“Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa (Love in the Time of the Bakunawa,) the full-length feature film debut of Ilonggo literary icon Peter Solis Nery will have its gala premiere screening at SM City Iloilo Cinema 3 on Wednesday, September 5 with two schedules, 4 pm to 6 pm, and 6 pm to 8 pm with tickets available for P100 at the venue.
The movie is scheduled for international screening at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore on Sunday, September 9 at 3pm as part of Singapore Portraits.
A day before the Iloilo screening of the movie, Tuesday, September 4 at 2 pm, Nery will have a book launch at Al Dente Restaurant at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. The multi-awarded Ilonggo writer who was honored with a First Place and a Second Place wins (Children’s Poetry Category) at 2012 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards on September 1 at Manila Peninsula Hotel is optimistic to launch his books—the novel version of the movie, and his Imelda Marcos-inspired book, “If the Shoe Fits.”
While steep with Filipino values and commentaries on issues like poverty, tourism, social and ecological responsibilities, the movie is really a classic love story that entertains more than moralizes. Under the deft hands of Nery, the movie, which stars Pinoy Dream Academy alumnus Eman Abatayo, upcoming actress Priscilla Fontana, and sexy actor-model Jet Alcantara, has raised the bar for Hiligaynon films, and regional filmmaking in the Philippines.
Other featured Ilonggo talents in the film are Sol Fernandez School of Dance, Low Nook Dance Company, and a cameo by Ilongga artist Sheila Barrios.
Co-produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the film was a finalist at the 1st Sineng Pambansa National Film Competition in Davao City last July. The movie is also recommended for the Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece this November, and will be screened at the 6th Karay-a Arts Festival on October 19 in San Jose, Antique.
For updates, check out www.facebook.com/loveinthetimeofthebacunaua or visit www.petersolisnery.com.
© The News Today: September 3, 2012