Filipino actress and singer Belle Mariano has been revealed as the voice behind “Anong Daratnan”, the Filipino rendition of “Beyond,” the end-credit single for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2. This marks the first time a Filipino song will be featured in a Disney animated film, creating a monumental milestone for both Disney and the Philippines.
Belle Mariano gives her all in singing “Anong Daratnan” the Filipino version of the “Moana 2” end credit single “Beyond”.
The original English version, “Beyond”, was penned by Grammy® Award-winning songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, known for their evocative storytelling through music. The song captures Moana’s adventurous spirit as she seeks connections beyond her island’s shores. While the English track is already streaming globally, “Anong Daratnan,” performed by Belle Mariano, will debut on November 22, 2024.
A Dream Come True for Belle Mariano
Belle Mariano, a celebrated figure in the Filipino entertainment scene, expressed her gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:
“Sobrang grateful ko kasi dream ko maka-work ang Disney. (I feel so grateful because it’s my dream to work with Disney.) Moana is one of my favorite Disney characters, and I’m really emulating her fearlessness in my rendition of this song.”
Her heartfelt connection to Moana’s character resonates deeply in her performance, embodying the courage and determination that define Disney’s beloved Polynesian heroine.
Disney Southeast Asia on Local Talent Representation
Rachel Fong, Studio General Manager and Integrated Marketing Director of The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, emphasized the importance of collaborating with local artists like Belle:
“By collaborating with local talents like Belle for Moana 2, we hope fans in the Philippines resonate deeply with the beautiful lyrics of ‘Beyond’, and experience Moana’s excitement as she embarks on a new voyage to explore the far seas of Oceania.”
What to Expect from Moana 2
Set three years after the original, Moana 2 promises another epic adventure with Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson). The duo teams up with a diverse crew of seafarers to explore treacherous, uncharted waters in Oceania. After receiving a mysterious call from her ancestors, Moana sets out on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and courage.
Creative Team: Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and written by Jared Bush and Miller.
Music: Features the work of Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy® nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy® winner Mark Mancina.
Mark Your Calendar
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 sails into theaters on November 27, 2024. Before the film’s release, fans in the Philippines can revel in the beauty of “Anong Daratnan” starting November 22, bringing a piece of the Disney magic home.
Prime Video has unveiled the official trailer for its highly anticipated adult-animated anthology series, Secret Level. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio, the series delivers captivating original stories inspired by some of the most beloved video games. Premiering exclusively on Prime Video on December 10, Secret Level will be available in over 240 countries and territories, with new episodes rolling out until December 17.
An A-List Cast Brings Video Game Worlds to Life
Secret Level features an impressive ensemble cast, including:
Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator Franchise)
Kevin Hart (Jumanji)
Keanu Reeves (John Wick)
Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett)
Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie)
Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian)
Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us)
Ricky Whittle (American Gods)
Claudia Doumit (The Boys)
Laura Bailey (The Legend of Vox Machina)
This star-studded lineup promises to immerse audiences in a rich blend of storytelling, action, and nostalgia.
What to Expect from Secret Level
The series, created by Tim Miller (LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS), celebrates gaming culture through unique, game-inspired narratives. With each episode offering its own distinct story, Secret Level is a tribute to gamers and the universes they love to explore. Dave Wilson serves as the supervising director, ensuring a visually stunning and narratively engaging experience.
Exclusive Content and Limited-Time Gaming Deals
Mark your calendars! Starting November 18, fans can access episode-specific content on Secret Level’s official social media channels.
To celebrate the series premiere, U.S. Prime members can enjoy 10% off select digital gaming currencies for 48 hours. Participating brands include Secret Level partners Xbox and Epic Games. Deals will be available directly on Amazon.
Get Ready to Hit Secret Level
Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the worlds of your favorite video games. Stream Secret Level exclusively on Prime Video starting December 10. Whether you’re a gamer, an animation fan, or just love great storytelling, this series promises to unlock a whole new level of entertainment.
