Magtanggol, awarded Most Popular Film at the International Film Festival Manhattan this year, returns for more screenings at the UP Film Center at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. today.
The political whodunit film tells the story of a family who has spent years fighting for and helping the disenfranchised and the abused, specifically Overseas Filipino Workers, survive and get out of their hapless situations. The family encounters hardships, opposition, scandals and inter-family disagreements, including a potentially destructive accusation that one of their own has been exacting revenge against known OFW oppressors.
The film challenges the audience to guess who the real perpetrator of the crime is from start to finish. The screenings aim to make Filipinos feel proud again in time for the Nov. 30 celebration of Bonifacio Day.
Starring as the Magtanggol family are Joonee Gamboa, Dina Bonnevie, Tom Rodriguez, Ejay Falcon, Albie Casiño, Kim Domingo and Basti Santos, with William Martinez, Raul Morit, Sunshine Teodoro, Chanel Latorre and Yam Concepcion playing the roles of their extended family members.
The film also stars Denise Laurel, Ricky Davao, Epy Quizon, Giselle Sanchez, Lui Manansala, Cholo Barretto, Buboy Villar, Myrtle Sarrosa, Bombi Plata, Victor Medina, Dwight Gaston, Dido de la Paz, Archi Adamos, Hector Macaso, Bani Baldiserri, Jane Biton, Alvin Anson and internet sensation VMiguel Gonzales.
Produced by Jojo and Susan Dispo of Felix and Bert Film Productions, the film is directed by Sigfreid Barros Sanchez (Ang Mga Kidnaper Ni Ronnie Lazaro) with the script co-written by Sanchez, Henrie Famorcan Enaje and Henry Dela Cruz Jr., cinematography by Topel Lee, production design by Rom Factolerin and Fritz Silorio, editing by George Jarlego and music by award-winning musician and scorer Francis De Veyra.
Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the OFW Fund put up by the producers to help OFWs in their legal battles against abusive employers. For inquiries, call or text 09275632238.
