IDOL: Pag-asa ng Bayan Film at the Ateneo

JESUIT COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTS A FILM ABOUT CHEATING

“Diba lahat naman tayo nandaraya paminsan-minsan?” Jesuit Communications and Brave New Films ’05 present a shocking and timely full length digital film – IDOL: Pag-asa ng Bayan. In supporting roles are acting greats Jaclyn Jose and Michael de Mesa. But in the lead are newfound discoveries Cedric Jose and Meila Romero. “Except for Michael and Jaclyn, the main characters are unknown but their acting is superb, thanks to the inspired directing of Cesar Evangelista Buendia”, notes Father Nick Cruz - Ateneo Film Professor and member of the MTRCB. “I highly recommend this film not only for students but also for teachers and parents”, he adds.

Buendia, a first-time film director, also wrote the script of this film that tackles the issue of cheating. In the onset, the film appears to be a typical coming-of-age story about friendship, youth and high school life. In the unfolding however, the film reveals a story about honesty, honor and integrity. It is also a dissection of the problem of corruption in Philippine society. “Timely, relevant, brave! A gritty eye opener for today's youth.” comments Nonoy Lauzon of the UP Film Institute.

The film IDOL is currently being used by many high school teachers around the country as a tool for value formation. It was a big hit in the Marikina Film Festival, attracting more than 20,000 students and making puppy-eyed lead actor Cedric Jose an instant star among the youth of Marikina. In Baliuag University, more than 3,000 students viewed the film in their school gymnasium. On November 29, more than 2,000 students from the Ateneo High School will be viewing the film upon the recommendation of the school’s religion department and the endorsement of the Ateneo High School administration. After every screening, the filmmakers conduct a symposium to process the film’s message to the young audience.

Often, viewers would describe the film as powerful, thought-provoking and suspenseful. A must-see especially for today’s youth, IDOL promises to be a “wake-up call” says Fr. Nick Cruz.

The film was the final project in a workshop organized by The Garage, Jesuit Communications Creative Technologies. 98% of the film’s cast and crew are neophyte filmmakers making the film truly a film by students and for students.

The UPIS Batch ’82 alumni association sponsors the screening of IDOL: Pag-asa ng Bayan on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, at the Henry Lee Irwin Theatre inside Ateneo de Manila. Tickets will be available at the gate at P100 each for the 5pm and 7pm screenings. Tickets are also available at Jescom Tanging Yaman outlets. For reservations please contact 0918-923-5515.