As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for films that delve deep into societal issues, I find myself utterly captivated by the upcoming feature debut, “Ria.” Hailing from the Philippines, this film promises to offer an unfiltered glimpse into the country’s underground punk scene and social activism – a perspective that resonates profoundly with my own experiences.
A first-time film delving into the underground punk culture and social activism within the Philippines is taking part in the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, an event that’s a part of the TIFFCOM market for the Tokyo International Film Festival.
The film ‘Ria,’ by acclaimed short movie maker Arvin Belarmino, revolves around 25-year-old Ria, a resident of a punk collective that’s set to be demolished, while she takes care of her diabetic foster mother. Struggling financially, Ria finds herself unwittingly involved in illicit adult entertainment ventures at her workplace. As the tension mounts, Ria rallies her punk friends to stand up against the forces trying to take away their home.
For Belarmino, the project emerges from direct experience. “I have always wanted to make a film about the Filipino punk community, because it is the community I am in,” says the director, who has been organizing mutual aid efforts with punk groups since 2013. “We visit marginalized areas and give food and basic necessities to those in need. This is our form of resistance against the system that pushes us to struggle over our most basic rights. I do this until today, the only difference is I’m now making a film about it.”
Belarmino’s shorts have garnered numerous accolades, including a nomination at Cannes for “Radikals” this year. Belarmino comments, “My short films might appear odd and eccentric at times, but they’ve always contained sociopolitical undertones. I suppose the blend of artistic rebellion and social awareness is just my inner punk coming out.
Kristine De Leon, the producer behind “Radikals”, found herself attracted to the project due to its distinctive portrayal of Filipino society. As she delved into the initial script, she realized why this film was destined for her to bring to life. Ria’s narrative, she explains, is deeply rooted in a woman’s viewpoint of the world, focusing on the turmoil and lawlessness that are prevalent in modern Philippine society.
Belarmino, a graduate from Talents Tokyo, Locarno Filmmakers Academy, and Produire Au Sud Workshop Nantes, was chosen for the 2022 Festival De Cannes Cinéfondation La Residence for his film “Ria”. Additionally, he received the Centre National du Cinema (CNC) award. Producer Alemberg Ang, who collaborated on the 2022 Cannes title “Plan 75”, connected with Belarmino during his residency and decided to join the project. According to Ang, they spent a considerable amount of time discussing Belarmino’s vision for his first feature film, and he was eager to become one of the producers. The collaboration is especially sweet for Ang because Kristine, their delegate producer who he is mentoring, will also be involved in the production.
Going beyond its punk style, Belarmino emphasizes the film’s profound impact: “In the Philippines, punk isn’t merely about music. It represents a social movement, a collective standing united in solidarity to aid the marginalized and peacefully challenge a regime characterized by corruption and immunity.
The project is currently trying to fill its funding shortage by networking with prospective sales representatives, distributors, and festival organizers at TIFFCOM.
Read More
- PENDLE PREDICTION. PENDLE cryptocurrency
- Smash or Pass: Analyzing the Hades Character Tier List Fun
- Sim Racing Setup Showcase: Community Reactions and Insights
- Why Destiny 2 Players Find the Pale Heart Lost Sectors Unenjoyable: A Deep Dive
- Hades Tier List: Fans Weigh In on the Best Characters and Their Unconventional Love Lives
- Why Final Fantasy Fans Crave the Return of Overworlds: A Dive into Nostalgia
- Understanding Movement Speed in Valorant: Knife vs. Abilities
- W PREDICTION. W cryptocurrency
- Dead by Daylight: All Taurie Cain Perks
- Dead by Daylight Houndmaster Mori, Power, & Perks
2024-10-30 06:46