PH’s Oscars 2023 entry is having its international premiere in the US

Filipino film “Iti Mapukpukaw” (The Missing), which is this year’s Philippine entry to the Oscars, is having its US premiere | Still from “Iti Mapukpukaw” on Cinemalaya’s official website

As the “Iti Mapukpukaw” team and its supporters continue to rally behind a possible once-in-a-lifetime nomination, the full-length film has been collecting milestones in the past months.

The latest? The Carl Joseph Papa-helmed film is on its way to the US, as it’s having an international premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). Happening at Coachella Valley in Southern California, the PSIFF is scheduled on Jan. 4 to 15, 2024, with its much-awaited Film Awards also slated on the first day.

On Dec. 14, the Film Development Council of the Philippines revealed the Filipino-Ilocano project’s inclusion in the roster, particularly in the Awards Buzz – best international feature film category.

In case you have the opportunity to catch it during the fest, block these screening dates on your schedule: Jan. 7 in Regal Cinemas at 8:30 p.m., and Jan. 13 in Mary Pickford is D’Place at 10:45 a.m.

In the story of “Iti Mapukpukaw,” a mouthless animator named Eric (played by Carlo Aquino) hallucinates an alien’s arrival after learning about his uncle’s passing. These unexpected events push him to unravel his past memories. While the concept sounds supernatural-leaning, Nolisoli previously highlighted how the film is actually full of humanity and “/real/ love,” plus it tackles heavy themes.

“I want the film to bring hope to people. To spark a conversation and to bring understanding,” said Papa in an exclusive chat. “That is why we handled the story and made the film with utmost care so we do not lose sight of why we are doing this in the first place.”

You may also like: 3 Filipino-directed short films to catch at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival

The Filipino audience initially got to witness this during its local premiere at this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival. Not only was it the first full-length animated film that made the lineup; it also bagged best film, NETPAC feature award, and best supporting actress for the performance of veteran Dolly de Leon.

Another interesting detail about it is that it involved the process of rotoscope animation, which is about tracing over live-action footage frame by frame, producing more realistic visuals.