Cannes Directors Fortnight x Epicmedia x DW

Since 2013, under the umbrella of Directors’ Fortnight, the Factory aims at the emergence of new talents on the international scene. Each year, with the support of a new partner country, the Factory mentors 8 budding filmmakers with ambitious first or second feature projects to co- write and co-direct, in pairs, a total of 4 short films to be screened at the Fortnight in May.

Coproduced by Bradley Liew (Epicmedia - Philippines) and Dominique Welinski (DW - France), the project has received support from Quezon City Film Commission and Local Government of Dapitan. CMB Film Services and Jim Baltazar has given their camera, lights, and equipment to veteran cinematographers Pao Orendain, Mackie Galvez, Tey Clamor and Pong Ignacio. Anima Studios of Kroma Entertainment with its General Manager, Bianca Balbuena, has also supported the project, together with Paul Soriano of Ten17P, from creative collaboration to financing and to overseeing post-production. Postproduction Services are provided by Terminal Six Post, while color-grading is done in Barebones. The project’s two editors, Lawrence Ang and Jordan Dela Cruz, stayed in Dakak Resort in Dapitan for a month to edit the four short films.

COLD CUT

Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan (Philippines) and Tan Siyou (Singapore) direct COLD CUT which exclusively stars local talents from Dapitan City.

Joy, a 19-year-old student, is about to compete at the local talent show. As she's about to enter the audition, a mysterious butcher takes her to unknown horizons...

SILIG

Arvin Belarmino (Philippines) and Lomorpich Rithy (aka YoKi) (Cambodia) direct SILIG.

The stubborn and feisty Mamang is back in town after 20 years to organize her funeral. But she wants to be cremated against all odds...

This film stars veteran actresses Sylvia Sanchez multi-awarded actress, and Angel Aquino, who has starred in many Lav Diaz films, including Silver Bear, A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery.

NIGHTBIRDS

Maria Estela Paiso (Philippines) and Ashok Vish (India) direct NIGHTBIRDS.

Mythology crosses Ivy's path when mystical Tigmamanukan bird helps her break free from her husband who gambles the couple's money in cockfighting.

The film stars famous Filipina comedian, Pokwang, main actress in Oda Sa Wala by Dwein Baltazar which competed in Karlovy Vary IFF.

WALAY BALAY

Eve Baswel (Philippines) and Gogularaajan Rajendran (Malaysia) direct WALAY BALAY.

In the shadow of the Marawi conflict, Norayda and her daughter Yahairah have found solace in a nearby town. They count each day to return home. Until an official letter arrives...

The film stars Lav Diaz’s mainstay Shaina Magdayao (Season of the Devil, The Halt, Essential Truths of the Lake...) and Ruby Ruiz, star of Lulu Wang’s Expats.

Press: Variety, Streamlined

Directors Factory Philippines