CINEMALAYA FILM FESTIVAL’S 12TH YEAR AT AYALA MALLS CINEMAS

Press release

The country’s annual Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival celebrates its 12^th year with a resonant theme “Break the Surface” featuring an impressive roster of films for full length and short feature categories that are currently showing at Ayala Malls Cinemas.

                For the first time, Ayala Malls Cinemas brings the festival outside Metro Manila at Ayala Center Cebu that will run on August 9 -14.  Marking its first opening at Ayala Center Cebu, Cinemalaya will have its opening night on August 9 featuring “Dagsin” and “Lando at Bugoy.”

               

                Now on its sixth year partnership with Cinemalaya Foundation, Ayala Malls Cinemas has again championed the works of the country’s talented filmmakers showcasing the festival’s entries in seven of their branches (runs from August 6 – 14 in Metro Manila and August 9-14 in Cebu) – Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 1, Fairview Terraces, U.P. Town Center, Solenad and Ayala Center Cebu.

                Currently playing exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas, this year’s Cinemalaya nine (9) entries for the Full Feature category include “Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching,” directed by Inna Miren Salazar and Dos Ocampo starring Janus Del Prado and Ketchup Eusebio; “Dagsin,” directed by Renato Ignacio Magadia, Jr. starring  Janine Gutierrez, Lotlot De Leon and Tommy Abuel; “Hiblang Abo,” directed by Ralston Jover, starring Lou Veloso and Jun Urbano; “I America” by Ivan Andrew Payawal stars Bela Padilla; “Kusina” by directors Cenon Obispo Palomares and David R. Corpuz stars Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo;  “Lando at Bugoy” directed by Victor Acedillo Jr. starring Allen Dizon and Gold Azeron; “Mercury is Mine” directed by Jason Paul Laxamana starring Pokwang and Bret Jackson; “Pamilya Ordinaryo” directed by Eduardo Roy, Jr. starring Ronwaldo Martin, Hasmine Killip and Maria Isabel Lopez and “Tuos” by Roderick Cabrido starring Nora Aunor and Barbie Forteza.

                For the Short Feature category, entries include “Ang Maangas, Ang Marikit at Ang Makata,” “Bugtaw,” “Mansyong Papel,” “Nakauwi Na,” “Pektus,” “Ang Hapon nin Nanding,” “Butas,” “Fish Out of Water,” “Get Certified” and “Forever Natin.”

               Watch Cinemalaya at Ayala Malls Cinemas - Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 1, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces , U.P. Town Center, Solenad and Ayala Center Cebu.

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ROBERT PATTINSON RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN IN “QUEEN OF THE DESERT” AT AYALA MALLS CINEMAS

Press release

 Robert Pattinson, best known for his role in the highly-successful young adult blockbuster “Twilight” films essays a more mature role starring with Nicole Kidman and James Franco in the true-to-life story of trailblazing woman  in “Queen of the Desert” directed by award-winning Werner Herzog.

Nicole Kidman and Robert Pattinson

                Nicole Kidman plays Gertrude Bell aptly referenced as the “Queen of the Desert,”  bring to the big screen the true-life story of Bell, who was a British political officer and archaeologist but ultimately a trailblazer on her terms. The story details the extraordinary adventures of Bell wrestling with the conflicts of love and tragedy, enemy and friend, and foreign and familiar as she sought to understand and unify people from different cultures.

                Gertrude Bell, a real-life British woman who was alternately a traveler, writer, archaeologist, explorer, cartographer, and political attaché for the British Empire at the dawn of the twentieth century. While only a commoner herself, Bell was nonetheless a kingmaker, helping found the modern states of Iraq and Jordan and installing their first rulers, King Abdullah and King Faisal.

                Another legendary character that appears in this film is T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, played by Robert Pattinson.  His role as T.E. Lawrence is a British Army officer whose writing earned him international fame as Lawrence of Arabia, on whom David Lean’s 1962 classic blockbuster movie epic is based. Lawrence was a good friend to Bell over the years, as the duo helped establish the Hashemite dynasties in Jordan and Iraq. “I needed an Englishman, who still has the air of a schoolboy, but who is very intelligent. He plays Lawrence of Arabia, but at age 22, on an archaeological site. Pattinson is very good in this role. He is an intelligent man and the choice was quite natural”, says Herzog of casting Pattinson.

                Pattinson says landing the role was “just crazy”.  “I’ve been a fan of Herzog since I was 16. I met him for that job three years ago; I thought it was never going to happen and when it finally did, it was amazing. Riding around Morocco on a camel, it was pretty great,” says Pattinson in his previous interviews.

                Of working with the director, Pattinson says, “It’s insane because he wrote the script as well and it’s one of the most difficult scripts I’ve ever read. Werner’s great. He’s exactly what you’d expect. He’s got so many amazing stories. He’s got insane confidence as well. I think that’s where all his creativity comes from. He’s got 100% belief in himself.”

