Daniel Padilla’s film about a Yolanda survivor is representing our country in the Locarno Film Festival
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Daniel Padilla has come a long way from his beginnings as a young matinee actor in romantic dramas and movies. We’re all delighted to see him in a new light as he takes on more serious roles, establishing himself as one of the best actors of his generation. Last July 14, we were given a glimpse of Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether the Weather Is Fine) starring him and Charo Santos-Concio as his mother. The movie was a joint project of Dreamscape, iWant, Quantum Films, Black Sheep, and Globe Studios, with international partner studios from France, Singapore, Indonesia, and Germany.
The story follows a survivor of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the deadliest storm to ever hit the Philippines that caused massive devastation particularly in Tacloban, Leyte in 2013. “Whether the Weather Is Fine tells the story of a mother (Charo) and her son (Daniel), who, in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, struggle for survival and deal with absurdity of fate, sustained by the hope that they carry, and what is lost and gained.”
World premiere at Locarno
The film’s director, Carlo Francisco Manatad, is not new in bringing Filipino talent in the international scene. Manatad was also nominated in Cannes Film Festival in 2017 for his short film, Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month, will once again represent the Philippines with Whether the Weather Is Fine in its world premiere in the Concorso Cineasti del presente of the 74th Locarno Film Festival. The Concorso Cineasti del Presente (Filmmakers of the Present Competition) is a selection of films from emerging directors across the world are given spotlight.
The Locarno Film Festival is one of the longest running festivals out there and this year it will run from August 4 to 14, 2021. Last August 3, the Film Development Council of the Philippines already held a send-off press conference for 15 PH delegates to Locarno Film Fest.
Filipino representation
Despite the many challenges our country and fellowmen face each day, we just born to strive and rise above circumstances time and time again just like what the said film speaks of.
The head of Locarno Open Doors Miss Sophie Bourbon said in the press conference, “I think if the Philippines is so strongly represented in the context of our festival this year, this is not just by chance. It does reflect the amazing work and the diversity of cinema that you have been developing for years now and we’re really honored to be able to give you additional windows and platforms to present either your projects or your films in different stages, either you’re a director or a producer.”
This is a huge step for the Philippine cinema, for our story to be heard on a global scale, and to be known for our talents in this art of filmmaking.
Watch the trailer below:
