Jaclyn Jose (right) leads the cast of “Patay Na Si Hesus”
A CEBUANO dark comedy-drama is shortlisted as one of the seven films to compete for this year’s QCinema International Film Festival that will run from October 13 to 22.
“Patay Na Si Hesus,” a film directed by Victor Villanueva will challenge six other original movies for the full-length competition of this year’s QCinema film fest’s that features films from young and talented directors around the region.
The Cebuano film follows a family’s road journey (led by singlee mother Iyay) on board their tiny multicab, from Cebu to Dumaguete, to attend a funeral after she learning that her estranged husband, Hesus died.
Iyay, played by award-winning actress Jaclyn Jose, is joined by her four children as her passengers as she embarks on a long journey to Dumaguete, which yields unexpected stopovers, detours and revelations.
Her four children are: Judith (a lesbian who lives with her unfaithful partner), Hubert (her second child with Down Syndrome), Victor (the engineering degree holder, who keeps failing the board exam) and Vera (the over-competitive student).
Cebuana actress Chai Fonacier, also known as Kurdapya Jones for her short and informative comedy clips, is also part of the cast.
“Patay Na Si Hesus,” will compete with “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 32B” by Prime Cruz, “Baboy Halas: Wailings in the Forest” by Davao-based filmmaker Bagane Fiola, “Best. Partee. Ever: by first time director Howard “HF” Yambao, “Hinulid” by Kristian Sendon Cordero, “Purgatoryo” by Roderick Cabrido, and “Women of the Weeping River” by Sheron Dayoc.
The short film competition also features “Hondo” by Aedrian Araojo, “If You Leave by Eduardo Dayao, “Kung Saan May Naiwan” by Joshua Joven and Kaj Vergara, “Pagdating” by Gabrielle Tayag, “Papa’s Shadow” by Inshallah Montero, “Sayaw sa Butal” by Victor Nieva and “Viva Viva Escolta” by Janus Victoria.
Now on its fourth year, the film fest organized by the Quezon City through its Film Development Commission will run from October 13 to 22. It also has a new competition program, “Asian Next Wave” that will screen six entries from filmmakers from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.