There is something frustratingly commercial about the holiday action adventure ‘Red One.’ The film imagines that mythical creatures do exist – from witches and trolls and even Santa Claus – but a hi-tech organization watches over them and ensures that there is a semblance of peace between the mythological world and the human world. For this film, Santa Claus is given the code name of Red One by his team of bodyguards and assistants and he lives in the center of a vast cosmopolitan city in the North Pole, hidden by a force field and a cloaking mechanism.
Right at the onset, ‘Red One’ attempt to rationalize the mystical and the fantastical by creating shadow organizations that are leaning heavily more towards science and technology than they are, to what is essentially, the realm of magic and wonder and imagination. Red One’s sleigh is a hi-tech vessel run by his gigantic reindeer but let’s put a lot of levers and buttons on the sleigh just to make it look technological.
It’s an approach that feels unimaginative and wholly capitalist-driven.
In ‘Red One,’ Santa Claus (JK Simmons) is kidnapped and the head of his security detail, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) must work together with the man responsible for getting Santa caught in the first place: the hacker and fixer Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). Jack doesn’t believe in Christmas. In fact, he doesn’t believe in anything. He’s an absentee father who uses his know-how to work high scale jobs for anonymous clients for big money. His latest job got Santa Claus kidnapped and now he’s the only lead to tracking down his client.
The film takes on the buddy-cop formula, Callum and Jack can’t stand each other and are morally opposite of each other, and as their search for Santa leads them to the witch Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), they discover her sinister plan to punish everyone who has ever been naughty, which will include Jack’s own son.
Despite all of Chris Evans’ charms, even he seems to struggle finding a sweet spot for Jack. As written, he’s an awful person and an awful dad and while the film attempts to redeem him (as a mainstream movie would do), Callum is also hoping to retire because he does not see the good in people anymore. Naturally, the film attempts to change his mind.
Throughout the film, the two battle it out against Gryla’s assortment of lackeys for some big special effect fights with explosive choreography that doesn’t really mean anything if you don’t particularly like anybody. The only time that the film touches upon something that feels really magical and special is when it brings them to Germany to visit Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) and everything about Krampus and his world feels the most authentic because it doesn’t rely on the hi-tech world that feels so odd in this story.
The marriage of science fiction and hi-technology and magic has been done before. You have television shows like ‘Dr. Who’ and ‘Torchwood’ who have made it work. The idea of Thor and Dr. Strange seems to fit well in the MCU but ‘Red One’ takes such pride in their gadgetry and tries to make Santa hip and cool rather than see that there is some level of coolness to the whimsy of an old man delivering gifts all by himself. The bombs and the explosions, the hi-tech gear, and flying cars all seem to undermine the whole spirit of the symbol that Santa brings. It’s not the toys but the good cheer and the generosity of spirit that makes Christmas so great.
Even with Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt, and a hilarious Nick Kroll can breathe some humanity in a film that imagines Santa Claus as a Mission Impossible agent and that Christmas is just job that he does every year. They say it’s for the kids, but the only real kid in the whole movie is that of Jack’s and he doesn’t really play a part until three-fourths of the movie.
My Rating:
Red One is now showing! Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
The bond between Glinda and Elphaba comes to life in the much-anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked,” with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo capturing the heart of their characters. Together, they share a transformative journey in this retelling of a classic tale.
Finding the Perfect Glinda and Elphaba
The casting process for Wicked was anything but ordinary. For director Jon M. Chu and his team, finding the right actresses to embody Glinda and Elphaba wasn’t just about talent; it was about discovering a unique connection. In a memorable gathering at Chu’s home, Grande and Erivo performed an impromptu rendition of the iconic song “For Good.” As Chu recalls, “Stephen went to the piano and said to Cynthia and Ari, ‘Shall we sing, ‘For Good’?” Chu says. “Cynthia and Ari didn’t rehearse it. They’d never done it together. They sang it, and my four-year-old daughter’s jaw dropped to the floor. No one has ever seen two powerhouses like this before. It’s been beautiful to see how well connected they are.”
