Award-winning Pinoy film ‘El Presidente’ to open New York filmfest April 5

The award-winning Filipino epic “El Presidente,” a biopic based on the life of the first president of the Philippine Republic, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, will open this year’s SoHo International Film Festival NYC (SIFFNYC) on April 5 (Friday), with its stars led by Cesar Montano and Baron Geisler, and director-writer Mark Meily gracing the opening.

 

“El Presidente’s” screening time is 5 p.m., following a red carpet arrival with the cast and crew at 4:30 p.m.

 

The annual festival will be held at Sunshine Cinema at 143 East Houston in Manhattan, from April 5 to 11, with the awards night for the competing films slated on April 12.

 

Jorge Ballos, founder and president of SIFFNYC announced that 17 feature films, six documentaries and 48 short films are participating from the United States, Canada, India, Germany, South Korea and the Philippines, among other countries.

 

“The festival has definitely become bigger on its fourth year with selected entries coming from Asia, North America and Europe,” said Ballos.

 

The opening film, “El Presidente,” is top billed by Jeorge E.R. Estregan in the title role.

 

The film relives one of the Philippines’ most turbulent periods in history by exposing the infighting among the Katipunan members resisting the Spanish forces and how Aguinaldo wanted to resolve them.

 

Estregan is supported by some of the Philippine cinema’s most respected actors, including Christopher de Leon, Montano, Geisler, Cristine Reyes and Nora Aunor, who has just won the Best Actress trophy at the recent Asian Film Awards for the movie “Thy Womb.”

 

Ballos said “El Presidente” is Aunor’s comeback movie after eight years of absence in the big screen.

 

She’s hailed as one of Asia’s 10 Best Actresses of the Decade, with her internationally-acclaimed film “Himala” recognized by CNN as Asia-Pacific Region’s Best Film of All Time.

 

Yahoo! Philippines lauded “El Presidente” for “its breathtaking cinematography, well-choreographed fight scenes, haunting music and brilliant acting.”

 

Joining Montano, Geisler and director Meily on opening night are “El Presidente” co-stars Jett Ejercito, Jhulia Ejercito, Jenny Villalon and executive producer Maylyn Enriquez.

 

SIFFNYC is supported by various entities including the NYC Mayor’s Office of Film and Broadcasting.

 

Ballos said this year’s festival is hoping to draw lustrous names in the movie industry like last year when Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, the Jonas Brothers and Ice-T led the line up of guests.

 

SIFFNYC celebrates the cutting-edge of digital technology while honoring traditional forms of storytelling, and encouraging new and seasoned filmmakers from New York City and around the world to create and send in their fresh and innovative cinematic pieces.

 

All screenings are followed by a question-and-answer session with the director and the cast, which truly makes for a wonderful experience.

 

For complete schedule and tickets, visit www.sohofilmfest.com or call 201.936.3356/212.997.9371 or e-mail jorge@siffnyc.net for details. - Filipino Reporter