An indie drama that explores the loneliness and missed opportunities of an ailing, 70-year-old gay man is testing Philippine sensibilities about sexuality and, if it passes the Academy Awards’ nomination process, may get a shot as the country’s entry in the best foreign-language film competition next year.
“Bwakaw,” or “Voracious,” has received positive reviews and local awards, and is doing the rounds of international film festivals in Toronto, New York, Hawaii and Tokyo.
Writer and director Jun Robles Lana says the movie is named after a stray dog with a voracious appetite for life that Rene, the main character, strikes a friendship with. Bwakaw’s zest for life contrasts with Rene’s grumpy disposition.
Rene came out of the closet in his twilight years, thinks it is too late for love and only awaits his own death. He has made a will and labeled his few possessions to be given away to his few friends. He even bought a coffin at a funeral home’s closing-out sale.
But when Bwakaw dies after an illness, Rene, played by veteran actor Eddie Garcia, finds new appreciation for life. “It’s the dog that basically teaches him to live life to the fullest,” Lana said in an interview Wednesday.
“It’s really more about loneliness, although you can’t help that some people or critics are branding it a gay film simply because the character is gay, but that’s really beside the point,” he said.
Lana admits that while Filipinos are generally gay-friendly — the most popular movie star is Vice Ganda, an out-and-out gay comedian — local mainstream audiences might not be too receptive to a serious take on homosexuality in the conservative and predominantly Roman Catholic society.
“We tend to look at gay characters as iconic, funny characters,” he said. “So when you make a movie like this, you really have to market it in such a way that it would be more appealing to them.”
He said that the movie focuses on the comedy aspect in order to appeal to a wider audience.
But the filmmaker hopes that between the laughs, moviegoers will find that it is more than a comedy.
He said he made the film with the intention to honor his mentor, writer Rene Villanueva, who died in 2007. He described Villanueva, who came out as gay later in his life, as generous and harsh at the same time, and an inspiration for the main character, Rene.
Lana said the drama “eventually became a story about growing old, missed opportunities, about how desire is inextricable from our lives.”
For Lana, who started in art house films but has for the last few years been mainly involved in commercial movies, “Bwakaw” was also “a return to my roots.”
“I did not expect this film which I made for very personal reasons would resonate with so many people and not just Filipinos,” he said. “I’m really just thankful for all the wonderful things going our way.”
The Philippines has submitted entries to the Academy Awards for many years but has never been nominated or even short-listed.
There are presently around 40 entries for the best foreign-language category. The list is to be pared down to 10 films late this year, and to five nominees by January.
Beyoncé’s Halftime Show Highlighted Netflix’s NFL Debut On Xmas Day
Beyoncé provided more excitement than either game during Netflix's NFL debut on Christmas Day.
Riding into her halftime appearance on a white horse, the 32-time Grammy winner rocked her hometown Houston crowd with a nearly 13-minute performance on Wednesday.
She surprised fans by bringing along Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin" and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
The action on the field didn't live up to expectations as the NFL showcased four of the AFC's top five teams.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce exposed a glitch in Pittsburgh's defense during Kansas City's 29-10 rout in the first game.
The broadcast itself went off just fine, quickly becoming the second-most popular live title on Netflix to date, according to NFL Media.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens led C.J. Stroud and the Texans to 17-2 at halftime before Beyoncé stole the show.
Mariah Carey opened Wednesday's doubleheader with a taped performance of "All I Want for Christmas is You" and then the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs trounced the Steelers to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
There were no signs of any major streaming issues during the game after Netflix experienced minor blunders at the start of the pregame show. The broadcast opened with roughly 10 seconds of silence because it appeared studio host Kay Adams' microphone wasn't turned on.
Beyoncé's live performance at NRG Stadium was supposed to be the biggest test for the streaming giant and it seemed to go off without a hitch.
Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns and Kelce had eight catches for 84 yards and one score as the Chiefs (15-1) earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. The... Read More