The HIFF44 SPOTLIGHT ON THE PHILIPPINES is a broad cross-section of Pinoy cinema. From thrillers starring one of the biggest Pinay stars, Marian Rivera, to the latest from wunderkind director Mikhail Red with an esports drama, to the chronicling of the ‘Pink Revolution’ during the Presidential elections of 2022, and a newly digitally restored seminal film from one of the Philippines’s greatest auteurs Lino Brocka (one of the first Pinoy directors to premiere their film at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival).
AND SO IT BEGINS
Director: Ramona Diaz
A follow-up to her award-winning documentary on the trials and tribulations of Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, director Ramona Diaz looks at the months leading up to the country’s 2022 presidential election, as a tidal wave of marginalized citizens take to the streets in support of a change from the reign of Rodrigo Duerte to help the campaign for the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. HIFF is honored to welcome director Ramona Diaz to the festival as part of the New American Perspectives program in partnership with the Vilcek Foundation. Diaz will be in attendance for a special post-screening Q&A. October 6, 7:00pm / October 8, 8:15pm — Consolidated Kahala
BALOTA
Director: Kip Oebanda
During the 2007 elections, a former movie heartthrob and a land-grabbing tycoon are in a tight race for mayor. Emmy (Pinay superstar Marian Rivera), a strict yet popular teacher in a small town, is assigned to the Board of Election Inspectors for her local precinct. When violence breaks out, Emmy runs into the woods with the last copy of the election results and must use her wits to outsmart those who want to sabotage the election. October 6, 6:00pm / October 12, 8:45pm — Consolidated Kahala
October 21, 5:30pm — Lanai Theater at Hale Keaka
BONA
Director: Lino Brocka
A pioneer of Philippines cinema whose work was recognized early on by the festival, director Lino Brocka gave popular actor/entertainer Nora Aunor her most challenging role to date back in 1981, playing a starstruck girl who drops out of high school to live with and take care of a bit actor who treats her like his personal servant, but offers no complaint. HIFF will screen a newly restored 4K version for the big screen. October 5, 3:45pm — Consolidated Kahala
FRIENDLY FIRE
Director: Mikhail Red
The popular sports underdog trope–from COOL RUNNINGS to THE MIGHTY DUCKS–is updated to include the world of esports in this all-ages film set in Manila and Hong Kong. Hazel, an employee at an internet cafe who’s a fan of Project Xandata (a real first-person shooter made in the Philippines) gets the attention of a pro team founder when Hazel beats her team single handedly in one night. Director Mikhail Red and select cast will be in attendance to participate in a Q&A. October 5, 1:15pm / October 7, 3:00pm — Consolidated Kahala
October 23, 5:30pm — Lanai Theater at Hale Keaka