Ariana Grande’s Deep Connection to Glinda
Grande’s path to becoming Glinda was a decade-long dream. “I had been chasing producer Marc Platt down for about ten years, wondering when this movie was going to happen and when I would have the opportunity to audition,” she shares. For Grande, embodying Glinda became a personal journey. “Spending this time with Glinda has been a profound journey of self-discovery and healing for me,” Grande reflects. “It’s remarkable how embodying her character and embracing self-trust has brought about such personal growth.”
Her preparation was rigorous, involving vocal retraining with her coach, Eric Vetro. I had to retrain my voice to sing more classically and operatically, which is my range but a style I hadn’t done since I was much younger. It takes the chords a while to reacclimate, like any other muscle, which requires a lot of training.”
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba: The Power of Resilience
As soon as Erivo auditioned, the production team knew they had found their Elphaba. An Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner, Erivo’s portrayal brought a fierce vulnerability to the iconic character. “To have Cynthia Erivo, a woman of color, play a woman who is green makes all the world of difference,” Chu says. “When she sang ‘Defying Gravity,’ she blew the roof off. We were stunned. As soon as Cynthia left the room, we said, ‘our search is finally done.’”
Erivo’s dedication was clear in her training and her approach to the role. She says, “I hope that this joy keeps growing. I hope we find something to spark joy in every day. This was a long process, and I knew that it would get hard sometimes. But I knew, even on those days, that we would find something that makes us love and reconnect to what brought us here.”
A Lasting Bond Through Ink and Memories
As a symbol of their journey together, Grande and Erivo got matching tattoos. “We got tattoos together,” Grande says. “I got an ‘E’ for Elphaba in a heart on the back of my leg and she had a little ‘G’ for Glinda on the back of hers.” Erivo says that their bond is anchored by a sense of joyful exploration. “I hope that we don’t lose our love of play,” Erivo says. “That’s something that I really enjoyed—this need to keep wanting to learn and discover. Ariana and I used that to make these beings as humane and full as possible. When we worked together, something special happened.”
Don’t Miss “Wicked” in Cinemas
Wicked opens in Philippine cinemas on November 20. Reserve your seats and join Universal Pictures PH for the latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ready to shake up your midweek plans? This week’s new movie lineup features a trio of films ranging from emotional dramas to suspenseful thrillers, plus the highly anticipated Italian Film Festival 2024. Philippine theaters are buzzing with the premiere of Hello, Love, Again, where Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards rekindle old sparks under the cold skies of Canada. Alongside this poignant drama, gear up for the heart-pounding action of Elevation and the chilling suspense of Sana: Let Me Hear. Meanwhile, the Italian Film Festival 2024 kicks off in Manila and Cebu, offering a handpicked selection of Italy’s finest cinematic gems. Whether you’re craving romance, action, horror, or an international cinematic escape, this week’s releases have you covered. Tag your movie buddies, grab that extra-buttered popcorn, and get ready to experience the magic of the big screen. Which movie are you watching first?
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Hello, Love, Again marks the return of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards in a tale of enduring love and personal transformation. After years apart, Joy and Ethan’s paths cross once more in Canada, far from the bustling streets of Hong Kong where they last said their goodbyes. Hello, Love, Again explores the evolution of love through time and distance, examining the personal changes that each has undergone. Their reunion is a test of whether their love can adapt or if it remains a cherished memory of the past. This film explores the resilience of love through time and trials, offering audiences a deep, reflective look into what it means to grow both apart and together.
In Elevation, a heroic trio led by a determined single father ventures into perilous terrain to rescue a young boy from nightmarish creatures. Get ready for a heart-pounding journey as a single dad joins forces with two fearless women to confront otherworldly threats in a daring rescue mission. This action-packed thriller combines edge-of-your-seat suspense with a sci-fi twist, delivering an adrenaline-filled experience that tests the boundaries of bravery and human endurance.
Summer classes take a horrifying turn in Sana: Let Me Hear. When a student’s suicide unveils hidden spectral presences within school grounds, a temporary teacher must uncover the eerie secrets that linger among her students. This film is set to deliver spine-chilling moments and a gripping storyline filled with suspense and spectral mysteries.
Italian films are making a dazzling comeback to Philippine cinema! From November 12 to 15, 2024, the Italian Film Festival will light up screens in Manila and Cebu, celebrating the richness and artistry of Italian cinema with six films that showcase the country’s diverse storytelling:
“Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara” – A poignant historical drama that revisits a controversial moment in religious history.
“La Chimera“ – An intriguing tale of an archaeologist unraveling the past’s echoes.
“My Summer with Irène“ – A search for meaning and connection in a transient world.
“Palazzina LAF“ – A gripping look at labor and social activism in modern Italy.
“Io Capitano“ – An inspiring story of ambition and dreams amidst hardship.
These screenings, taking place across Metro Manila cinemas, including Shangri-La Red Carpet, Power Plant Cinema, and Gateway Cinema invite moviegoers to experience the depths of storytelling through Italian eyes.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
Whether you’re drawn to the heartwarming tale of Hello, Love, Again, the adrenaline-pumping action of Elevation, the eerie suspense of Sana: Let Me Hear, or the captivating films at the Italian Film Festival, there’s something for every movie lover. That wraps up this week’s new releases! As always, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on these must-see films. Check ClickTheCity for showtimes and make your next movie experience unforgettable. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates—and happy watching!
Fans of Gladiator can finally rejoice as the highly-anticipated sequel, Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, roars into cinemas on December 4. Ever since the first film’s legendary success in 2000, whispers of a sequel have echoed through Hollywood. According to Scott, “The popularity of Gladiator just kept growing. The film stayed in the public’s mind. I knew we should consider a sequel, but it took years to figure out what the story was going to be.”
Connie Nielsen and Joseph Quinn in Gladiator II.
Bringing Back the World of Ancient Rome
Producer Michael Pruss, who has worked closely with Scott for over a decade, reveals, “The world of the Roman Empire and the unforgettable characters of Gladiator were so brilliantly crafted. Recreating that on an even grander scale [for the sequel] was a necessity. We wanted that same powerful motivation for revenge but something that was also fresh and modern and unique. It took longer than anybody anticipated, but great ideas and human drama take time to craft. Hopefully the results here speak for themselves.” This fresh twist involves a new lead character, Lucius, portrayed by rising star Paul Mescal, who plays the part of an embittered exile determined to confront his past.
A New Journey with Lucius – The Lost Prince
Producer Lucy Fisher, who has been part of the Gladiator II journey since 2001, felt that a strong story was crucial. “It took a long time to get a story that we thought would be worthy of being a sequel to Gladiator. But once we grabbed onto the character of Lucius [played by Paul Mescal] as an angry young man, exiled and abandoned, and committed to destroying the city that had both made and betrayed him, our story began to unfold. Lucius would be a lost prince, wanting to be anywhere but Rome, and yet all roads would lead him there.” Fisher explains.
Creating Epic New Thrills
Reprising the grand combat scenes that made the original a spectacle is a formidable task, notes producer Douglas Wick. “The audience has seen grand combat many times over and their thirst for MORE was unquenchable. Whatever we created had to provide captivating new thrills. A true spectacle for the ages.”
In 2021, Scott teamed up with screenwriter David Scarpa, known for All the Money in the World. Together, they brought a new layer of intensity to the Colosseum, where battle has become even more brutal and audiences more bloodthirsty. Roman emperors Caracalla and Geta (portrayed by Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn) heighten the sense of tyranny, pushing the empire to new depths of cruelty and spectacle.
“I knew and loved the original,” says Scarpa. “When Ridley approached me, I was extremely excited. Gladiator is such an esteemed classic and a touchstone for historical action films. I was both honored and a little apprehensive about working with the people who created that world. Ridley has a very strong directorial voice, and his vision is central to the movie.”
Denzel Washington in Gladiator II.
Ridley Scott’s Timeless Take on the Empire
For Scott, Gladiator II is about more than Rome. “This film is about the Roman Empire, obviously,” he says. “But it’s also about the way humanity never learns its lesson. We keep repeating history again and again and again.”
Experience Gladiator II in Cinemas December 4
Mark your calendars! Gladiator II is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on December 4, distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Don’t miss this epic return to the world of Gladiator. Share your excitement with #GladiatorII and tag @paramountpicsph.
