‘Iloilo’ to hold advance screening in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - It’s confirmed! The Cannes Film Festival winner “Iloilo” will open on local cinemas on December 4. Origin8 Media – makers of “Zombadings” and distributor of the blockbuster comedy “Kimmy Dyora: Kambal sa Kiyeme” and noted films “Give Up Tomorrow” and “Boses” – was chosen by writer-director Anthony Chen and international distributor Memento Films to market and distribute “Iloilo” in the Philippines. Origin8 was picked over bigger and more established local film distributors because of its expertise in handling non-mainstream pictures.

Chen said, “I have been asked so many times by so many people, ‘When is Iloilo coming to the Philippines?’ I’m so heartened that we have an answer for them now. And what better than a distributor like Origin8 who will gave the same care and attention that our production gave over the three years of making the film.”

Nicholas Kaiser of Memento Films said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Origin8 Media. Their dedication and out-of-the-box strategies will surely give our film the necessary exposure.”

A special advance premiere is slated in Cebu on November 21, while screenings in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Dumaguete will also be held.

“Iloilo” will have a premiere in Iloilo on December 2 with director Anthony Chen, Filipino actress Angeli Bayani and Singaporean child actor Koh Jia Ler set to attend.

“Iloilo” is the first full-length feature of Chen who was born and grew up in Singapore. The story is inspired by her recollections of his Filipina nanny Teresita Sajonia who took care of him and his brothers Justin and Christopher from 1988 to 1997. The title refers to the home province of Teresita. The Chen brothers and Teresita had not seen each other since 1997 until PR consultant Charles of Selrahco Management helped find Teresita and broker a reunion for the former nanny and her wards.

Raymond Lee, one of the partners for Origin8, said that their company is elated to be chosen as the distributor of “Iloilo.”  Lee declared, “The trust given by Anthony and Memento Films reinforces the capability of our artist-run moviemaking and distribution company. We pledge to give ‘Iloilo’ a most fitting campaign and maximum exposure.”

“Iloilo” was unveiled last May at the 66th Cannes International film Festival where it won the Camera d’Or for Best Debut feature.

Angeli Bayani, who plays Auntie Terry in the film, was in Cannes for the world premiere of “Iloilo” and in Paris where the film was shown at the Festival Paris Cinema. Last August, the actress was in Singapore for its big premiere at the posh Marina Bay Sands that had no less than Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam as guest of honor.

She is happy her film will be shown in the Philippines soon. “The movie’s themes about family and relationships are very universal. Many Filipinos can relate in this movie which serves as a tribute to the hard work and kindness of the Filipinos,” Bayani said.

The Singapore Film Commission advisory committee announced it had picked “Iloilo” as their country’s entry to the Foreign Language Film category of the Oscars. (FREEMAN)