" 2 PH films in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard "

By Bayani San Diego Jr.

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino indie films starring mainstream actors Sam Milby, Zanjoe Marudo and Sid Lucero have made it to the biggest film festival in the world.

Two Filipino films will be shown in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes International Film Festival, to be held in France from May 15 to 27.

The two Filipino films included in the Cannes lineup are Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Death March” and Lav Diaz’s “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan.”

The two Filipino filmmakers confirmed the news with the Inquirer in separate interviews.

Diaz said his film, which was shot in Ilocos Norte , top-bills Lucero, Angeli Bayani, Archie Alemania, Hazel Orencio, Soliman Cruz, Angelina Kanapi, among others.

“Norte” was produced by Jackie Ongking and Raymond Lee, with the screenplay by Rody Vera and Diaz.

Alix said “Death March” was also scripted by Vera. Based on the experiences of Filipino, American and Japanese soldiers during World War II, the film also stars Lucero, with Marudo, Milby, Jason Abalos, Carlo Aquino, Felix Roco and Jacky Woo.

“Death March” is produced by Woo’s Under Forward Entertainment, said Alix.

Alix and Diaz both expressed elation about their inclusion in the world’s premier film festival.

“I’m very happy. It’s a good sign for Philippine cinema,” said Alix.

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