Adolf Alix’s The Vigil and Joel Lamangan’s Apo Hapon are coming attractions for cinematic release that bring hope to the challenging times that the Philippine entertainment industry face.
Written by Lawrence Nicomedus with Alix as its director, the young filmmaking Jedi says: “It has been a concept of mine from way back and finally we were able to do it. The concept of horror has been quite an interest as it is another way of dealing with the human condition and a good platform to place the audience in for a ride”
In a nutshell, the film is about a group of young boys who are undergoing an initiation to be members of a secret organization whom their parents are part of – a sort of rites of passage tradition. When they committed an unforgivable sin during the initiation, their punishment must be served with tragic consequences.
Making up the cast are some of the brightest Sparkle stars namely Will Ashley, Bruce Roeland, Joaquin Manansala, Kimson Tan, Carlo San Juan, Anjay Anson, Prince Carlos, Abed Green, and Faye Lorenzo.
Director Alix chose young, promising actors to challenge their roles and capitalize on their strengths as newcomers. Their enthusiasm for learning and adapting to their characters adds excitement.
Director Adolf found the use of revenge as a horror trigger to be fresh and relatable, gripping the audience with an engaging story. The Vigil is produced by Alix for OBRA Cinema Productions.
Meanwhile, finding and discovering one’s roots, the blossoming of unexpected love, the beauty of two cultures, and how one’s foreign resolve benefitted an entire cultural community, is what Apo Hapon is all about, written by Eric Ramos, under the direction of Lamangan.
The biggest attraction why the seasoned film master directs the film is the new film company, GK Production. Director Lamangan is ecstatic about the fact that new bloods are infusing capital, and a fresh narrative, and is bullish that hope springs eternal for Philippine cinema.
With the story pitched alongside his collaborator Eric Ramos, they’re poised to present Apo Hapon’s life story, drawing real-world inspiration despite its fictional nature.
Director Lamangan adds: The plot follows a young Japanese woman searching for her World War II soldier grandfather’s truth. Teaming up with a Filipino writer, they gradually piece together clues, unveiling an unexpected romance between them.
The film is top-billed by JC De Vera and Japanese newcomer Sakura Akiyoshi. Also in the cast are Fumiya Sankai, Nella Dizon, and Lianne Valentin, with Jim Pebanco, Marcus Madrigal, Rico Barrera, Yoshiko Hara, Prince Clemente, and Perla Bautista.
Director Lamangan personally selected the cast, including Japanese actors recommended by partners GK Production. The film centers on Apo Hapon, who transitions from a Japanese soldier to a local hero in a Northern cultural community. His agricultural knowledge and affinity for the community’s way of life shine as key points.
Lamangan highlights the unique perspective: “A Japanese man’s transformation into a local hero offers a fresh angle. This isn’t historical revisionism, but a story of innate goodness prevailing despite wartime roles. Apo Hapon’s change of heart spurred the community’s prosperity.”
Apo Hapon and The Vigil promise to enthrall cinematic experiences, celebrating Philippine film.