“Pera-perahang Lata” Premieres at Gateway Digital Cinema This June

The Filipino independent film “Pera-perahang Lata” and the Korean independent film “Technophilia” premieres at the Gateway Dolby Super Digital Cinema (Cinema 1) on June 3, 2009, 6:30 p. m. Through the help of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Colorwheel Media Studios, Araneta Group, Innovasia, Optima Digital, and Marikina Cultural Office, a full program entitled “Indie HD” shall also provide a one-hour discussion on digital technology in independent films today.

Funded by the NCCA and shot in HD format, the 30-minute independent film “Pera-perahang Lata” (Penny from the Tin Can) explores the many facets of a struggling life in a world that is full of unpredictable moments – where things are beyond one’s control. Set during the Filipino Christmas season – amidst the exciting tradition of gift-giving, caroling, and the “Simbang Gabi” – this film exposes both the rich culture and the struggle of Filipinos in the Manila commune.

Von Arroyo plays the role of Nilo, a 24-year old struggling, introvert, and critical man working in a can factory. He has the urge to defy his dominating guilt of contributing to a tragedy due to his unconcern. At the back of his mind, he thinks that a little generosity could have saved a needy stranger. However, in trying to make up for it, another tragedy draws a life to an end. And the questions are: “Will every good thing you do always account to something good thing in return?” Pondering, “Can you really have a complete grasp of what is said to be fair and just?” And thinking further, “Why should it be that you make up for your guilt and correct your mistake at the wrong place and time?”

The film is written and directed by Rianne Hill Soriano, Gawad Urian nominee for Best Short Film, Kodak Film Awardee, and Best Production Thesis at the University of the Philippines Film Institute for her first film “Karsel” and a fellow of the Asian Filmmakers Training Program 2008 in Seoul, Korea. Completing the list of the major filmmakers in the film: director of photography Wowie Hao, production designer Joy Puntawe, production manager Gavin Herrera, assistant director Karla Pambid, art directors Armi Cacanindin and Kiko Tolentino, musical scorer/sound engineer Philip Arvin Jarilla, associate producer Ayeen Pineda, field sound recordists Mark Locsin and Joseph Santos, and casting coordinator Gigi Pirote.

The production is blessed by the generosity of Unitel Productions, FILMEX, Engine Room, Optima Digital, Hit Productions, Outpost Digital Frontier, city government of Marikina, Marikina Riverbanks, St. Francis Xavier Parish Church, Brass Knuckles, and Streetpark Productions. The film also stars Arnold Reyes, Gio Respall, Paul Sy, Dante Balois, Rey Solo, Dido dela Paz, Marnie Lapus, and other talented character actors and actresses in film, TV, and theater.

Through the help of the Araneta Group, the films are privileged to be shown in HD format, not via a low resolution DVD projection. Within the premiere of the said films will be a full program incorporating a brief discussion on how independent filmmakers can maximize the filmmaking process. Gateway will provide information on how the digital cinema is starting to shape the future of film theaters. Christie will give basic details about the HD projection on digital cinemas. Optima Digital will discuss the feature film workflows available for filmmakers, and the NCCA will impart information about their grant system for independent filmmakers. The Minister and Consul General of the Korean Embassy will be a guest of honor during the event. A Q&A will follow after the screenings.

The premiere is open to the public. Email nordic.gift@gmail.com to reserve free tickets. First come, first served. You may visit www.peraperahanglata.blogspot.com, www.technophiliafilm.blogspot.com, and www.riannehillsoriano.com/blog for more information about the films.

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