Film that has no taker now in the can

MANILA, Philippines - Lihis has long been gathering dust in director Joel Lamangan’s vault of scripts and storylines because no financier/producer would rather touch it with the proverbial 10-foot pole. For those who are saying that Lihis is inspired by Brokeback Mountain and GMA 7’s My Husband’s Lover, the story was conceived in 2001 by Joel and screenwriter Ricky Lee. Brokeback Mountain was filmed in 2005.

Suddenly, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) came up with the Sineng Pambansa All-Masters Series Film Festival. Direk Joel’s prayers have been answered. Then businesswoman and real estate broker Baby Go of BG Production International followed and swore to be the co-producer. Lihis is ready for commercial release on Sept. 11 to 17 at all SM Cinemas nationwide along with other entries of the Sineng Pambansa All-Masters Series. For a week, SM is not showing foreign and Tagalog films, except Sineng Pambansa film entries. Premiere night is on Sept. 8 at the SM Block Cinema 2.

 Lihis is about two men who are fighting for the country’s redemption against the dictatorial Marcos regime. They are two activists who choose to go to the hills and fight not only for the country but also for their love for each other.

“Having been an activist myself who hasn’t ceased loving on these same levels, Lihis is a personal film close to my heart, a significant material I’ve been obsessed to make. I have a talented assembly of actors, what else can I ask for? Thank you, FDCP and BG Production International,” says direk Joel.

Leading the cast are Jake Cuenca, Lovi Poe, Isabelle Daza, Joem Bascon, Gloria Diaz, Raquel Villavicencio, Tony Mabesa, Alex Castro, Jaime Pebangco and Lloyd Samartino.

The love scene between Jake and Joem is destined to be controversial since the trailer posted on YouTube shows their daring scene in batuhan. The actors have been praised for their dramatic scenes. Gloria reportedly got the same applause for her performance. Lovi shone as a young woman who is willing to die for the man she loves. Isabelle has her acting moments, too.

Lihis is predicted to be in the league of direk Joel’s award-winning films such as The Flor Contemplacion Story, Pangako Ng Kahapon, Mano Po 1, Sidhi, Bulaklak Ng Maynila, Sabel, Huling Birhen sa Lupa, Deathrow, Bakit May Kahapon Pa?, Filipinas, Aishite Imasu 1941, Dukot, Patikul and Sigwa.