Category: What’s New

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Catch Wong Kar Wai’s “Happy Together” on the big screen and other award-winning Pride movies only at Cinema ‘76

Catch Wong Kar Wai’s “Happy Together” on the big screen and other award-winning Pride movies only at Cinema ‘76

Cinema ’76 Film Society celebrates Pride Month with special limited screenings of critically acclaimed and awarded LGBT films.

 

Regarded as one of the best LGBT movies ever made, “Happy Together” is a 1997 Cannes-winning romantic drama directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai and features stellar performances from its stars Tony Leung and the late Leslie Cheung as two lovers caught in a turbulent affair.  This film is a must-see not only for fans of Queer Cinema but also fans of the celebrated auteur. “Happy Together” is considered one of Wong Kar-wai’s best works along with films like “Chungking Express” and “In the Mood for Love” and cinephiles shouldn’t miss the chance to see this masterpiece on the big screen.   

 

Transgender stories take center stage in the 2018 Cannes Film Festival Camera d’Or Best Feature Film winner “Girl”. Directed and co-written by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont in his debut film, “Girl” is inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina. Disturbing, as it is enlightening, “Girl” was also nominated for a Golden Globe under the Best Foreign Language Film category.

 

“Fanny: The Right To Rock” is a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart about the untold story of Fanny, the legendary Filipina American-fronted rock band whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history. The film touches on the place of women, women of color, queers, and older women in a straight male-dominated industry like rock n’ roll. 

 

Cinephiles can catch all three films during its limited run and select screenings from June 21 to June 27 exclusively at Cinema ’76 Film Society Tomas Morato.

 

For the complete screening schedule, follow Cinema ’76 Film Society on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

“Happy Together” and “Girl” are screened in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines. “Fanny: The Right To Rock” is distributed by TBA Studios.

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#ProudlyTBA: “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, “Triangle of Sadness”, and “The Whale” bag historic Oscars nominations

#ProudlyTBA: “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, “Triangle of Sadness”, and “The Whale” bag historic Oscars nominations

TBA Studios, one of the Philippines’ leading film production and distribution companies, makes history yet again for having three of its acquired and distributed films receive numerous nominations for the 95th Academy Awards.

Leading the pack is Everything Everywhere All At Once with 11 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Costume, and acting nods for the stellar performances of Michelle Yeoh (Best Actress), Ke Huy Quan (Best Supporting Actor), and a double Best Supporting Actress nomination for Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu.

The A24-produced multiverse adventure has already swept the awards season with critical wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) for Yeoh, Curtis, Quan, and the ensemble cast as well as Golden Globe trophies for Yeoh and Quan.

Also produced by A24, The Whale earned three nominations from the Academy: Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Supporting Actress (Hong Chau), and Best Actor (Brendan Fraser). Fraser, who also just recently won the SAG Awards for his career-defining role as a morbidly obese reclusive English teacher in this Darren Aronofsky masterpiece, is the current favorite to win in this category.

Finally, the 75th Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness makes it to the Academy Awards with three major nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director for Ruben Östlund.

The satirical black comedy made a huge splash since its premiere in Cannes not only for its wickedly funny depiction of class struggle but also for the scene-stealing performance of Filipina character actress Dolly de Leon.

De Leon may have not been nominated for the Oscars, but she has received historic nominations for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards, making her the first Filipina actress to achieve such a feat.

TBA Studios President & COO Daphne O. Chiu couldn’t have been more honored to be able to bring these award-winning movies to the Philippines.

“In the past year, TBA Studios have distributed international films that showcase Asian excellence, especially with Filipinos working in front or behind the camera like the rock documentary Fanny: The Right To Rock, the Japanese-Filipino produced drama Plan 75, the Irish-Filipino collaboration Nocebo, and Triangle of Sadness had Dolly and for The Whale, there’s Matthew Libatique. And as a Filipino-Chinese myself, Everything Everywhere All At Once was a story that’s very close to my heart,” she shared.

With the success of these films, Chiu stated that Filipino moviegoers could expect to see more exciting offerings coming to the big screen soon.

She added: “We’re delighted with the achievements that our acquired and distributed titles have reached and look forward to continuing to produce films such as Heneral Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Sunday Beauty Queen, and Birdshot that Filipino theater audiences can be proud of.”

