Venice Film Fest entry a ‘dream come true’ for Janine Gutierrez
Photo from janinegutierrez/Instagram
Renowned Filipino director Lav Diaz has done it again for the eighth time with “Phantosmia,” an official out-of-competition entry in the upcoming Venice Film Festival.
For actress Janine Gutierrez, it’s a dream come true.
In an Instagram post, the “Lavender Fields” star expressed her joy and gratitude for the film’s inclusion in the festival, which runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.
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“Super dream come true – our film, Lav Diaz’s ‘Phantosmia,’ will premiere at this year’s La Biennale di Venezia,” Gutierrez wrote. “Sooooo grateful and happy and honored to be part of this film!!!”
She continued, “Venice has always been a dream and I’m just, again, so grateful to the Lavteam and to everyone else who’s trusted me enough to cast me in their films and series.”
The “Dirty Linen” lead actress reflected that all she ever wanted was to make good projects and she’s just so thankful that, “all the work has led me here, part of another story that showcases our Filipino filmmaking to the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Among the many well-wishers was Jericho Rosales, who commented, “I am over the moon for you! Ihanda na ang bangka at sagwan! Congratulations!!! Mabuhay kayo at ang Lavteam!”
With “Phantosmia” being included in the festival, Diaz continues to set a record, having had eight of his films accepted by the world’s oldest film festival since his debut entry, “Death in the Land of Encantos,” in 2007.
Produced by TEN17P and Sine Olivia Pilipinas, the synopsis of “Phantosmia” revolves around Hilarion Zabala, who suffers from a recurring olfactory disorder suspected to be “phantosmia,” likely caused by deep psychological trauma. To cure his condition, he must confront his traumatic past from his military service. Reassigned to the remote Pulo Penal Colony, he faces both his past and the grim realities of his current situation.
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The film also stars Ronnie Lazaro, Hazel Orencio, Paul Jake Paule, Arjay Babon, Dong Abay, Allen Alzola, Heart Puyong, Mitzi Comia, Vince Macapobre, Toni Go, Lhorvie Nuevo and Edrick Alcontado in a black-and-white drama directed, written, shot, edited and designed by the director himself.
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