Synopsis
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.
Director Biography – Arvin Belarmino and Lomorpich Rithy
Arvin Belarmino (1987) is a Filipino filmmaker who was raised both in provincial Cavite and the urban capital of Manila. Arvin directed several experimental and narrative short films critically acclaimed on both local and international stage. Notably, his latest short film, ‘Radikals’, earned selection for the 63rd Semaine de la Critique Cannes 2024 short film competition.
In 2022, he was selected for the Festival De Cannes Cinéfondation La Residence for his first feature project, ‘Ria’ and won the CNC pitch award. Arvin is an alumnus of Talents Tokyo, Locarno Filmmakers Academy, and Produire Au Sud Workshop Nantes. In 2023, Arvin Belarmino’s ‘Ria’ was selected for La Fabrique Cinema in Cannes and won the Sorfond Pitching Forum in Norway.
Lomorpich RITHY (aka. YoKi) (1992), is a Cambodian LGBTQ film director, an entrepreneur, A cultural innovator and a former producer/director at the BBC Media Action. In 2019, her first debut film, ‘YOUNG LOVE’, was in official selection at Locarno FF. YoKi won the best screenplay award at the 6th National Film Festival and the Jury Special Award. Her second feature film script, ‘ROMDOUL, THE EVENING FRAGRANCE’, has been selected at Locarno Open Doors Lab 2020 and Talents Tokyo 2022. YoKi has recently been selected in the intensive Sundance Film Festival Asia program. She was a curator of Festival Tokyo in 2018. She has founded and serves as CEO of PlerngKob (Sacred Fire), a creative production house. YoKi is the co-founder and festival producer of BonnPhum (Village Festival), biggest and leading art & cultural in Cambodia, a folklore festival showcasing contemporary Cambodian culture.
Directors Factory gave me the chance to express my creativity, but even more so, to collaborate with a co-director and a talented team. This experience cemented in me the thought that making a film is always a collaborative, teamwork-oriented process. I learned a lot from my team and co-director who showed me that a different nationality and cultural background will never get in the way of two creative minds with a passion for storytelling. My experience with the Factory has given me more courage and love for filmmaking than I ever imagined. A sense of passion, love, and deep respect has been weaved into every thread of this film. We’re proud, joyful, and honored to show this film to the world. – Arvin Belarmino
This program was an eye-opening immersion into collaborative filmmaking. I discovered the power of communication and discussion in shaping a shared vision. This first-time experience directing a full crew and Filipino actors alike, challenged and expanded my creative horizons in ways I never imagined. This program aligns perfectly with my belief in the power of storytelling. It serves as a platform for the stories the world needs to hear from young filmmakers across Asia. Cinema is a powerful medium, and the Factory program is a catalyst, propelling Asian cinema to the next level. – Lomorpich Rithy