Italian
A new voice in punk cinema: ‘Ria’ at the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market
Emerging filmmaker shines with punk-inspired debut
The debut feature film Ria directed by a promising filmmaker is set to make waves at the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, part of the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival’s TIFFCOM market. This groundbreaking film dives deep into The Philippines’ underground punk scene, blending raw storytelling and social activism.
A story of grit and resistance
Ria centers on a 25-year-old protagonist named Ria, who resides in a punk commune facing the threat of demolition. As she cares for her diabetic foster mother and works as a housekeeper, Ria becomes ensnared in underground porn operations under mounting financial stress. The narrative crescendo sees Ria rallying her punk community against the systemic forces endangering their home.
The idea for Ria stemmed from director’s personal experiences: “I have always wanted to make a film about the Filipino punk community because it is the community I am in.” The director has been actively involved in organizing mutual aid efforts with punk groups since 2013, visiting marginalized areas and providing essential resources. “This is our form of resistance against the system that pushes us to struggle over our most basic rights. Now, I’m making a film about it.”
A unique cinematic voice
While the director’s short films have garnered several awards, including a Cannes nomination for Radikals earlier this year, Ria stands out for its unique combination of creative defiance and sociopolitical depth. The filmmaker explains, “While sometimes strange and bizarre, my short films have always had sociopolitical layers to them. That mix of creative defiance and consciousness is my punk side taking over.”
Producer Kristine De Leon was initially drawn to the movie’s original perspective on Filipino society. She remarks, “Upon reading the first draft, I finally understood why this film was meant for me to produce. Ria’s story is rooted in a woman’s viewpoint of the world around her, specifically the chaos and impunity currently plaguing Philippine society.”
Award-winning collaborators
The film has also attracted the attention of seasoned producers. An alumnus of various prestigious workshops and academies, the director was selected for the 2022 Festival De Cannes Cinéfondation La Residence for Ria, earning the Centre National du Cinema (CNC) award. A renowned producer, who co-produced the 2022 Cannes title Plan 75, joined the project after extensive discussions with the director during the Cannes Residency. “We spent a considerable amount of time talking, and that’s when I fully understood what he wanted to do with his first feature. Without much hesitation, I decided to become one of the producers. The fact that Kristine, our delegate producer, is someone I’m mentoring makes the collaboration even sweeter,” he notes.
Beyond punk aesthetics
Ria is more than just a film about punk aesthetics; it delves into profound social and political themes. As the director underlines, “In the Philippines, punk is not just about music. It is a movement, a group of people locked arms in solidarity to help the marginalized, and peacefully resist against a system of corruption and impunity.”
Seeking global outreach
Currently showcased at TIFFCOM, Ria seeks to close its financing gap while connecting with potential sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers. The film’s participation in such a significant market not only highlights the richness of Filipino storytelling but also brings attention to the vibrant cultural and political movements within the country.
For more updates on Ria and other emerging cinematic talents, don’t forget to share this story on social media and stay tuned for further news.