                From Axinite Digicinema, “Queen of the Desert” opens March 2 exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas.  

“STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON” GOES STRAIGHT TO AYALA MALLS CINEMAS

Press release

In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and anger about life in the most dangerous place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music.

Photo courtesy of UIP

Taking us back to where it all began, Universal Pictures' “Straight Outta Compton” tells the true story of how these cultural rebels—armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent—stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.

“Straight Outta Compton” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting September 30.

The film stars O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, and is directed by F. Gary Gray (“The Italian Job,” “The Negotiator”). The drama is produced by original N.W.A members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Tomica Woods-Wright, Matt Alvarez, Gray and Scott Bernstein.

The tale of N.W.A is multifaceted, encompassing the compelling personal stories of its members, while weaving in the social tapestry from which the group's revolutionary music emerged over its 10-year span.

Even amid his thriving and long-sustained career as a chart-topping music artist and a quadruple threat in entertainment as an actor, writer, producer and director, Ice Cube, aka O'Shea Jackson, has always kept the notion of chronicling the rise of N.W.A tucked in the back of his mind.

In 2009, Ice Cube came across a script that proved too tempting to overlook, and for the first time he jumpstarted the idea of a viable feature-film biography based on the group's experiences, ones that began almost three decades prior.

For Cube, there was no doubt that the filmed version of the N.W.A story would be dedicated to group founder Eric "Eazy-E" Wright, who had passed away in 1995. Cube reflects: "Thank God for Eazy, who had the vision and saw this music as the future, the records that people want to hear. He was so adamant about putting Compton on the map. He used to be like, 'Everybody, y'all in Brooklyn. Everybody, y'all got Queens in the house, the Bronx, uptown. Nobody here on the Compton. What about Compton?' He was adamant that he would put Compton on the map if that's the last thing he did."

With the participation of key players-including fellow N.W.A member Dr. Dre and Eazy-E's widow, Tomica Woods-Wright, who would come on board as producers, and original group members MC Ren and DJ Yella, who joined as consultants, the team knew that they could do it right and pay homage to their story.

The screenplay, entitled “Straight Outta Compton,” originated from several years of interviews and research compiled by music documentarian S. Leigh Savidge and screenwriter Alan Wenkus. That early draft would lay the foundation for what would become Andrea Berloff 's working version, who along with screenwriter Jonathan Herman's work, fine-tuned the material into the shooting script.

Incorporating an abundance of recollections information garnered from all fronts, the writers' collective work was an expansive look at the life and times of N.W.A. At the forefront of everyone's minds was the belief that telling their story would uphold the legacy of their friend Eazy-E as the magnetic visionary he was. Eazy-E was the core of this group's foundation and would be depicted with respect.

From the beginning, Eazy's goal was to portray life in the 'hood with frank lyrics by Ice Cube and infectious beats by Dr. Dre and create a new movement that evoked their experiences in Compton with an honesty that had never been expressed. He knew that they had something special, and together with DJ Yella and MC Ren, the five would make iconic music that would explode well beyond the povertystricken urban centers of America and attract attention around the world.

Animated Comedy “ParaNorman” Exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas

The year's most acclaimed animated feature and considered a virtual shoo-in for the 2013 Academy Awards, Focus Features' new comedy thriller “ParaNorman” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, Market! Market!, Alabang Town Center) starting Sept. 5.

Photo courtesy of Focus Features

             Garnering an excellent 87% “fresh” rating at Rotten Tomatoes, “ParaNorman” is described by critics as “beautifully animated and solidly scripted...and will entertain (and frighten) older children while providing surprisingly thoughtful fare for their parents.”

             Following the Academy Award-nominated “Coraline,” “ParaNorman” is the second stop-motion animated feature to be made at LAIKA Studios in 3D, unifying the two stunning art forms to tell an all-new frightfully funny, magically emotional, and hilariously spooky story.

             When a small town comes under siege by zombies, who can it call? “Norman!”

              The film is set in the town of Blithe Hollow, whose locals profit from mining the town’s history as the site, 300 years ago, of a famous witch hunt. 11-year-old Norman Babcock (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) spends much of his days appreciating the finer points of scary movies and studying ghost lore. In fact, Norman is gifted with the ability to see and speak with the dead, such as his beloved grandmother (Elaine Stritch). 

             Most days, he prefers their company to that of his flustered father (Jeff Garlin), spacey mother (Leslie Mann), and deeply superficial older sister Courtney (Anna Kendrick). At middle school, Norman dodges bullying Alvin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), confides in the impressionable Neil (Tucker Albrizzi), and tries to tune out his blowhard teacher Mrs. Henscher (Alex Borstein).

             Norman is unexpectedly contacted by his odd uncle Prenderghast (John Goodman), who floors him with the revelation that a centuries-old witch’s curse is real and is about to come true, and that only Norman will be able to stop it from going into overdrive and harming the townspeople. 

