Director Brillante Mendoza presented his latest masterpiece, Alpha, The Right To Kill, during a press conference at the Director’s Club at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall. The event also served as a send-off for the award-winning filmmaker who is flying to the San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain, where Alpha is in competition.
Mendoza, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson Liza Diño, SM SVP for Marketing and Communications Millie Dizon, Dr. Violet Reyes of Marinduque as well as the film’s lead stars Allen Dizon, Elijah Filamor, Jalyn Taboneknek and members of the media joined in the send-off.
After harvesting honors in Cannes, Berlin and Venice, this is first time Mendoza will be joining the prestigious San Sebastian International Film Festival (SSIFF), which runs until . 29 in Donostia-San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain.
Directed by Mendoza and written by Troy Espiritu, Alpha, The Right To Kill is set against the backdrop of the Philippines government’s crackdown on illegal drugs, a SWAT-led police force launches an operation to arrest Abel, one of the biggest drug lords in Manila.
Also starring Baron Geisler, the film follows the story of Police Officer Espino (Dizon) and Elijah (Fillamor), a small-time pusher turned informant, provide the intelligence for the operation which quickly escalates into a violent and heavily-armed confrontation in the slums between the SWAT and Abel’s (Geisler) gang.
Before the investigators arrive at the crime scene, Espino and Elijah walk off with Abel’s backpack full of money and methamphetamine.
This gesture of survival for one and corruption for the other will soon set off a dangerous series of events, both of them risking their reputations, families and lives in the process.
This year, The San Sebastian International Film Festival is celebrating its 66th consecutive edition with the same enthusiasm felt the day it began on Sept. 21, 1953. Mendoza is among 11 other awarded directors from around the world competing for highest prize, The Golden Shell.
The Alpha, The Right To Kill conference is one of the many exciting events at Director’s Club, SM Mega Fashion Hall.
