Whatever happened to The Echo? I saw the US trailer some time last year but it apparently never saw a theatrical release. Unfortunate really since this was a rare opportunity for a Filipino director to go mainstream in the US.
The Echo is a remake of Yam Laranas' own movie, Sigaw, which was a modest hit in the Philippines but was highly praised by both critics and fans of the horror genre. Iza Calzado, who played the ghost in the original version, got to reprise her role in the US remake. We finally get to see glimpses of her in this new trailer.
The Korean version reveals less of the story and, as Beyondhollywood pointed out, goes for a more mysteriously sinister atmosphere.
Still no word of a local release though.
Via Beyondhollywood. The US version of the trailer can also be found on this site.
Written and Directed by Janice Y. Perez Produced by Ruel Antipuesto and Janice Y. Perez Director of Photography: Ruel Antipuesto Starring: Patskie Abing, Anbern Rodis, Reo Felia, Ranz Andri Medina, Frank Tagalog Official Site: http://sabongeromovie.multiply.com/
MANILA Film Festival de Cannes 2009
Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. and Raya Martin Bicycle Pictures and MJM Production Written by Ramon Sarmiento and Adolfo Alix, Jr. Executive Producers: Piolo Jose Pascual and Edgar Mangahas Producer: Arleen Cuevas Associate Line Producer: Maxie Evangelista III Director of Photography: Albert Banzon Production Designer: Digo Ricio Editors: Jay Halili and Aleks Castaneda Music: Radioactive Sago Project Sound Design: Ditoy Aguila
Cast: Piolo Pascual, Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi
This is definitely great news for the flailing Philippine cinema. Here's hoping that our government takes notice and starts supporting local film makers, heading toward something similar to what the Koreans have accomplished. (Go read Kim Hyung-jin's speech at the Audiovisual Industry Seminar held in Geneva for some insight on the Korean Wave.)
And that the big two (Star Cinema and GMA Films) begin producing actual movies.
*Slaps face awake*
Here's an excerpt from an article that came out in the Philippine Daily Inquirer:
Four Filipino films have been included in the official lineup of the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival, a first for the country.
This “historic” development was confirmed by three filmmakers whose films were chosen as entries in the world’s premier movie festival that will take place on May 13-14 in the French coastal city.
Three independent films made it to the Official Selection, in three different categories: Brillante Mendoza’s “Kinatay (The Execution of P)” in the Main Competition; Raya Martin’s “Independencia” in the Un Certain Regard section; and Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Manila” in the Special Screenings category.
“Sabongero,” by Filipino-American Janice Y. Perez, was selected for the Short Film Corner.
There were unconfirmed reports that Filipino films would also compete in the fest’s parallel section, the Directors’ Fortnight, as in the past two years.
“It’s an exciting year for the Philippines,” said Mendoza, who added that the inclusion of the four entries bode well for local cinema.
Mendoza is staging a comeback in the Main Competition, after his entry “Serbis” stirred controversy last year.
“Kinatay,” his entry this year is “equally controversial” and delves into the world of hitmen who cut up the bodies of their victims, said Mendoza. The film features Coco Martin, John Regala, Julio Diaz, Jhong Hilario, Lauren Novero and Maria Isabel Lopez.
“I believe it’s the first time for an Asian filmmaker to submit entries in the Main Competition for two consecutive years. US filmmaker Joel Coen also had back-to-back entries in the competition in 2000 and 2001,” Mendoza told the Inquirer.
Does Mendoza consider his return to the competition a way to vindicate himself after last year’s intrigues and negative reviews?
“I feel no pressure. I try not to worry about those things and I only focus on making my film,” he said.
Also of interest are Park Chan-Wook's vampire movie, Thirst, Bong Joon-ho's Mother, which also marks the comeback of actor Won Bin, and Pen-Ek Rathanurang's Nymph, the latter two both up for Un Certain Regard.
"The Love of Siam" siblings Tong (Mario Maurer) and Tang (Laila "Ploy" Boonyasak) prepare for a bloody face-off in Thai Horror-Comedy "Buppa Rahtree 3."
Thought the first movie was funny but the horror part was a special effects carnival. Rainbow gore more than scary. And it looks like nothing has changed. And another "Shutter" rip-off? C'mon!
But I'm sure Mario will make it all worth while. Heh.
Wise Kwai has major linkages on the movie plus one with a photo gallery.