Immensely relevant, ‘Kip Oebanda’s ‘Balota’ is a timely call for the people to wake up and take charge of the nation’s future by being savvier about our elections and our politics. The film takes a dark, satirical tone to give voice to what the film expresses as something we all are aware of – corruption, dirty politics, election fraud and theft – but seem incapable of stopping. With a brilliant cast, ‘Balota’ is spread thin by the film’s two-pronged approach: mainstream sensibilities and an independent filmmaking style. The film is successful at what it sets out to do in its messaging but struggles to fully utilize either of its approaches to make something that really stands out.
‘Balota’ is set in 2007, in an unnamed, small rural town during its mayoral elections. On one hand is the incumbent mayor (Mae Paner), a land grabbing politico who is well-known for her affairs and policies on work and employment that have caused casualties while her opponent is a former sexy-star-turned-politician (Gardo Versoza) who promises a change of guard. Caught in the middle is Emmy (Marian Rivera), a tough, well-loved teacher who is assigned as a poll watcher and as she must deliver the ballot box to the governor’s office for counting, she escapes with her life from an armed attempt to steal the ballot. Alone in the woods and with no one to trust, she has to figure out what to do with the ballot box that is handcuffed to her hand while fearing for the safety of her son (Will Ashley).
Oebanda creates a vivid world. He dramatizes for us, in simple terms, the way these things work during elections. He shows us how votes are bought, how goons shake down the people, and how even the police are involved. The town is a living, breathing entity with its own thoughts and agency. Emmy’s son, Enzo carry a superficial discussion on politics with his cousin Jimbo (Raheel Bhyria) that shows us how the youth have interest but still need to dig deeper into the layers of politics outside of image and branding. The cops, through the characters played by Joel Saracho and Royce Cabrera, show different aspects of people all just caught up in the crossfire. At one point, the film even takes time to focus on two members of the queer community – played by Sassa Gurl and Esnyr Ranollo – and how a job can be opposite of your own political views while Donna Cariaga plays a woman leading a protest for worker’s rights and justice for her dead husband against Mae Paner’s incumbent mayor.
It’s a wonderful interweaving of real-life issues and characters with different motivations and value systems and it’s so interesting to watch as the film shifts from a satire to political thriller as Emmy has to literally fight for her life. As the film unfolds, it builds up on the campier aspects of satire, moving more and more towards the absurd. At the film’s third act, Emmy faces off with the main antagonist and they have a back-and-forth that is straight out of a teleserye only elevated by Marian Rivera and her co-star’s (won’t reveal to spare you of a spoiler) magnificent acting.
But it’s this aspect that I find the weakest in the film. The film carries mainstream sensibilities – this is a film Oebanda needs people to see and so he casts Marian Rivera and creates a plot that is thrilling and exciting but carries with it an idealistic ending (but still with a sharp ending commentary) and a mainstream tone – but it’s shot and filmed like an indie movie. There’s a lot of holding back to try and keep the film grounded in its aesthetics and pacing. It’s not quick in its narrative rhythm as it likes to linger to try and evoke thought. There’s still a feel and an aesthetic that keeps it feeling like an indie film when the foundation of the story feels better suited for a mainstream film. It saddles uncomfortably in the middle and I feel the film would benefit more if it leaned in more to any other two sides.
But despite my observations, I love the performances in the film. Rivera manages to truly be in the moment and really captures all the layers that makes Emmy such an interesting character. She’s tough but loving and the way every character reacts to her as written is supported by the way Rivera realizes the character. She has a strong moral center but never makes it corny or fictional. She is vulnerable when her character is pushed to the limits, but you can also see her gather her strength when her character needs it. It’s a magnificent display of Rivera’s range. Everybody else manages to elevate the material with Royce Cabrera, Joel Saracho, and Gardo Versoza also showing off their immense range.