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Singapore-South Korea film “Ajoomma” starring Kang Hyung Suk, Yeo Jin Goo coming to Ph cinemas on March 15

Singapore-South Korea film “Ajoomma” starring Kang Hyung Suk, Yeo Jin Goo coming to Ph cinemas on March 15

Yeo Jin Goo (left) with “Ajoomma” star Hong Huifang (right). Photo credits: TBA Studios/Rediance

TBA Studios has acquired exclusive Philippine theatrical distribution rights to the lighthearted family drama “Ajoomma”, which will be released on March 15.

Directed by Singaporean filmmaker, He Shuming, his feature debut film tells the story of a middle-aged, Korean-drama-obsessed widow from Singapore who travels out of the country for the first time to Seoul, and ends up getting lost. Her journey becomes an unexpected road of self-discovery, as she comes to terms with the life she truly wants for herself, beyond her roles of daughter, wife, and mother.

He shared that the story is inspired by his own mother’s fascination with Korean dramas. “While the premise seems to be timely given the popularity of Korean pop culture sweeping through all of Asia and beyond, it merely serves as an undertone for the film, which is about a middle-aged Singaporean woman learning to navigate life beyond her duties as a mother, a housewife, and a caretaker,” the director added.

The film stars veteran Singaporean actress Hong Huifang as the titular ‘ajoomma’ (Korean for middle-aged ‘auntie’) and is supported by a cast of well-known South Korean actors like Kang Hyung Suk (“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”), senior actor Jung Dong Hwan (“Uncontrollably Fond”, “Hotel del Luna”), and Yeo Jin Goo of “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Hotel del Luna” fame in a special guest role.

“Ajoomma” had its world premiere at the 27th Busan International Film Festival last October 2022. Since then, the film has racked up numerous awards and recognitions, including four nominations at the 59th Golden Horse Awards. It was also selected as Singapore’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. 

“Ajoomma” is produced by Cannes award-winning director Anthony Chen (“ILO ILO”) and has the distinction of being the first film to be co-produced between Singapore and South Korea. According to Chen, the film “reflects the unique way that Korean pop culture resonates with audiences across Asia and the world.”

TBA Studios’ President and COO Daphne Chiu share the same sentiment. “Filipinos are very passionate about Korean culture and media. We feel that audiences here especially women of all ages would be able to relate to this film. It’s a heartwarming story perfect for families.”

“Ajoomma” opens in Philippine cinemas on March 15.



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Filipino Film Community in L.A. celebrates Dolly de Leon with an ‘Evening of Gladness’

Filipino Film Community in L.A. celebrates Dolly de Leon with an ‘Evening of Gladness’

(Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

The Filipino film community in the Philippines and in Los Angeles joined forces to celebrate actress Dolly de Leon’s historic nomination at the 80th Golden Globe Awards.

Held last January 11, the event dubbed as “Evening of Gladness” saw the attendance of Filipino-American artists, filmmakers, and media to show their support for de Leon during the critical awards season campaign.

The event kicked-off with a Welcome Remarks from TBA Studios Head of International Sales & Acquisitions Cindy Sison and four-time Emmy-winner TV executive producer Lisa Lew, who graciously opened her home as the venue of the event. It was soon followed by a performance from young Fil-Am singer CJ Uy, who sang a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly” with new lyrics written by former TBA Studios President Vincent Nebrida. Hollywood Foreign Press members and Filipino entertainment journalists Ruben and Janet Nepales introduced de Leon.

Cindy Sison, TBA Studios Head of International Sales & Acquisitions with Dolly de Leon and singer CJ Uy (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon with multi-awarded TV producer Lisa Lew (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

HFPA members and entertainment journalists Janet and Ruben Nepales (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon took the stage and shared words of thanks to everyone back in the Philippines as well as in the U.S. who have tirelessly supported her throughout her journey.

Notable guests in attendance include Filipino American actors Dante Basco, Darion Basco, and Dion Basco, producer Peter Brennan, Korean-American actor Phillip Rhee, actors Andy Cheng and Peter Kwong, and filmmakers Marie Jamora and Quark Henares.

De Leon with Basco brothers (L-R) Darion, Dante, and Dion (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

Guests were served with delectable dishes created by Chef Victor Cardet of Crustacean, Tiato with desserts care of Dessert by Dolci, featuring creations from Filipino-American pastry chefs Jillian Bartolome and Margarita Manzke.

 De Leon, whose scene-stealing role in Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning social satire “Triangle of Sadness”, have caught the attention of critics and prestigious award-giving bodies, earning her a win in the L.A. Film Critics Awards and a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Satellite Awards and Golden Globe Awards—a first for a Filipina to be nominated in the category.

(L-R) Amazon Prime Senior Development Executive Raphael Phang, Cindy Sison, Amazon Prime Head of Originals Erika North, Amazon Prime Head of Originals Philippines Quark Henares, and filmmaker Marie Jamora (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon with Peter Brennan, Lisa Lew (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon with Phillip Rhee (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

The “Evening of Gladness” wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contribution and support of Lisa Lew as well as members of the Philippine congress Cong. Toff de Venecia, Cong. Edward Maceda, Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, Cong. Kiko Benitez, Cong. Ana Veloso-Tuazon, Cong. Linabelle Villarica, Former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan, Cong. Lianda Bolilia, Cong. Rida Robes, Cong. Ria Vergara, Cong. Arjo Atayde, Cong. Bryan Revilla, Cong. Nikka Co, Cong. Stella Quimbo, Cong. Angelo Marcos Barba, Cong. Mark Go, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

The event was spearheaded and organized by Lew’s PandL Productions and TBA Studios, the exclusive Philippine distributor of the film.

Special thanks to “Triangle of Sadness” U.S. distributor, Neon. 

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TBA Studios acquires critically-acclaimed Filipino-Irish thriller ‘Nocebo’

TBA Studios acquires critically-acclaimed Filipino-Irish thriller ‘Nocebo’

TBA Studios has acquired the Philippine theatrical distribution rights to “Nocebo,” the Filipino-Irish suspense thriller starring Eva Green (“300: Rise of an Empire”), Mark Strong (“Shazam!”), and Cebuana actress Chai Fonacier (“Patay na si Hesus”). 

Directed by Irish Film and Television Awards-winning filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan (“Vivarium”) and written by Garret Shanley (“Without Name”), “Nocebo” centers on Christine, a fashion designer (Green) who suffers from a mysterious illness that confounds her doctors and frustrates her husband, Felix (Strong). Help arrives in the form of Diana, a Filipino nanny (Fonacier) who uses traditional folk healing to reveal a horrifying truth.

“Nocebo” was the opening film at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival and had limited runs at Sitges Film Festival, Cork International Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival, and QCinema International Film Festival. It was the first recipient of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)’s International Co-production Fund (ICOF) in 2020. “Nocebo” was produced by Brunella Cocchiglia and Emily Leo and co-produced by the Filipino production company, Epicmedia. It was executive produced by XYZ Films.

“TBA Studios is ecstatic to bring ‘Nocebo’ to a wider audience in the Philippines featuring our very own Chai Fonacier in an international film steeped in Filipino folklore. It is only fitting that our kababayans watch the movie on the biggest screen they could find with a crisp sound system to immerse in the world of ‘Nocebo’,” said Daphne O. Chiu, President and COO of TBA Studios.

This is TBA Studios’ first project with Bianca Balbuena of Epicmedia and Chiu looks forward to a promising partnership with her fellow producer. “Bianca and I go way back since our Cinemalaya days and I’m thrilled to have a chance to work with her again after more than a decade. We hope this is the start of more exciting ventures for us both,” Chiu added. 

The film acquisition comes on the heels of the much-talked-about local releases of Cannes-winning films “Triangle of Sadness”, a cinematic masterpiece which actress Dolly de Leon made history as the first Filipina to be nominated for Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actress; and “Plan 75”, Japan’s entry to the Academy Awards that likewise stars a thespian of Filipino descent, Stefanie Arianne. TBA Studios also distributed the award-winning “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, which had a successful theatrical run in the Philippines.

This winning streak of highly acclaimed film releases continues in “Nocebo” set to be released in Philippine cinemas on January 18, 2023.

For more updates on Nocebo, visit tba.ph and follow TBA Studios on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtube. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #NoceboPH. 

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Filipinos’ compassion towards the elderly takes the spotlight on ‘Plan 75’

Filipinos' compassion towards the elderly takes the spotlight on ‘Plan 75’

Cannes-winning film Plan 75 might be set in Japan but it is the Filipinos’ sense of compassion towards the elderly that takes the spotlight in the dystopian film.

In the movie, Filipino-Japanese actress Stefanie Arianne plays Maria, a Filipino caregiver in Japan who is culture-shocked by the policy of encouraging senior citizens to die.

Arianne believes that the film provided a realistic representation of Filipino caregivers and OFWs known for their family-centric values. She herself felt connected with the character she portrayed.  

“I think the most similar thing Maria and I have in common is perseverance. We’ve both learned that there are times you need to get out of your comfort zone but at the same, you must not forget your boundaries and have a good heart,” the Japan-based actress said.

Director Chie Hayakawa made a conscious decision to highlight the difference in values between Filipino migrant workers and Japan’s aging society.  “There in fact are so many foreign caregivers coming to Japan because of labor shortage, especially in the field of elderly nursing homes. The Philippines is one of the biggest countries to provide caregivers to Japan,” she said.

“The reason why I chose a Filipino caregiver is because Filipino people have strong family bond and community bond that we Japanese are losing. They have a spirit to help each other rooted from their religion. I feel that they have a cultural characteristic of affection. I wanted to contrast the warm Filipino community with the apathetic community in Japan,” Hayakawa added.

The Filipino production houses which co-produced Plan 75, FUSEE and Daluyong Studios, also found the strong connection of Filipinos with the script. “When I read the script, I knew this is a film I want to be a part of. And the Filipino representation in it is an important element of the film,” said Wilfredo Manalang, FUSEE executive producer.

Daluyong Studios’ Alember Ang echoes his sentiment. “I’ve always felt that Filipino audiences will appreciate Plan 75, especially with how our people value family and treat our elders with much respect. I’ve been to a lot of festivals where Filipinos abroad cry their hearts out when they remember their lolas after watching the movie,” the co-producer added.

Plan 75 is one of the main entries at QCinema International Film Festival 2022 Main Competition running from Nov. 17 – 26 in theaters across Quezon City and Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City. 

After the festival, Plan 75 is set for a nationwide theatrical release in the Philippines on Dec. 7, exclusively distributed by TBA Studios.

“The film teaches us that ‘Life is precious everyday’ and we hope that Filipino moviegoers will leave the cinema feeling the same way,” shares Daphne O. Chiu, TBA Studios President & COO.

Plan 75 received the Festival De Cannes Un Certain Regard Camera D’Or Special Mention 2022 award and is Japan’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 75th Academy Awards. 

The film also recently bagged the International Film Critics Awards (FIPRESCI Prize) at the 63rd Thessaloniki International Film Festival along with Best Director (Bronze Alexander) for Hayakawa and the Hellenic Parliament “Human Values” Award. 

For more updates on Plan 75, visit tba.ph and follow TBA Studios on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtube. Join the conversation online using the hashtags #Plan75 and #Plan75PH. 

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‘Triangle of Sadness’ premieres at QCinema ahead of Nov. 30 nationwide release

‘Triangle of Sadness’ premieres at QCinema ahead of Nov. 30 nationwide release

TBA Studios is bringing the critically acclaimed satirical dark comedy film Triangle of Sadness to the QCinema International Film Festival 2022, premiering as the festival’s opening film on Nov. 17 at Gateway Cineplex in Quezon City.
 
While the premiere is by invitation, moviegoers can still catch the second screening of Triangle of Sadness during the festival on Nov. 21 at Power Plant Cinema in Rockwell, Makati City.
 
Gracing the premiere is the film’s breakout star, Filipino actress Dolly de Leon, whose noteworthy performance has garnered praise from film critics. De Leon, who plays cleaning lady Abigail, was named by Variety as among the top three contenders for the best-supporting actress category in the Oscars.
 
De Leon elicited cheers and laughter during the third act of the film. She also received a rousing standing ovation from the audience that included film critics, entertainment press, movie bloggers, actors, film workers, and dignitaries.

