Filipino short film 'Agapito' makes it to 78th Cannes Film Festival
A Filipino short film has made the lineup of works that will be presented at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
Helmed by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero, Agapito will be a part of the festival's short film competition, where it will be shown along with 10 other works from various artists around the world.
In a Facebook post, Belarmino was elated to share the news of their film's inclusion at this year's Cannes, highlighting how they are "humbled and blessed" to be a part of the prestigious affair.
"Thank you Festival de Cannes for believing in this story. This is a story where I became vulnerable, reflecting on how my family grounds me and keeps me from taking things for granted. A story that is dedicated to my brother Agapito Jay Ar Belarmino," he said.
"My love and appreciation to the whole passionate cast, crew, and producers, who collaboratively made this film with me and Kyla. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts," he added.
Romero similarly took the time to express her gratitude towards Cannes for selecting their film to compete, as well as to their crew for all their hard work during production.
"The Philippines is competing in Cannes once more—through a film made with so much care, sincerity, and love. Arvin and I are blessed to work with a crew so passionate, strong-willed, talented, and sentimental. Thank you, all of you," she said in a Facebook post.
"I dedicate this piece to my late father. To you, papa, Danny Romero. For raising me in a sports facility, surrounded by people who love what they do. Something that resonated when we made this story, set in a duckpin alley in Bulacan," she added.
Agapito focuses on an old, famous duckpin alley and the group of pinsetters that work there.
"The group's manager, Mira, closes the duckpin alley early. The pinsetters practice a song-and-dance piece, awaiting the arrival of a special visitor," the film's synopsis read.
The Short Film Palme d’Or will be handed by the jury chaired by director, screenwriter, and producer Maren Ade on May 24 during the closing ceremony of this year's festival.
The 78th annual Cannes will begin on May 13, with French actress Juliette Binoche serving as jury president for the main competition.
