Gone are the days when gay men figure in movies only as comic relief, thanks to the very vibrant indie film community. I remember this trend start some years back when Cris Pablo dared to produce “Duda/Doubt.” Since then a good number of non-conventional gay movies have been produced (some good, some not so — but that’s fine; I’ll give them all an “A” for effort). In fact in the coming days, there will be 3 indie films, all gay-themed, that will be shown. Nood tayo!
1. RoXXXanne by Jun Lana (writer/director)
Starring Jay Aquitania, Janvier Daily, and Sheree. Opens on February 2, 2008, Saturday, at Robinson’s Galleria IndieSine (will run for 10 days, then will tour to Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Cebu, etc.)
2. Ang Lihim ni Antonio by Lex Bonife (writer) and Jay Altarejos (director)
Starring Shamaine Buencamino, Josh Ivan Morales, Jiro Manio, and Kenjie Garcia. The Director’s Cut Premiere will be at the UP Film Institute / Cine Adarna on February 4, 2008 (Monday). Regular showing will start on February 13 at Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Ermita and Cebu. More info on this movie here.
3. Daybreak by Charliebebs Gohetia (writer) and Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. (director)
Starring Coco Martin and Paolo Rivero. Showing on February 13 and 14, 2008 at UP Cine Adarna; February 20 to 26 at Robinson’s Galleria IndieSine; Feb 27 to March 4 at Robinson’s Ermita; and March 5 to 11 at Robinson’s Bacolod.
“DAYBREAK” happens entirely in one place: a rest house in Taal, Batangas and only with two characters. In a single narrative time, intending by way of voyeurism, we discover what happens to two men spending one night contemplating whether to break up or continue their relationship. William and JP allow us to know their biggest lies and the biggest truths… two people loving each other, clinging to each other, betraying each other — trying the fragility of their feelings in only one night. Memories and dreams, truths and lies, fears and desires, betrayal and honesty, love and hate are all closely entwined in this night. Behind the veil of words, they are drawn to each other but will the light of the sunrise bring this intimacy to an end?
A tidbit from the writer’s blog:
SEQ 26 EXT. CONT. TERRACE/OUTSIDE.
He goes outside to smoke while William looks at him intently. He’s thinking that now is the perfect chance to tell JP but he’s still having a hard time doing it. He opens a book and tries to read he but can’t concentrate.
He follows JP outside. Nervous, he shares the cigarette with him. They stare at the Lake quietly, feeling the cold breeze.
JP
Alam mo, lagi akong dumadaan dito. Gusto ko lang malaman kung andito ka.
WILLIAM
Tumatawag naman ako pag aakyat ako di ba?
JP
Ewan. Gusto ko lang. Palatandaan ko ang ilaw diyan sa may bandang kwarto. Pag nakabukas yan, alam kong nandyan ka. Kapag ang ilaw ng sala ang nakabukas, malamang, yung asawa mo. (beat) Sa dalawang buwan na di kita nakita, di ko akalaing hahanap-hanapin pala kita.
WILLIAM
(breaks JP’s seriousness)
Ano ka, stalker? (beat) Know what? I’ve always wanted to know how it is to be a stalker. Parang sa mga horror films. Kaya siguro, initially, gusto kong maging Psychologist, gusto kong malaman yung sense of mystery nila.
JP
Nasubukan mo na bang maging stalker?
Full trailer of “Daybreak” here:
Enjoy, guys!
Possibly Related Posts:
- The Best of 2007 Indie Films In a compilation surveyed by The Philippine International Media &...
- Sagwan, gay indie movie “Si Cecilia at Eman pareho kong kaibigan. Mahal ko...
- Compound, gay-themed indie film Compound is an independently produced film by Will Fredo, exhibited...
- Gay Films at UP Cine Adarna Tomorrow I’ll be catching Bebs Gohetia’s Thank You Girls...
- Climax Features Men of Indie Films The notorious Climax Magazine sizzles yet again with another...
