Tofarm Film Festival 2017: Planting the Seeds of Change

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI) lights up the silver screen with six new and original films to mark the second edition of the TOFARM Film Festival.

“We are very pleased to announce that the TOFARM Film Festival 2017 bears new fruits that affirm Filipino film making genius,” says award-winner Maryo J. De Los Reyes, TOFARM Film Festival director.

“These exciting new films aim to capture a greater audience with their commercial and mass appeal, not to mention the inclusion of young and veteran actors among the cast members,” he adds.

The six official entries were chosen from more than a hundred scripts submitted to the screening committee. Shortlisting the entries alone was no easy task as the numbers of entrants rose to 113 from 76 submitted last year.

“The figures alone are a sure sign that we achieved one of our goals during the previous TOFARM Film Festival, and that is to elicit awareness and excitement among filmmakers to craft films that reflect the life of Filipino farmers,” De Los Reyes observes.

The six films included in this year’s TOFARM Film Festival include Topel Lee’s “Baklad,” the coming of age story of a fish pen boy seeking to follow his dream; Tara Illenberger’s “Hightide” a narrative film inspired by actual events happening in the country as a result of Climate Change; and Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Instalado,” a science fiction drama set in a farming village a few years into the future.

Completing the the list of entries are Vic Acedillo’s “Kamunggay,” which essays how an old man came to terms with himself and the people around him all because of a small vegetable patch; Byron Bryant’s “Sinandomeng,” a heartwarming comedy about a strong-willed woman who took farming in her own hands; and Jospeh Abello’s “What Home Feels Like,” a story of a seaman who struggled with his estranged relationship with his family after being away for many years.

With different genres and engaging story lines, the six films are expected to rouse the sensibilities of moviegoers and, at the same time, allow viewers to appreciate Filipino farmers.

“The TOFARM Film Festival is primarily a tribute to the hardworking farmers,” states UHI Executive Vice President and TOFARM Chief Advocate Dr. Milagros O. How. “It’s our way to celebrate their lives in an unconventional yet artistic way.”

TOFARM Film Festival will have its theatrical run from July 12 to 18, while the highly anticipated Awards Night is slated on July 16.

TOFARM Film Festival 2017 is supported by Landbank, SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, Gateway, Greenbelt, Cinematheque, UP Cinema, Net 25, Pinas FM 95.5, and Universal Harvester, Inc.