A filmmaker used the forced shutdown of ABS-CBN as the inspiration for his latest project.
Director Jay Altarejos’s Balangaw focuses on eight people who bonded together even though they were separately locked down during the pandemic.
According to Altajeros, this film should still be able to entertain people despite this pandemic crisis.
“Art, film should continue its purpose to entertain the hearts, feed the mind, and nourish the soul through content that reflects the struggle of the people and offers hope amidst this catastrophic event.”
The story resolves with Karen played by Karen Toyoshima, a lesbian actress who has worked continuously for years at ABS-CBN as a non-contracted player. While she has a long-standing relationship, Karen feels that having a child of her own would give her a deep sense of duty and purpose.
After depleting her resources to undergo in vitro fertilization, ABS-CBN was shut down in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Karen then finds herself in great difficulty because she’s pregnant without good prospects for the future.
“Despite the challenges, we dream and strive for a better Philippines where equality, social justice, and national democracy prevail,” he added.
Produced by 2076Koletib, Edith Fider (Artcore Productions), and Pete Mariano (CreativeTech Productions), besides Toyoshima, Balangaw will feature Jal Galang, Tads Obach, Rap Robes, CJ Barinaga, and Mela Habijan.
Joselito ‘Jay’ Altarejos is a successful Filipino filmmaker who has won several prestigious awards both in the Philippines and abroad.
He’s well known for his ground-breaking, openly gay-themed movie like Ang Lalake sa Parola, Ang Lihim ni Antonio, Kambyo, Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan, and Kasal.
