Director Mike de Leon’s first feature film “Itim” has been selected to be part of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
The 107-minute film stars Charo Santos, Tommy Abuel, Mario Montenegro, Susan Valdez, and Mona Lisa, among others.
The story revolves around Jun , a young photographer living in Manilla, who decided to return to his native town to visit his father , a retired doctor who became paralyzed after a car accident. During his visit, he decided to do a photo documentary on the locals’ Holy Week rites. He meets the mysterious Teresa , and while they’re becoming quick friends, she slowly started to open up about her sister, Rosa , who recently died. Her presence still haunts Teresa.
Mike said: “For personal reasons, this vindicates my long-held belief that you don’t have to do poverty to get noticed, unlike in Lino’s time. Especially if ‘Batch 81’ and ‘Kisapmata’ are released simultaneously with ‘Itim,’ e ‘di puwede pala.” According to the 74-year-old filmmaker, he won’t be able to go to Cannes. Instead, his “Itim” co-screenwriter, the New York-based Gil Quito, will represent him.