My Rating:
Balota is now showing! Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
Paramount Pictures and Skydance have unleashed the new trailer for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, promising an action-packed conclusion to the epic series. In a dramatic homage to his iconic role, Tom Cruise wears the same wardrobe as his character, Ethan Hunt, that he famously donned for his breathtaking stunt during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, drawing fans worldwide closer to the high-stakes world of Ethan Hunt.
In Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the stakes have never been higher, and every decision leads to a climactic reckoning. Fans can mark their calendars for May 21, 2025, the official release date when the film hits theaters exclusively, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Synopsis
“Our lives are the sum of our choices.” This theme takes center stage in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, where Tom Cruise returns as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Under the masterful direction of Christopher McQuarrie, Hunt faces his most challenging mission yet—a final journey shaped by every decision made throughout his career. With explosive action sequences, heart-stopping stunts, and an elite cast, the movie promises a grand finale to the franchise.
Fans are invited to join the global conversation with the hashtag #MissionImpossible and tag @paramountpicsph. Get ready to witness Ethan Hunt’s final adventure—every choice, every risk, every consequence.
Italian films are making a dazzling comeback to the Philippine cinema scene! From November 12 to 18, 2024, the Italian Film Festival is set to light up screens in Manila and Cebu, showcasing the richness and artistry of Italian cinema. This year’s festival, led by Festival Director Antonio Termenini, is part of the annual program of Cineforum Robert Bressonand in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
Italian Film Festival: A Cross-Cultural Collaboration
The Italian Film Festival is a collaborative effort led by the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), with support from the Embassy of Italy in Manila and QCinema. For over a year, QCinema has fostered international partnerships, bridging cultures through films. An example of this effort is the groundbreaking film Last Shadow at the First Light, co-produced by the Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, and Japan. This year’s Italian Film Festival promises to further strengthen the ties between Filipino and Italian cinema lovers.
Festival Highlights: A Curated Selection of Italian Films
Screenings will take place across prominent venues in Metro Manila, including Shangri-La Red Carpet, Power Plant Cinema, and Gateway Cinema. Here’s a look at the six contemporary Italian films selected for this year’s festival:
Festivalgoers may have the chance to meet Antonio and Marco Manetti, the esteemed directors behind the Diabolik saga, who are anticipated to attend as guests of honor. If confirmed, audiences will have a unique opportunity to engage with these internationally recognized directors.
The festival lineup also includes special screenings, Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions. This immersive approach aims to create a dynamic environment for cinema enthusiasts, encouraging conversations around contemporary Italian cinema and its cultural impacts.
Embracing Cultural Exchange
The Italian Film Festival celebrates the profound connection between Italy and the Philippines through the lens of cinema. With support from Cineforum Robert Bresson, the Asian Film Festival, MAECI, the Embassy of Italy, PIA, and QCinema, the event is set to foster meaningful cultural exchanges. Italian and Filipino cinema lovers will come together to explore fresh narratives, dynamic storytelling, and the evolving landscape of Italian film.
Admission Details
All screenings will be open to the public, with selected films offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at participating venues. This accessibility underscores the festival’s mission to bring Italian cinema to as many people as possible.
QCinema International Film Festival is back with its much-anticipated Screen International section, a lineup of the year’s most celebrated films from across the globe. Featuring ten exceptional films from renowned directors, this year’s selection showcases a diverse array of storytelling, capturing the world through fresh, unique perspectives. Running from November 8 to 17, the festival invites cinephiles to witness some of the most critically acclaimed films from the festival circuit, including winners from Cannes, Venice, and San Sebastian.
Four of Cannes’ standout films grace QCinema’s Screen International lineup. These films offer not only artistic brilliance but also poignant narratives that resonate universally:
From Cannes, QCinema presents four major award winners: All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia, the first Indian film in decades to compete in Cannes’ main competition, where it won the Grand Prix; Best Director winner Grand Tour by Miguel Gomes, Portugal’s entry for the 97th Academy Awards; Critics’ Week Grand Prize winner Simon of the Mountain by Federico Luis; and Palme d’Or winner Anora by Sean Baker, regarded as a strong Oscar contender.
