Official Selection - Competition 2003 / Magnifico / Philippines 2003
The story of a small boy with a great heart, which leaves behind a pledge for others that, even in the cruellest of moments, they will find hope in the complex structure of the Rubik’s cube of life.
Magnifico is a nine-year-old boy who tries to live up to his name, however, deep inside his soul, he is ashamed of it. All the attributes and expectations his father invested in naming his second son – “brilliant, magnificent, admirable, excellent” etc. – acquire absurd dimensions in their humble environment of poverty, sickness and suffering. Magnifico is the bright light in a family in which each member represents a different kind of torment. Magnifico tries to soothe their woes with his child-like good nature, while his father tries resignedly to solve his Rubik’s cube. His older brother, in whom his parents have high hopes, loses his scholarship. His youngest sister Helen is afflicted with cerebral palsy, and the expense of medicines or possibly even a funeral for his seriously ill gran jeopardises the family budget. Magnifico promises Helen, who can’t walk, that he’ll take her to the carnival. He hopes to earn some money to buy a wheelchair from a rich neighbour but, in the end, he has to carry her on his back in order to fulfil his promise. He also begins fondly making a coffin for his gran which, however, awaits a different occupant…
123 min / Color, 35 mm
International premiere
Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes
/ Screenplay Michiko Yamamoto
/ Dir. of Photography Odyssey Flores
/ Music Lutgardo Labad
/ Editor Manet Dayrit
/ Producer Violeta Sevilla
/ Production Violett Films Production
/ Cast Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Gloria Romero, Cherie Pie Picache, Isabella De Leon, Joseph Robles, Jiro Manio
/ Contact Ferdinand Lapuz, Violett Films Production
Maryo J. de los Reyes (b. 1952, Manila, Philippines) dreamed of becoming a director when he was still a child. He graduated from the Institute of Mass Communications at the University of the Philippines. While still at school he began working with PETA, a leading theatre company in the 1970s. He wrote the screenplay for the film Disco Fever, then became artistic director of Agrix Films, where he directed his debut High School Circa 65 (1979). In 1965-75 he attended seminars and workshops, and in 1975 was selected to take part in the UNESCO International Women’s Day in Mexico City. After going back to the Philippines he worked for the Institute and began writing for television. He has made over 56 films and won a number of awards. Selected filmography: Diosa (The Godess, 1985), My Other Woman (1990), Sa Paraiso ni Efren (1999), Red Diaries (2001), Bedtime Stories (2002), Laman (2002), Magnifico (2002).
Ferdinand Lapuz
191 San Joaquin Street, 2009, Angeles City
Philippines
Phone: +639175511434
E-mail: [email protected]
Violett Films Production
114 Don Jose Avenue, Don Jose Heights, Fairview, , Quezon City
Philippines
Phone: +632 938 0095
Fax: +632 428 3581
Ferdinand Lapuz
Producer, Sales Agent
Violeta C. Sevilla
Maryo J. Delos Reyes
Jiro Manio
Andrew Manio
Girlie Sevilla
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