Church leader endorses film about CHEATING

Brave New Films '05 and The Garage
presents

IDOL: Pag-asa ng Bayan

The Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, Bishop Joel Baylon D.D. has endorsed IDOL Pag-asa ng Bayan, a film about cheating.” This is a powerful film: It hits us all at the core because the values and issues it tackles are realities and concerns that we face today.” writes Bishop Baylon. The Bishop has decided to call on the youth of the Catholic Church to watch the film. Even the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines or CEAP has launched a campaign among its member Catholic Schools to watch this very relevant and timely film.

“Diba lahat naman tayo nandaraya paminsan-minsan?”This question is raised by this shocking film which was produced by Jesuit Communications and Brave New Films ’05. In supporting roles are acting greats Jaclyn Jose and Michael de Mesa. But in the lead are newfound discoveries Cedric Jose and Meila Romero. “Except for Michael and Jaclyn, the main characters are unknown but their acting is superb, thanks to the inspired directing of Cesar Evangelista Buendia”, notes Father Nick Cruz - Ateneo Film Professor and member of the MTRCB. “I highly recommend this film not only for students but also for teachers and parents”, he adds.

Buendia, a first-time film director, also wrote the script of this film. In the onset, the film appears to be a simple, even entertaining and funny coming-of-age story about friendship, youth and high school life. In the unfolding however, the film reveals a serious story about honesty, honor and integrity. It presents a disturbing analysis of the culture of corruption in Philippine society. “Timely, relevant, brave! A gritty eye opener for today's youth.” comments Nonoy Lauzon of the UP Film Institute.

The film will have three premiers; the first in the SM Mall of Asia on Friday, July 20, 2007, the second in SM Cebu on Saturday July 21, 2007 and the third in SM Davao on Saturday, July 28, 2007. Regular commercial screening starts Wednesday, August 1, 2007 exclusively at SM theaters around the country.

The producers have offered special discounts for schools which will support the film. If a minimum of 200 students from a particular school will view the film on a scheduled block time, students will be charged only 50 pesos each, a price which is less than half regular ticket cost. Interested parties may text 0918-9325515 or email cebuendia@yahoo.com. Several schools have already availed of this offer.

New teen star Cedric Jose, lead actor of IDOL, has become an instant star among the young girls who have seen the movie in its recently concluded campus tour. “I was surprised that even students from Miriam were asking for my autograph and having pictures taken with me after the screening of IDOL”, gushes Cedric, the puppy eyed 17 year old new star. The film has just concluded a campus tour and has made a strong impact on students from the Ateneo High School, Miriam High School, Philippine Christian University, majority of the High Schools in Marikina City, the UP Integrated School, Sunny Hill High School, Baliuag University and youth leaders from the EDSA School Organizations (POVEDA, XAVIER, ICA and La Salle Greenhills). Often, students would describe the film as thought-provoking and the same time, entertaining, touching and suspenseful. A must-see especially for today’s youth, IDOL promises to be a “wake-up call” says Fr. Nick Cruz.

IDOL Pag-asa ng Bayan was the final project in a workshop organized by The Garage, Jesuit Communications Creative Technologies. 98% of the film’s cast and crew are neophyte filmmakers making the film truly a film by students and for students.