The Christmas season is here and with it comes the Metro Manila Film Festival, popularly known as MMFF. For the uninitiated, MMFF is an annual film festival of locally produced films, and runs from December 25 until first of January — the only time of the year when cinemas screen only local movies.
In addition to the mainstream movies shown in MMFF, there is also a New Wave category which allows independent and student filmmakers to showcase their works. Films in the New Wave category are typically shown a week before the mainstream festival begins.
I was invited to a private screening of TOTO, one of the entries in the MMFF New Wave. This movie is something that travelers can relate to because it talks about (at least on the surface level) the struggles of a young man in getting a US visa. More than that though, this movie is all about the cost of fulfilling a dream.
TOTO is a dark comedy set in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) about a young Filipino room service attendant who’s determined to attain a US visa and fulfill his American dream. Antonio “Toto” Estares, in his attempts to get a US visa, ends up risking friendships, his job, a lot of borrowed money, his dignity and his heart.
The film is directed by John Paul Su, whose experiences as an immigrant himself partly inspired the movie. It stars Sid Lucero in the lead role, Thou Reyes, Blake Boyd, Mara Lopez, Neil Ryan Sese, Bembol Roco, Bibeth Orteza, Liza Diño, and Rafa Siguion-Reyna. If this strong casting doesn’t convince you yet, here are more reasons why you shouldn’t miss TOTO.
1. It makes you question just how far you’ll go for your dreams.
We all have dreams, some bigger than others. Toto is obsessed with his dream of making it big in America and in his obsession, he forges documents, forms a fake family, borrows a huge sum of money, and so on. This film made me wonder if I’ll go to such lengths just to reach my dreams. Will you? Is it all worth it?
2. Sid Lucero is GOLDEN.
It is no secret that Sid Lucero is a good actor. If anything, this is expected of him because he came from a family of actors. In TOTO, Sid gives a stellar performance and is nothing short of convincing. He is relatable, piteous, but mostly funny. TOTO is Sid’s first dark comedy but you couldn’t tell; he gives the same quality, effective performance. Ang galing niya!
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3. The unexpected twist is a good reminder of the kindness of people.
It’s easy to be skeptical of other people, especially strangers. In his attempts to get a US visa, Toto experiences getting ripped off — an all too familiar scene for immigrants, travelers, and OFWs. But he also encounters unexpectedly good people. This film is a nice reminder that there is still kindness in this world.
4. It’s a good quality Filipino film — something we Pinoys should patronize.
Tangkilikin ang sariling atin. In this day and age where mainstream Filipino films leave a bad taste in your mouth, it’s nice to see movies that are worth your every peso. TOTO is one of those movies.
5. There’s a Toto in all of us.
The movie is all about the good and the bad and the gray area of the American dream. However, Toto’s story speaks not just to immigrants but to everyone who dared to dream — that’s all of us. As Director JP Su said, this film aspires to inspire and to let people know that you can achieve your dreams without stepping on someone’s toes.
Catch TOTO in select cinemas of Robinsons Place Manila Midtown Cinema, Glorietta 4 and SM MEGAMALL on December 17 – 24 for MMFF New Wave 2015.
3 Comments
This is the first time I’ve heard that there’s a New Wave category in MMFF. Ugh. I could’ve watched this if only I knew. 🙁
That’s too bad. The category is fairly new, they just started about five years ago, I think. It’s really sad that not a lot of people are aware of this and not a lot of people watch indie films. 🙁
I only get to watch indie films whenever there’s a film showing in the university. I really appreciate indie films and I hope I can be a part of one someday. 🙂