Alibi competes in int’l filmfest

MANILA, Philippines - After earning finalist status in the GAWAD CCP Short/Narrative Feature Festival, Triple MP Production’s Alibi competes in the 2012 International Film Festival Manhattan, to be held on Nov. 9 to 15 at the historic QUAD Cinemas in New York City.

The 15-minute short film (screening on Monday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.) is a cautionary tale about two actor-friends Donald Valenzuela (Richard Quan) and Ray Martinez (Yutaka Yamakawa) who perpetually search for urban adventure and cosmopolitan excitement. Although Ray is happily married and has a family that he truly loves, sex with a comely stranger is his secret fantasy.

Things heat up when Ray agrees to be set up by Donald, with the one-time, big-time blind date giving him the opportunity to realize what he covets. 

“This is my first short film and I am very happy knowing the fact that we are taking it to New York,” says writer and director Perry Escaño. “It is an interesting look at these actors and what they do, talk about in between takes. It also tackles family issues such as broken families in the Philippines.”

He adds, “My actors and crew are very professional and excellent in most ways and I had a great time working with them. The film will reveal the secrets and techniques of men on how they cheat on their girlfriends and wives.”

The International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM), with Luis Pedron as its co-founder/festival director/programmer and Gerry Balasta, co-founder and executive director, offers a quality selection of world-class films that will be showcased in downtown Manhattan at the celebrated Quad Cinemas. 

The film programming encompasses narrative features, documentaries, shorts and student films with strong social relevance from all over the world.

Also starring in the short film are Nix dela Rosa, Anne Real and Joanne Palisoc.