“Manila” to Open 2009 Cinemalaya Film Fest
"MANILA," directed by prize-winning directors Adolfo Alix Jr. and Raya Martin, will open the 
2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition on July 17, 7:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).
This will be the film’s Philippine premiere after its successful screenings in the 62nd Festival de Cannes and the 31st Moscow International Film Festival.
Actor Piolo Pascual co-produced and stars in this film that pays tribute to great Filipino directors Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal.
Manila boasts of a powerful cast—a mix of some of the country’s best actors including Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Baron Geisler, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, William Martinez, Anita Linda, Marissa Delgado, Menggie Cobarrubias, John Lapus, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick and Jon Avila. The film’ screenplay was written by Ramon Sarmiento and Alix, who opened last year’s Cinemalaya with Adela. Alix’s first film, Donsol, and Kadin were both past Cinemalaya finalists. Raya Martin, whose other film Independencia was also screened in this year’s Cannes Film festival, is also honored as one of the 13 Artists of the CCP.
View the trailer below:
More film details:
OPENS JULY 22 IN SELECTED THEATERS:
SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Fairview, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway, Trinoma, Glorietta 4, Sta. Lucia, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Pampanga, SM Taytay
Released by Star Cinema
Official Selection, Festival de Cannes 2009; Official Selection, Moscow International Film Festival 2009; Opening Film, Cinemalaya V
Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. and Raya Martin Synopsis: Piolo Pascual portrays two characters in a split day/night story that exposes the seedy underbelly of the city as he grapples with the darkness around him.
A MJM Production and Bicycle Pictures production Written by Ramon Sarmiento and Adolfo Alix, Jr.
Executive Producers: Piolo Jose Pascual and Edgar Mangahas
Producer: Arleen Cuevas
Associate Line Producer: Maxie Evangelista III
Director of Photography: Albert Banzon
Production Designer: Digo Ricio
Editors: Jay Halili and Aleks Castaneda
Music: Radioactive Sago Project
Sound Design: Ditoy Aguila
Cast: Piolo Pascual, Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Baron Geisler, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, William Martinez, Anita Linda, Marissa Delgado, Menggie Cobarrubias, John Lapus, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick, Jon Avila
