'Balota' to be shown at Hawaii International Film Festival in the US
The Cinemalaya film Balota will soon be making waves in the US!
GMA Pictures shared that its Marian Rivera-starrer will make its international premiere at the 44th Hawaii International Film Festival taking place from Oct. 2 to 13.
The film will be shown on Oct. 6 and 12 at the Consolidated Theaters Kahala and Oct. 21 at the Lanai Theater at Hale Keaka. Tickets can be purchased through the theater's website.
Balota's international release also coincides with its return to Philippine cinemas on Oct. 16, this time with a new cut.
The film revolves around Rivera's character Emmy, a strict yet popular teacher in a small town, as she is assigned to the Board of Election Inspectors for her local precinct. But when violence breaks out, Emmy is forced to escape with the last copy of the election results and must outsmart those who want to sabotage the election.
But the stakes become even higher when her loved ones and community are caught in the crossfire as she strives to defend the democratic process.
The film is helmed by Kip Oebanda, who highlighted that they wanted to make a film "about people who are sick and tired of having the rich and powerful take their power and voice away from them."
Rivera's portrayal of Emmy earned her Best Actress at the Cinemalaya Film Festival awards night, sharing the recognition with Gabby Padilla for Kono Basho.
Other cast members include Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Joel Saracho, Sue Prado, Mae Paner, and Gardo Versoza.