“The one thing I feel absolutely certain of re: Triangle of Sadness is that Dolly de Leon is world-class talent. She is phenomenal in this film. I don’t think I’ve seen any other Filipino actor in an international production get a role this substantial,” film critic Emil Hofileña tweeted after seeing the film.
 
“Dolly de Leon mesmerizes us with a very honest performance that is best experienced in the cinemas,” another cinephile, Ralph Regis, commented.
 
De Leon just arrived from the United States after participating in the producers’ campaign for an Oscar nomination for her performance.
 
“Her committed turn not only makes her the defining supporting performance of the year thus far but also, if enough Academy members make a note to focus on quality (and not simply name recognition as they can often do), she could be the frontrunner walking into awards season,” Variety’s award senior editor Clayton Davis commented on De Leon’s performance.

The 2022 Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or-winning film by director Ruben Östlund was also screened at the Toronto Film Festival and New York Film Festival to much acclaim.

Triangle of Sadness revolves around the guests and crew of a doomed cruise ship whose social roles are turned upside down after a sea mishap. Triangle of Sadness is exclusively distributed by TBA Studios, which also swooped another Cannes-winning film Plan 75, an entry to QCinema’s main competition lineup.
After the festival run, Filipino movie fans can finally see Triangle of Sadness on Nov. 30 in theaters nationwide.

For more updates on Triangle of Sadness,  follow TBA Studios on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtube. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #TriangleOfSadnessPH.

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New crime drama ‘Grace’ among TBA Studios’ projects presented at AFM

New crime drama ‘Grace’ among TBA Studios’ projects presented at AFM

TBA Studios wrapped a successful week at the American Film Market held last November 1- 6 at Santa Monica, California.

The team led by TBA Studios President & COO Daphne O. Chiu and TBA Studios Head of International Sales & Acquisitions Cindy Sison had an eventful week, meeting with the country’s top producers, distributors, buyers, and media as well as showcasing the company’s latest projects.

 TBA Studios made its mark in the Philippines and South East Asia for producing and distributing groundbreaking entertainment content. For this year’s AFM, the studio presented its critically acclaimed acquired titles such as Filipino-American documentary “A Will To Dream”, Malaysian thriller “Lights Out, and “Holy Emy”, a riveting family drama from Greece.

The main highlight for TBA Studios is its newest film “Grace”. Co-produced with Sea ‘N’ Sun Productions, this crime drama is helmed by award-winning director Ato Bautista with a screenplay co-written by E.A. Rocha, TBA Studios CEO, and one of the award-winning writers of TBA Studios’ crowning gem, “General Luna”.

Grace tells the story of a young man, played by promising newcomer Iken Ramirez, who seeks revenge against a powerful institution for the gruesome death of his girlfriend.

TBA Studios President & COO Daphne O. Chiu with “Triangle of Sadness” breakout star Dolly de Leon

Chiu and Sison also met with members of the Hollywood Foreign Press together with Filipina actress Dolly de Leon who is making waves in the American and international film circuit with her outstanding performance in Ruben Ostlund’s “Triangle of Sadness”. TBA Studios is exclusively distributing the award-winning social satire in the Philippines with a theatrical release date on November 30. Film pundits predict de Leon as one of the top-contenders to receive a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the 95th Academy Awards–a first for the Philippines

Chiu with “The Whale” director Darren Aronofsky

 TBA Studios was also invited to the screening of A24’s much talked-about family drama, “The Whale”. TBA Studios have recently worked with A24 as the Philippine distributor of the box office hit “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and are looking forward to working again with the famed indie studio in the future.

Next stop for TBA Studios is the Asia TV Forum and Market (ATF) on December 7-9 in Singapore.

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TBA Studios, film distributor behind ‘Triangle of Sadness’ and ‘Plan 75’, embarks on opportunities at BIFF 2022

TBA Studios, film distributor behind ‘Triangle of Sadness’ and ‘Plan 75’, embarks on opportunities at BIFF 2022

TBA Studios, the independent film distributor that released “Everything Everywhere All At Once” in the Philippines, explored opportunities at the recently concluded Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and its industry arm the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) held on Oct. 4 – 14 in South Korea.

