3 Cinemalaya 2018 Finalists to Compete at the 39th Fantasporto Film Festival!

Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon, Kuya Wes, and School Service are part of the 39^th Fantasporto – Porto International Film Festival which runs from February 19 to March 3, 2019!

The three Cinemalaya 2018 films are set to compete under the Directors Week and Orient Express sections along with other film from different countries.

Carlo Enciso Catu’s Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon tells the story of Teresa and Celso (played by Perla Bautista and Menggie Cobarrubias respectively), an unmarried couple trying to survive their mundane elderly life, when Teresa’s estranged husband, Benedicto (played by Dante Rivero) suddenly reconnects with the couple, asking for care. The film is Cinemalaya 2018’s Best Film for the full-length category and was also awarded as Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, with NETPAC Citation.

James Robin Mayo’s Kuya Wes centers on the life of Kuya Wes (played by Ogie Alcasid), a timid and earnest remittance clerk who falls for his customer in need, Erika (played by Ina Raymundo). As Wes helps her from his own pocket, his relationship with his brother degrades, forcing him to change. Kuya Wes is Mayo’s first Cinemalaya film.

Luisito Ignacio’s School Service follows the story of Maya, a young girl taken against her will from the province and placed as a beggar in Manila by a small-time syndicate. It stars Ai-Ai delas Alas, Joel Lamangan, Celine Juan, Therese Malvar, Felixia Dizon, Joe Gruta, Kenken Nuyad, Kevin Sagra, Santino Oquendo, and Ace Café. The film took home Cinemalaya 2018’s Best Actress Award for Ai-ai delas Alas and the Best Supporting Actress Award for Therese Malvar.