A romance film written and directed by Dwein Baltazar, starring Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon, caps Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2023 on Aug. 12, 2023, 9 pm, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

“Third World Romance (Love on a Budget),” the closing film of the 19th edition of the film festival, focuses on the story of Britney, an outspoken grocery cashier, and Alvin, a laid-back grocery bagger, who seek the difficult goal of being happy and content despite the harsh realities of their blue-collared lives and the bleak background of the pandemic. But when Britney faces a choice between love and survival, she realizes that happiness comes with a great cost.

Baltazar is a director, screenwriter, and editor known for her works in Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus, Ode to Nothing, Exes Baggage, and Mamay Umeng, among others. She started in the industry as a stylist for director Chito S. Roño’s film Emir in 2010. Her first film Mamay Umeng premiered in 2012, won Best Picture at the 2013 Jeonju Film Festival, and was nominated at the 2013 Bombay International Film Festival. 

The cast includes Ana Abad Santos, Gardo Versoza, Archi Adamos, Iyah Mina, Esnyr Ranollo, Xilhouete, Brian Black, Lady Morgana, Junjun Quintana, and Donna Cariaga. 

The Cinemalaya 19 closing film is open and free to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be released two hours before the scheduled screening time at the PICC vestibule near the exit area.

The Cinemalaya Closing and Awarding Program is slated on Aug.13, 2023, at the PICC.   

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