Set in Mumbai, All We Imagine as Light captures the lives of three nurses, Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty (Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam). Each woman faces complex issues related to the men in their lives: an estranged husband, a relationship tainted by gossip, and an uncertain future due to missing documentation. Through their stories, Kapadia crafts an evocative portrayal of the challenges of urban life.
Grand Tour is set in 1917 and follows Edward (Gonçalo Waddington), a British civil servant in Burma who, upon receiving a telegram from his fiancée Molly (Crista Alfaiate) after years apart, panics and embarks on a journey across Asia in search of love. The film presents an Orientalist depiction of an Asia permeated by Western influence.
Simon of the Mountain follows Simon (Lorenzo Ferro), whose eccentric behavior and enigmatic nature leave others questioning his motives as he befriends a group of intellectually disabled individuals, while his mother insists he is simply misunderstood. This film delves into reality and perception, creating a story about belonging in a world where no one quite understands him.
Anora centers on Brooklyn sex worker Anora (Mikey Madison), who is paid $15,000 by a Russian billionaire’s son to spend a week with him. After an impulsive, ketamine-fueled wedding in Las Vegas, word reaches Russia, prompting Ivan’s father to annul the marriage. Determined to make the marriage work, Anora fights for the life she envisions, showcasing Baker’s signature exploration of class struggle’s human side.
Venice Premieres: Unveiling New Cinema Gems
Fresh from the Venice Film Festival, QCinema’s Screen International showcases four more captivating films:
Phantosmia by Pinoy auteur Lav Diaz; The End, a musical-fantasy by Joshua Oppenheimer; The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre de la Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, the most expensive French film of 2024; and the Venice Golden Lion winner, The Room Next Door by Pedro Almodóvar.
Lav Diaz’s Phantosmia follows Hilarion Zabala (Ronnie Lazaro), a retired soldier haunted by a mysterious, lingering phantom smell that prevents him from leading a normal life. Recommended to re-enlist, he is stationed on a remote island, confronting violent memories from his past. Diaz offers a reflective journey through memory, trauma, and survival.
Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon in “The End”
In The End, an affluent family resides in a mansion built inside a salt mine, cut off from a devastated outside world. Living comfortably, they refuse to confront their potential role in the disaster until an unexpected visitor (Moses Ingram) forces them to question their lives and face the disturbing reality they helped create.
An adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic, The Count of Monte Cristo tells the story of Edmond Dantès (Pierre Niney), wrongfully imprisoned on his wedding day. After escaping and discovering hidden treasure, he returns to society as the Count of Monte Cristo, seeking revenge against those who betrayed him.
The Room Next Door, based on Sigrid Nuñez’s What Are You Going Through, follows Ingrid and Martha (Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton) as they reconnect after years apart. Once colleagues, they find themselves reunited when Martha requests that Ingrid stay by her side through a medically-assisted suicide, exploring friendship, mortality, and dignity in Almodóvar’s singular style.
From San Sebastian to QCinema: Award-Winning New Titles
Completing the section are two recent titles from the San Sebastian Film Festival – Afternoons of Solitude by Albert Serra, a documentary feature that won three awards, including Best Film, and When Fall is Coming by François Ozon, which won Best Screenplay.
Afternoons of Solitude provides an intimate glimpse into the life of Andrés Roca Rey, a celebrated toreador. The documentary captures the ritualistic preparation and personal solitude surrounding his blood sport, offering an honest look at both the spectacle and intense private world of bullfighting.
When Fall is Coming centers on Michelle (Hélène Vincent), living a quiet life in Burgundy, gardening and attending church until a poisonous mushroom accident threatens her relationship with her daughter. As tensions rise, Michelle confronts old wounds, leading to a tender exploration of family ties.
QCinema 2024: A Celebration of Cinematic Vision
This year’s Screen International highlights the theme “The Gaze,” inviting audiences to see the world through varied lenses and perspectives. QCinema provides an intimate experience, reflecting cinema’s power to bridge cultures and spark conversations.
For more information on schedules, tickets, and the full festival lineup, visit www.qcinema.ph. Don’t miss this unique chance to experience the world’s most celebrated films, right here in the Philippines!