After participating online during the last two years due to the pandemic, TBA Studios successfully returns led by newly appointed President & COO Daphne O. Chiu and Head of Distribution and Sales Rogielou Patapat. With the support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the TBA Studios delegation was able to network with industry stakeholders at The Philippine Pavilion in the ACFM.  The team also participated in the Philippine Cinema Night, a gathering of Filipino filmmakers and producers, hosted by the FDCP. 

“We’re very glad to be back in BIFF. The team was able to connect and meet with a lot of distributors and producers around the world making our participation at this year’s ACFM really fruitful and memorable. We would like to thank FDCP and new FDCP chair Tirso Cruz III for their continued support for TBA Studios and fellow Filipino producers,” said Chiu.

BIFF also screened two of TBA Studios’ Cannes-winning film acquisitions — “Triangle of Sadness” and “Plan 75”, the latter being part of BIFF’s “Window on Asian Cinema”, a section that puts a spotlight on the rising filmmakers. “Triangle of Sadness” is set for Philippine theatrical release on Nov. 30 while “Plan 75” will be shown locally later this year.  

“Everything Everywhere All At Once”, another TBA Studios acquired and distributed film, was screened at the Open Cinema section at BIFF. The Michelle Yeoh action adventure film was released in the Philippines in July and was met with positive box office results.

To continue its winning streak of bringing world-class films to the Philippines and introducing the best Filipino film content globally, TBA Studios is set to participate at the American Film Market on Nov. 1-6 in Santa Monica, California. 

Stay tuned to TBA Studios’ pages and tba.ph for more updates.

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TBA Studios brings Japanese dystopian film “Plan 75” to Philippine cinemas

TBA Studios brings Japanese dystopian film “Plan 75” to Philippine cinemas

TBA Studios, one of the leading film production and distribution companies in the Philippines, has acquired the exclusive Philippine theatrical rights to the award-winning film Plan 75.

Written and directed by acclaimed short film director Chie Hayakawa, this critically lauded dystopian drama made its international premiere in Un Certain Regard at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and won the Camera d’Or Special Mention Prize.

Based on Hayakawa’s segment of the same title from the 2018 anthology film Ten Years Japan, Plan 75 paints a harrowing look at a not-so-distant future when the Japanese government launches a program that encourages voluntary euthanasia for senior citizens to remedy a super-aged society.

 The film stars veteran actress Chieko Baisho as an elderly woman whose means of survival are vanishing, Hayato Isomura, a pragmatic Plan 75 salesman, and Filipina actress Stefanie Arianne as a caregiver working overseas to support an ailing daughter back home.

Aside from its multi-cultural cast, Plan 75 also boasts of an international co-production spanning representatives from Japan, France, and the Philippines. It is executive produced by Keisuke Konishi (Happinet Phantom Studios), Eiko Mizuno Gray (Loaded Films), Mizue Kunizane and Hiroyuki Ishigaki (Dongyu Club), Frédéric Corvez and Maéva Savinien (Urban Factory), Wilfredo C. Manalang, George Sommerrock, and Alicia Catubay-Watt (Fusee), and co-produced by Alemberg Ang (Daluyong Studios).

 “I am happy to hear the much-awaited news that Plan 75 will finally reach the audience in the Philippines. I am truly grateful to all the Filipino cast members and producers and those who believe in and support this film,” Hayakawa said.

With its theme of family, death, loss, and a sense of community, TBA Studios is confident that the moving drama would resonate with Filipino audiences.

“It’s truly an honor for us to be able to bring this beautiful film to the Philippines. It’s a quiet and understated film, but with a big poignant message that we hope could reach a lot of people,” shares TBA Studios President and COO, Daphne O. Chiu.

TBA Studios is known for producing groundbreaking movies such as the historical box office epic Heneral Luna (2015) and mystery thriller Birdshot (2016) among many others.

The acquisition of Plan 75 is part of the company’s strategic plan to continue expanding their library with diverse offerings that cater to a global Filipino audience.

The studio recently released the Michelle Yeoh multiverse adventure Everything Everywhere All At Once, the award-winning music documentary Fanny: The Right To Rock, and coming later this year is the Cannes Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness.

Plan 75 is Japan’s submission for the International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards.

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