'Kun Maupay Man It Panahon' film is heading to film festivals in Switzerland and Canada
It is not new for the Philippines to get strong rainfalls, but Super Typhoon Yolanda was different. In 2013, the country dealt with a massive storm surge that left 90 percent of Tacloban City in the island of Leyte destroyed. And after the storm left, fear and devastation reigned on the land.
Bringing that story to the screen is director Carlo Francisco Manatad with his film "Kun Maupay Man It Panahon" (Whether the Weather Is Fine). Set on a day after the rage of the typhoon, its central character Miguel is determined to seek refuge in the big city. He searches for his loved ones in the rubble that was once their community, even though another terrible storm is about to come.
"The film expresses an understanding of a devastation that has changed a 'community' and humanity as a whole," Carlo says. "The film is a commentary in form of a satire and deals with the absurd generation we have become today."
Filipino actor Daniel Padilla breaks away from his rom-com leading man roles as he portrays Miguel, alongside newcomer Rans Rifol and veteran actress Charo Santos-Concio. Aiming to show the story beyond the Philippines' borders, "Kun Maupay Man It Panahon" will be showcased in international film festivals.
First is at the 74th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, happening until Aug. 14, 2021. The film is representing the country in the Concorso Cineasti del Presente (Filmmakers of the Present Competition) of the festival, which sheds light on the works of up-and-coming directors around the globe.
“More than the selection itself, it's getting to know the people, ‘yung mismong culture from films that you’ve watched. I think right now, kung ano ‘yung mapapanood ko, kung sino ‘yung mga makikilala ko doon, every time naman learning experience, excited ako doon and sobrang thankful ako for Locarno for giving me this platform again to show my feature,” the director says to Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Apart from its European debut, the film will also premiere in North America at the Toronto International Film Festival. From Sept. 9 to 18, 2021, the movie will be shown under the Contemporary World Cinema section of the festival.
"Kun Maupay Man It Panahon" was made by Black Sheep, Dreamscape, iWant, Quantum Films, and Globe Studios, together with Cinematografica, Plan C, House on Fire (France), AAND (Singapore), and KawanKawan (Indonesia).
Watch the trailer for "Kun Maupay Man It Panahon" below.