‘Rakenrol,’ two more indies screen in foreign film fests

source: mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino independent film director Quark Henares’ “Rakenrol” recently had its international premieres in two different countries within two days.

“Rakenrol” -- a film that follows the “misadventures” within the Philippine underground rock scene of two friends and ”indie-rock devotees” who formed their own band -- had its world premiere at the 13th Udine Far East Film Festival (UFEFF) in Udine, Italy on May 2 (Italy time).

In an interview by the UFEFF posted on visionariotube’s Youtube account also on May 2, Henares revealed that it took him five years to finish this film. The director also said that "a lot of the movie happened in real life, believe it or not."

“A lot of people don't believe because it's too good to be true,” he added.

Henares then intimated that he had been afraid that “[the] Italian audiences, European audiences, wouldn't connect with the film.”

“To be totally honest, I've been afraid because I've been submitting it [‘Rakenroll’] to a lot of international festivals and this is really the first one that got it. I was afraid it might be too local, it might be too specific to the Philippines,” he said.

Henares also mentioned that he dedicates this film “to an editor-in-chief of Ekran, it's a Slovenian [film and television] magazine. She passed away in Manila but she was a good friend. So this film is actually dedicated to her and her boyfriend who was a film critic.” Henares was referring to Slovenian film critic, NIka Bohinc, who moved to Manila to be with her Filipino boyfriend, also a film critic, Alexis Tioseco---both of whom were tragically slain in their home in Quezon City in 2009.

More, the Henares' film had its US premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) on May 4 (US time).

“LOS ANGELES, we'll be seeing you later at GCV Cinema 3 for the American premiere of Rakenrol. The gang is down to fight, yeah!” Henares tweeted.

Meanwhile, the Chris Martinez-helmed comedy film “Here Comes the Bride” is also part of the UFEFF and will be screened on May 6. According to a PEP alert on May 5 (Manila time), the director and one of its lead actresses Eugene Domingo are already on their way to the festival.

Another film, Ray Defante Gibraltar’s “Wanted: Border” is also set to screen at the UFEFF on May 7. The movie was part of the 2009 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival, where it won seven awards: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress (Rosanna Roces), Best Cinematography, Best Music and Best Production Design. The movie takes on a sinister theme as it revolves around a religious fanatic landlady who feeds on her tenants.

Both festivals are currently ongoing (the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival began on April 28 while the 13th Udine Far East Film Festival began on April 29) and will end on May 7.

source: mb.com.ph