ToFarm Film Festival 2017 unveils film line-up, cinema schedule

The six films that will comprise the second ToFarm Film Festival has been revealed.

The film line-up includes the futuristic sci-fi thriller 'Instalado' directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, Topel Lee's 'Baklad,' Tara Illenberger's adventure drama 'High Tide,' 'Kamunggai,' and 'What Home Feels Like' starring Bembol Roco.

All six are selected by a selection committee composed by Racquel Villavicencio, Jun Robles Lana, and Michiko Yamamoto.

ToFarm Film Festival aims to provide opportunities for new filmmakers to "showcase their creative talent to make films supporting the agricultural industry advocacy."

It is set to run from July 12 to 18 at SM Megamall, SM Manila, Greenbelt 1, Gateway, Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Metro East.

The first ToFarm produced films that have been recognized with acclaims internationally such as Paolo Villaluna's 'Pauwi Na' and the Best Picture that year 'Paglipay', directed by Zig Dulay. The former nabbed the top Golden Goblet in the Shanghai International Film Festival last June 25.

The schedule and plot synopsis of the ToFarm Film Festival 2017 entries are as follows:

“INSTALADO” by Jason Paul Laxamana

"Victor lives in a time when the dominant form of education is through installation, a process wherein bodies of knowledge can be installed directly on people's brains using technology owned by big corporations. However, like many others in the agricultural town of Porac, Victor cannot afford the sky-high cost of installation, which he believes is the key to improve his family's life. To raise money for installation, Victor abandons farming and works as the housekeep of a wealthy childhood friend who has become extremely successful after undergoing a series of installations."

Starring McCoy De Leon, Junjun Quintana, and Francis Magundayao; Written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana

“KAMUNGGAI” (Malunggay) by Victor Acedillo, Jr.

"Living alone in his little shack in a rural Visayan town, Lolo Peping lovingly tends to a simple vegetable patch. It provides daily sustenance and a meager livelihood to the aging government retiree. However, some opportunistic villagers regularly help themselves to the fruits of the old man’s labors. This chronic parasitism foments mutual disdain between Peping and his neighbors. One day, another intrusion into Peping’s garden trigger a series of events that would turn his life around."

Starring Ma. Theresa “Dulce” Cruzata, Bayang Barrios, Skyzx Labastilla, Luis Banaag III, and Kent Raymond Basa; Written and directed by Vic Acedillo, Jr.

“SINANDOMENG” by Byron Bryant

When her husband unexpectedly died, Sinang had to take over their farm. A strong-willed daughter of an old farmer, she has the heart and the touch. While her sisters consider selling their inherited parcels of the land to a subdivision developer, Sinang firmly refuses to sell hers. Resolutely, she plows it, nurse the rice seeds, going through the whole process with diligence. The experience is filled with happy and sad moments, still in the end -- love for family and for their farm prevails.

Starring Sue Prado, Julio Diaz, Lou Veloso, Lui Quiambao, Star Orjaliza, Gab Pangilinan, Jayvhot Galang, Anjo Padilla, Chesko Rodriguez, Paulo Cabañero, Czel Santiago, Althea Oredina, Keiko Jastillana, and CJ Estay; Written and directed by Byron Bryant.

“HIGH TIDE” by Tara Illenberger

A drama-adventure film about how the rising sea level and erratic tide schedule affect the people near the coastal, whose livelihood depends on it. This is a story of family and friendship as they live against their harsh environment caused by climate change.

Starring Arthur Solinap, Sunshine Teodoro, Dalin Sarmiento, Forrest Kyle Buscato, Christine Mary Demaisip, and Reina Christal Shin; Written and directed by Tara Illenberger.

“BAKLAD” by Topel Lee

A coming of age story of a fishpen boy who is learning to dream big, triggered by his sexual awakening from his boss’ new lover. He starts to find ways to elope with the woman. But his dreams will only produce devastating results, not only for him but also for people around him.

Starring Ronwaldo Martin, Elora Españo, and Rafa Siguion Reyna; Written by Sigfried Barros-Sanchez; Directed by Topel Lee.

"WHAT HOME FEELS LIKE" by Joseph Abello

The film tells the home life of father and seaman, Antonio, who is forced to spend most of time at home upon learning that he can never aboard a ship again. Facing struggles as he doesn’t know what to do next, he follows the footsteps of his parents and buys a farm using their family savings.

Starring Bembol Roco, Irma Adlawan, Rex Lantano, Aaron Rivera, Elijah Filamor, Biboy Ramirez, and Bianca Libinting; Written and directed by Joseph Abello.

Cinema Schedule: