Big Turnout for “Maskara” Premiere

Cast and crew of “Maskara” meet the public during the gala premiere June 26.

A huge crowd representing academe, civil society, Church, local government, media and showbiz nearly filled the seats of SM Edsa North’s Cinema 2 for the gala premiere of CFA’s “Maskara” June 26.

The premiere marked the first public showing of CFA’s comeback movie after qualifying in the New Filipino Cinema section of the World Premieres Film Festival. Also in attendance were the film’s cast and crew, including Ina Feleo, Lance Raymundo, Ping Medina, Rollie Inocencio, Chi Datu-Bocobo, and director Genesis Nolasco. In a Q&A that followed the film showing, CFA executive director Noel de Leon explained that “Maskara” is about truth, “living in truth, searching for the truth, insisting on the truth, and standing up for the truth.”

He said that the film is basically for young people. “Kids spend 10-15 years in school,” he pointed out, “where they learn honesty, integrity, fair play, love of God, and respect for fellowmen. But when they leave school, they are told, ‘Forget what you learned in school. It’s a jungle out here. You must steal from the next guy before he steals from you. If you get caught, cover up, whitewash, say you’ll explain in the proper forum.’”

By this movie, he continued, CFA wants to tell young people that they should not let the world change them; it’s they who should change the world.

CFA’s Maskara makes it to WPFF

Coming from almost four decades of filmmaking hiatus, Communication Foundation for Asia yet again proves that they can still produce high quality films as their latest creation, “Maskara” gets chosen to be part of the Filipino New Cinema section in the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines.

World Premieres Film Festival Philippines or more commonly known as WPFF is one of the fastest rising film festivals in Asia. It celebrates filmmaking by showcasing the works of both critically acclaimed and young and upcoming film directors from across the globe. The “Filipino New Cinema” is the newest category of WPFF. This section will feature new films from contemporary Filipino filmmakers who are looking to premiere their latest works before an international audience in the Philippines.

The WPFF will take place on June 24 to July 7, 2015 in Manila.

CFA Returns to Filmmaking

Pictured above is a scene from CFA’s upcoming film on Corruption, “Maskara,”
with (left to right) Boots Anson-Roa-Rodrigo, Ping Medina and Ina Feleo.

Back in the 70’s CFA produced Batingaw (The Bells of San Jose), a full-length movie on family, community and responsible parenthood. It won two awards in the 1974 Asian Film Festival and one FAMAS award for Best Supporting Actor (for Van de Leon). In 1984, CFA again came out with Ishmael Bernal’s Sugat Sa Ugat, with land reform as the central theme. Sugat was chosen as an entry to that year’s Berlin Film Festival. It was distributed internationally by a German film company.

This year, CFA relives its tradition of using film to talk about the country’s most pressing issues by producing an independent film: Maskara. Writer Sal dela Tierra explores integrity and corruption through romance, suspense and action. Maskara features Ina Feleo, Ping Medina, Lance Raymundo and Lester Llasang. The film is co-written and directed by Genesis Nolasco. Principal photography is underway and film is expected to be premiered in February 2015 during the anniversary of the People Power Revolution.