In the midst of the lingering challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, director Jose ‘JR’ Olinares embarked on an ambitious film project aimed at showcasing inspirational real-life stories.
The resulting film, titled ‘Layas,’ follows the journey of five homeless children as they navigate through numerous trials to achieve their dreams. Despite facing various hurdles, Olinares enlisted the talents of actors Joem Bascon, Nadine Samonte, Alex Medina, and Michelle Vito, along with social media influencer Namy Ulengka, who made her acting debut.
Originally conceived as a drama series for online distribution, the production team encountered significant obstacles during post-production, prompting a reconsideration of their approach. Despite budgetary constraints and pandemic-related challenges, they persevered, ultimately completing the film within a mere 10-day timeframe.
‘Layas’ draws inspiration from true events, shedding light on the plight of marginalized children in remote areas of the Philippines. With the support of government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd), the film aims to raise awareness about pressing issues such as child labor and prostitution.
Given its serious subject matter, ‘Layas’ received an R-13 rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). Following its theatrical release, the film is slated for online streaming and will also be showcased in the United States, with confirmed screenings in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle.
Executive producer Tricia Bancod, who also appears in the film, expressed her unwavering commitment to the project, citing her personal connection to the story and her advocacy for children’s education. Inspired by the success of last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Tricia and the production team deemed the current climate ripe for the film’s release.
The title ‘Layas’ serves as an acronym derived from the names of the five children central to the story. In addition to the main cast, the film features notable performances from actors such as Dianne Medina, Ping Medina, and Dindo Arroyo, with special participation from executive producer Norida Nakamura.
Penned by Jocelyn Raytone and produced by Mary Ann Villamor, ‘Layas’ serves as a poignant testament to resilience and hope amidst adversity.
