assumption Alumni Association, the four-hour event on May 1, 2009, 6pm at Saint Paul the Apostle Church Hall, Columbus Ave. and W. 60th Street (near Lincoln Center) in Manhattan, will include a reception for Ricky and “Boses” director and member of the alumni association Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, a film screening and a musical concert featuring the actor.

“Boses” is about the redemption of the human spirit and the healing power of music. Onyok, a child made mute by abuse at the hands of his own father, is sent to a shelter for abused children where he is cared for by social workers. Nothing seems to work for Onyok until he meets Ariel, a reclusive violin teacher. Although reluctant at first as he himself is haunted by grief and guilt over the death of his girlfriend, Ariel discovers that Onyok is a gifted child. Together, they battle their demons until they regain their voice, rediscover their spirit and realize that forgiveness is within their reach.

The film also stars Cherry Pie Picache, Meryll Soriano and introducing Julliard-trained violinist Coke Bolipata and his student, Julian Duque, a child violin prodigy. This film is sub-titled and rated PG 13.

For group and individual ticket sales, please contact Vina Francisco at [email protected]. This film has been endorsed in the country by UNICEF, the Catholic Education Board and was granted an A rating by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Proceeds of the film will benefit Daang-Sine, a creative group focused on educating and creating awareness on social issues through film and various organizations in the Philippines working to stop violence against children.

Incidentally, the 6th Golden Screen Awards (Philippine version of the Golden Globes) recently announced its nominations for the best films of 2008. “Boses” leads the pack with 12 nominations, including Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Best Director for Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil. The awards night will be held on April 30 at Metro Bar in West Avenue, Quezon City.

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Eleven-year-old Fritz Arvhie Chavez drew praise for his performance as a young boy coming to terms with sexual orientation in “Dose,” the debut directorial assignment of award-winning scriptwriter Senedy Que.

Fritz, who dreams of becoming an artista even as young boy, auditioned for the part in the film that also featured Yul Servo in the role of a lonely gardener who became the friend of the young boy. “I want to help my family earn money. I want to save up so that I can buy my parents a house and lot,” said Fritz in a recent interview.

He started joining contests when he was six years old. He joined “That’s My Boy” in Eat Bulaga but didn’t make it to the monthly finals.

Fritz said he was challenged with the role that he played in “Dose.” For his performance, he earned a Breakthrough Performance by An Actor nomination at the 6th Golden Screen Awards (given by the Entertainment Press Society) to be held on April 30 at Metro Bar. He was elated with the nomination and is looking forward to attending the awards night.

“I only had a hard time in the part that I had to accept that my mother in the film didn’t love me as much as my other siblings. But I understood that some mothers could be like that,” said Fritz. His classmates Batasan Hills Elementary School were surprised that he was playing a gay character in the film. He added that he became even more popular in school after word went around that he’s playing an important role in the film.

He has also done commercials for Hapee Toothpaste and Bear Brand. He also played the lead role in one episode of “Pangarap Kong Jackpot” shown on NBN 4, with Empress Schuck as co-star.

When asked who does he look up to among today's actors, Fritz naturally answered Yul Servo, his co-star in “Dose.” Among the actresses, his favorite is Anne Curtis.

Aside from being a star, Fritz also dreams of becoming a civil engineer. He loves Math. Now that vacation has set in, Fritz said he’s going to review and prepare for the entrance exam to enter sixth grade. He belongs to a special section in their school and the students are asked to take a test before being admitted. Even if he’s enjoying himself in showbiz, Fritz doesn’t neglect his studies. He believes that education is important in our lives.

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In related news, “Dose” (12) has been officially invited to the 11th Festival de Cinema Asiatic de Barcelona or The 11th Barcelona Asian Film Festival which will be held on April 30-May 10, 2009. The screening of “Dose” is part of the "Focus on Southeast Asian Cinema" section of the festival.

According to producer-distributor Ferdinand Lapuz, Adolfo Alix Jr.'s "Adela," Dante Mendoza's "Serbis," and Francis Pasion's "Jay" have also been included in the slate of Filipino films which will be exhibited at this premium 10-day fest in Europe.

The Oscar winner for Best Foreign language Film, Japan's "Departures," will also have its premiere in Spain at the filmfest.

For the first time, BAFF will present the Netpac Prize granted by Netpac (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema). Netpac is a world organization founded in 1990 on New Delhi with the support of the UNESCO, whose aim is to promote and support Asian cinema. The BAFF joins to the list of events in which there is grant given to the winner of this prestigious award.

The 11th Barcelona Film Festival will take place at CCCB (Barcelona Centre of Contemporary Culture), Rex Cinema, Aribau Club 2 and Espai Cultural Caja Madrid.