OVER a thousand passengers perish when a passenger ship named “Aurora” collides into a rocky shore. Many of the dead bodies turn up along the shore of the tiny island near the shipwreck, but many are still missing, and their distressed families are in need of a place to stay in as the search continues. This is the situation Anne Curtis’ character finds herself in “Aurora,” the official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2018 from Viva Films and Aliud Entertainment.
Curtis plays Leana, owner of a rundown inn on the island and guardian to Rita, her eight-year-old sister (Phoebe Villamor). She is asked to help look for the cadavers in exchange for a large amount of money. Leana is hesitant, but her fear is overcome by her sympathy for the families and her sister’s encouragement. Helping her in the search are her ex-boyfriend Ricky (Marco Gumabao) and a boatman named Eddie (Alan Paule).
The mystery-thriller is directed by Yam Laranas, the highly acclaimed director of “Sigaw” (2004) which was turned into a Hollywood film “The Echo” (2008), “The Road” and “Abomination.” He also wrote the screenplay of “Aurora” with Gin de Mesa (“All Souls’ Night”) and serves as one of the producers.
“Aurora” is an official MMFF entry and is showing in cinemas on Dec. 25 (S)