Brillante’s film ‘Captive’ starts premiere in Pampanga

CANNES Filmfest Best Director Brillante Mendoza's film “Captive” is set to be shown in cinemas all across the country this September but not before having a debut premiere in Pampanga, the director’s home province, on September 2.

“Captive” is Mendoza’s latest contribution to the independent film industry here. The film was an entry in the recent Berlin Film Festival last year. However, the film failed to bag any award but nonetheless received wide-ranging reviews from different critics.

The film tells of the “story of holiday makers and missionaries kidnapped in the Philippines by an al Qaeda-linked rebel group.” The news turned into film with that significant flair and signature Brillante Mendoza style.

The film stars French actress Isabelle Huppert and a host of talented and award-winning Filipino cast that include Sid Lucero, Angel Aquino, Maria Isabel Lopez, Joel Torre, Mercedez Cabral, Mon Confiado, Ronnie Lazaro, and Raymond Bagatsing.

Senator Loren Legarda regarded the film as “compelling.”

“Every frame startles and every silence lingers,” Legarda said.

Meanwhile, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera said he is endorsing the film to students and educators who plan to include it as among their educational materials. The film was given a Rating of 13 by the MTRCB.

“I believe that whichever films he plans to exhibit in his tour will enhance the student’s ability to discriminate outstanding films from the glut of mediocre films that are offered by the movie theaters in the country,” Lumbera said in a statement.

“The premiere night will be held on September 2, 2012 at SM City Pampanga Cinema 6,” SM City Pampanga public relations officer Rain Cervantes said, adding that national and local officials, school heads and media will be attending the gala night premiere.

The event is co-presented by the Department of Tourism, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Pampanga’s Best, City of San Fernando, OKMUSICA Advocacy and The Film Academy of Pampanga.

Mendoza, a proud Kapampangan, is from the City of San Fernando. He finished his primary education in San Isidro Elementary School and his secondary education at the University of the Assumption High School.

Through his films, he tries to utilize his artistry in promoting Kapampangan culture internationally.

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