             Once a septet of zombies – led by The Judge (Bernard Hill) – suddenly rises from their graves, Norman finds himself caught in a wild race against time alongside Courtney, Alvin, Neil, and Neil’s musclebound older brother Mitch (Casey Affleck) as Sheriff Hooper (Tempestt Bledsoe) chases them all. Worse, the town is up in arms and taking up arms.

             Norman bravely summons up all that makes a hero – courage and compassion – as he finds his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits.

AYALA CINEMAS IN “FULL FORCE” SUPPORT OF THE 8TH CINEMALAYA 2012 RUN

Ayala Malls Cinemas hosts for the 2^nd time the country’s Cinemalaya on its 8^th year in developing and promoting Filipino independent films. Cinemalaya’s simultaneous screening at the CCP Theater and at Ayala Cinemas’ Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma will run from  July 21 to July 29.

                Paying tribute to one of the country’s acclaimed filmmakers, Ayala Cinemas’ Cinemalaya opening ceremony at Trinoma will feature the late Mario O’Hara’s “Babae Sa Breakwater” starring Katherine Luna.

                Competing in the category of New Breed Films are “Intoy Syokoy Ng Kalye Marino” directed by Lemuel C. Lorca, “Requeime!” by Loy Arcenas, “Oros” by Paul Sta. Ana, “Ang Katiwala (The Caretaker)” by Aloy Adlawan, “Santa Nina” by Emmanuel Quindo Palo, “Aparisyon” by Vincent Sandoval, “Diablo” by Mes De Guzman, “Mga Dayo (Resident Aliens) by Julius Sotomayor Cena, “The Animals” by Gino M. Santos and “Ang Nawawala (What Isn’t There)” by Marie Jamora.

                In Director’s Showcase Films category, entries include “Kamera Obskura” by Raymond Red, “Bwakaw” by Jun Robles Lana, “Posas” (Shackled) by Lawrence Fajardo, “Kalayaan (Wildlife)” by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. and “Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets)” by Jose Javier Reyes.

                Included in Short Feature films are “As He Sleeps” by Sheron Dayoc, “Balintuna (Irony)” by Emmanuel Escalona Jr., “Bohe Sons of the Waves” by Nadjoua Bansil, “Pasahero (Passenger)” by Mario “Max” Celada, “Victor” by Jarell M. Serencio, “Ang Paghihintay Sa Bulong (Waiting to Whisper) by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, “Manenaya (Waiting)” by Richard Legaspi, “Ruweda (Wheel)” by Hannah Espia, “Sarong Adlaw (one Day) by Marianito Dio, Jr. and “Ulian (Senility)” by Chuck Gutierrez.

                Check out Ayala Cinemas’ Cinemalaya schedule at  WWW.SURESEATS.COM   and book your tickets in advance at Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma.

Ayala Malls Cinemas welcomes Cinemalaya at Greenbelt 3

Cinemalaya opening at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas  (L-R):  Rhia Arda, Marketing Manager of Ayala Malls Cinemas, Rolly Dueñas, Deputy General Manager of Ayala Malls Cinemas, Laurice Guillen, Ralph Fernandez, Nestor Jardin, Festival Director, Robbie Tan, Festival Chairman for Monitoring, Lorna Tolentino

For the first time-ever, Cinemalaya opens two major venues for its 7^th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, “SEE THE UNSEEN”.  Aside from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it is now also held at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas in Makati.

As Nestor Jardin, Cinemalaya Festival Director, had put it – finally their dream of coming to Makati is now a reality.  Having Greenbelt 3 Cinemas as a second major venue for the festival is part of the vision of Cinemalaya organizers to make the Festival more accessible to the growing number of audiences that attend Cinemalaya.   Ayala Malls Cinemas on the other hand is more than honored to host the prestigious Cinemalaya Festival as it brings the best cinematic works from various talented Filipino filmmakers.

Greenbelt 3 Cinemas will show an all-digital film featuring nine (9) New Breed Full Length films, ten (10) Short Feature Films, eight (8) NETPAC premieres, four (4) Focus Asia (featuring films from Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan) and four (4) Directors Showcase.  “Bisperas” by Jeffrey Jeturian, “Busong” by Auraeus Solito, “Isda” by Adolfo Alix Jr. and “Patikul” by Joel Lamangan.

                Cinemalaya officially opened in Greenbelt 3 Cinemas last July 16 with the film, MASKARRA by the acclaimed director – Laurice Guillen who also is the Festival Chairman of Competition.  The film is a tribute to the late Johnny Delgado which stars Shamaine Buencamino, Tirso Cruz III and daughter Ina Feleo who also wrote the screenplay. 

Visit www.sureseats.com for more information on the 7^th Cinemalaya schedule at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas.  You may also reserve and purchase tickets in advance through the website.  Cinemalaya will run at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas from July 16 to July 24