FAN Arts and MediaThe Filipino American Network Arts and MediaSkip to contentHomeAbout the FestivalTickets and Venue InformationNewsHomeThe Gene Siskel Film Center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago will be featuring a month-long series of films from the Philippines throughout September. From the Gene Siskel Film Center:Filipino Cinema:New Directions/New Auteurshttp://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/filipino_cinemaNORTE, THE END OF HISTORY (NORTE, HANGGANAN NG KASAYSAYAN)Norte2013, Lav Diaz, Philippines, 250 min.With Sid Lucero, Angeli Bayana“An extraordinary achievement,a truly staggering, even overwhelmingfilm-going experience…its thematic breadth is universal.”–Calum Marsh, Village Voice“Exhilarating…a perfect gateway into the director’s work.”–Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, A.V. Club.comThis powerfully slow-burning riff on Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” was a critical triumph at Cannes, putting an international spotlight on director Diaz’s epic work. An indolent blowhard of a law-school dropout (Lucero) murders a shrewish neighborhood moneylender, and the blame falls on a poor but honest family man. Over a luxuriously paced and utterly essential span of cinematic time, Diaz follows the fate of both men, one of them in a hell of his own making, the other staying the course in the hope of redemption. History, politics, philosophy, and ethics blend with ever-expanding moral dimensions in a setting of seascapes and haunting cityscapes. In Tagalog and English with English subtitles. DCP digital widescreen. (BS)IF ONLY(SANA DATI)If Only2013, Jerrold Tarog, Philippines, 100 min.With Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino“Well-written discreetly played…both moving and finally very mature inits emotional make-up.”–Derek Elley, Film Business AsiaIF ONLY takes place amid the chaotic last-minute preparations for an upscale family wedding, but director Tarog has a demystification of love rather than romance on his mind. To the astonishment of her female kin, bride-to-be Andrea appears glum and underwhelmed by her imminent vows with the ultimate catch, a wealthy rising-star politician. The arrival of a strangely inept wedding photographer becomes the catalyst for revelations about her mysterious year spent in Bangkok and the love of her life, who may not be the groom. In Tagalog with English subtitles. DCP digital. (BS)THE BIT PLAYER(EKSTRA)The Bit Player
2013, Jeffrey Jeturian, Philippines, 111 min.
With Vilma Santos, Vincent De Jesus
“Wise and witty…constant chuckles
and a fair supply of big belly laughs.”
–Richard Kuipers, Variety
Behind the scenes on the soap opera “You Were Mine First,” long-suffering middle-aged extra Loida (veteran mega-star Santos)
keeps a smile on her face while eternally striving to rise to the status of a bit player with lines. This alternately comic and poignant spoof on the indignities of the film business for those on the bottom rung is rife with funny pratfalls and cleverly couched social commentary. Santos turns on the heart-melting