Brillante’s ‘Sapi’ explores paranormal phenomenon

Cannes Film Festival award-winning director Brillante Mendoza, after giving us the multi-awarded “Thy Womb,” returns to the scene via “Sapi” which takes on the story of demonic possession but if we look deeper, it is a story of the horrors that are happening around us yet we refuse to see it.

According to Direk Dante, “Sapi” is basically a horror film about the paranormal phenomenon of the demonic possession.  This paranormal occurrence has created widespread fear and curiosity. In this film, the characters running the media network personify apathy and ruthlessness, while those characters who committed the theft and plagiarism typify the unscrupulous media practitioners. The parallelism of two situations: a case of demonic possession and the callousness of the powerful and influential media exemplify which of them could be more terrifying and fearful.

In perspective, the film is presenting societal issues and crimes committed by those within power and with immense influence on people. The effect and ramifications are so devastating that people have become hardened and accustomed to that fear has become inconsequential. People are afraid and inclined to believe that which has not been seen, yet refuse to accept and believe things that they normally see that could be truly disturbing.

“It is my intent to show that there are other things that people must pay attention to and not be very afraid yet they opt to be insensitive and habituated to them,” he said.

“Sapi is treated like a documentary that captures day-to-day activities of the characters. As the story unfolds, we dig deep into their personal lives and further into their psyches.  The film thus feels like a documentary within a documentary, blurring the boundaries between fiction and news.”

“Sapi” is a product of intensive research, crafted with the highest regard for social reality.  The main actors immersed in the lives of their characters. There is hardly any script on the set and they have a cast of non-actors.

“The result is a movie that values authenticity. But since this also falls within a film genre, which is a great challenge for me as filmmaker, like any horror movie, there is substantial dramaturgy and some elements of suspense, thrill and gore. This film, however, was conscious to veer away from the classic moviemaking, such that horror would hopefully continue and endure beyond the screening,” the director said.

“Sapi” stars Dennis Trillo, Meryll Soriano, Baron Geisler and Ruby Ruiz, all-award-winning actors lending their artistry to this new film by Mendoza, who has put the Philippines back on the map of film festivals abroad with his international victories.

“Sapi” is a production of Center Stage Productions and Solar Entertainment. According to Direk Dante, Solar Films’ top man Wilson Cheng has given him the freehand to do the film as he pleased. The movie opens on November 6.

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If you are planning to buy a property like a condo unit or a vacation house in Tagaytay, you might want to visit the second floor of Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City to where Avida Land has just opened its flagship showroom as it aims to make its ever-growing product portfolio more accessible to the public.

The Avida showroom makes it easier for prospective clients to learn more about Avida projects and likewise, for property specialists to conveniently assist interested buyers.

“The showroom gives people an idea of what their future Avida home can look like,” says Christopher Maglanoc, Avida Land President told writers who were invited to the launch.  “We want to give them a preview of homes that Avida offers – thoughtfully-designed, located in secure communities and just within reach for young professionals, newlyweds and emerging families.”

The Avida Showroom Glorietta, located at the 2/F Glorietta 4, is open to the public between 10AM to 9PM from Monday to Thursday and 10AM to 10PM from Friday to Sunday.

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King of Talk Boy Abunda will give mothers a special gift tomorrow night in the second part of his birthday special in “The Bottomline with Boy Abunda.” Still featured in Bottomline’s ‘Make Your Nanay Proud’ episode are Rep. Sol Aragones of Laguna, Marian devotee and inspirational singer Fatima Soriano, and the second “It’s Showtime” Ultimate Kalokalike grand winner Jennifer Catayong a.k.a ‘Nicki Minaj.’