Bola premieres at UPFI Jan. 21

MANILA, Philippines - Bola, an indie movie which dares to examine the bonds between basketball players and their “managers” and the clash between genders both inside and outside the hard court, in the most basketball-crazed nation in the world, premieres at the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) Adarna Theater tomorrow night at 7.

Bola stars newcomer Kenneth Salva (photo) as Lester, the star player of their community basketball team who dreams of playing at the country’s premier league, but encounters a problem on the way to PBA. 

He meets Pandy (Arnell Ignacio), a local couturier who is smitten by Lester’s looks, agrees to be the team’s manager and helps him become part of the college’s varsity team.

Pandy is obviously in love with Lester, a straight guy devoted to his childhood sweetheart Angel (Sofia Valdez). Lester is at a loss when Pandy’s love for him turns into an obsession.    

Also starring are Jacob Miller, Simon Ibarra, Suzette Ranillo and Geeca Topacio.

Mowelfund film graduate and erstwhile Mel & Joey segment producer/director, Lem Lorca directs Bola from the screenplay by award-winning writer Jerry Gracio. Producers are R and B Entertainment and Amazing Production.

Premiere tickets (at P200) are available at the UPFI box-office before screening and can be reserved through Jette Madrigal (0916-4876793).