Will “On The Job: The Missing 8” come home victorious from the 78th Venice International Film Festival?
The Erik Matti film is the lone Asian entry chosen to compete in the prestigious international film festival in Italy which is happening from September 1 to 11. Matti, producer Dondon Monteverde and award-winning actor Dennis Trillo is leaving for Venice on Sept. 7.
“On The Job: The Missing 8,” a sequel to Matti’s award-winning action thriller, will have its gala premiere on Sept. 10. The film is eligible to compete for the Golden Lion, the highest prize given at the Venezia 78 Competition, against 20 other entries. Academy Award Best Director Bong Joon-ho, director of the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” heads the jury this year.
The film focuses on a corrupt media man, played by John Arcilla, who is seeking justice for his mediamen friends who are missing after crossing paths with an inmate-hitman, played by Dennis.
Also in the cast are Dante Rivero, Christopher De Leon, Lotlot De Leon, Leo Martinez, Joey Marquez, Eric Fructuoso, Vandolph Quizon, Agot Isidro, Sol Cruz, Wendell Ramos, Lao Rodriguez, Andrea Brillantes, Isabelle De Leon, Megan Young, Levi Ignacio, and Carlitos Siguion-Reyna.
On Sept. 12, the first three episodes of the six-part HBO Asia Original series “On The Job” will also be shown exclusively on HBO GO. New episodes are dropped every Sunday.
***
A group of Alden Richards fans is talking about the rumor that Bea Alonzo will soon be added to the cast of “The World Between Us.” This is probably just fake news since, the fans say, TWBU is rating well and has strong commercial load.
Bea deserves a show of her own. She was assured by GMA that they are preparing a TV series for her that will probably start next year. Besides, she is committed to do a movie with Alden to be co-produced by GMA Films with another film outfit.
Meanwhile, the fans of Alden are wondering why there is a season break for “The World Between Us” which is rather unusual for a new show that just started.
***
A lot of people were surprised that Janno Gibbs agreed to do the sensual comedy “69+1” because the title alone suggests a raunchy film. The trailer is erotic and titillating, making Janno’s fans wonder if the singer-host-comedian fits his role.
“But I guess my fans have accepted that my career as a singer is different from my career as an actor-comedian,” said Janno. “I think my career as an actor leveled up here in ‘69+1’ because the movie’s story is really different. It is something I have never done before,” shared Janno, who also enjoyed working with Rose Van Winkle and Maui Taylor.
“The challenge in this movie is to show a different side of me as an actor. And based on the people’s reaction on the trailer, we were able to get their attention. We have a balanced mix of comedy and sexy scenes.”
***
It came as a pleasant surprise for award-winning director Jay Altarejos that his small film “Memories of Forgetting” got seven Gawad Urian nominations. Aside from being nomimated as Best Director, he also receive nods for Best Screenplay and Best Editing.
“’Memories of Forgetting’ is a very small artistic endeavor during the lockdown last year,” he said. “It is overwhelming to be appreciated. It comes at one of the most significant times not only of my life, but maybe of our generation. Para siyang pampasaya sa gitna nang nakapanlulumong sitwasyon dala ng Covid at ng kasalukuyang gobyerno. It think these seven nominations, three of which are mine, have come at the right time in my career. I am humbled and grateful.”
The movie’s other nominations are for Best Actor (Noel Escondo), Best Supporting Actress (Dexter Doria), Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.
He wasn’t surprised that the film did not get a Best Picture nomination. “Sometimes, when you judge a film, you like particular things,”said Direk Jay.
The Gawad Urian will hold a virtual awards night on October 6 in a yet to be announced venue.
Incidentally, “Memories of Forgetting” will be streamed on KTX.ph beginning today.