Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Motherland’ to premiere at 2024 Busan Film Festival

Photo from monconfiado/Instagram

Following the Netflix premiere of his film “Moro” in July, acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza’s latest work, “Motherland (Bansa),” has been selected to enter the Jiseok competition at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

The Jiseok competition at BIFF is known for showcasing the work of seasoned Asian filmmakers and is named in honor of the late program director Kim Jiseok, a pivotal figure in the promotion of Asian cinema.

This honor further solidifies Mendoza’s influential role in global cinema, with the film set to premiere at one of Asia’s most significant film events, running from Oct. 2 to 11.

Adding to the excitement, Filipino actor Mon Confiado, who portrays Team Leader Ballesteros of the Special Action Force in the film, has already generated buzz by sharing behind-the-scenes photos of “Motherland” on social media.

Fans quickly flooded the comments with praise for the “High Street” actor, expressing their admiration with “salute” messages.

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In addition to Confiado, “Motherland” features a stellar ensemble of the Philippines’ most esteemed actors, including Rocco Nacino, Cesar Montano, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, Marvin Agustin, Epy Quizon, Joem Bascon, Christian Vasquez, Vince Rillon, Jess Mendoza, Kiko Matos and Jomari Angeles.

Together, they bring to life the story of the 2015 Mamasapano massacre, a tragic police operation in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, that resulted in a number of casualties. Mendoza’s bold storytelling ensures that this historical event receives the global attention it deserves.

This is not the first time Mendoza has explored stories set in Mindanao; his film “Moro” delves deep into the complex social and political fabric of the Maguindanao region in Western Mindanao, Philippines, and is now available for streaming on Netflix.

“Motherland” will be competing against seven other films from across Asia, each offering a distinct cultural narrative.

Noteworthy entries in the competition include I Am Love by Baek Seungbin (South Korea), So It Goes by Lee Haram (South Korea), Aimitagai by Kusano Shogo (Japan), Traveling Alone by Ishibashi Yuho (Japan), Deal at the Border by Dastan Zhapar Ryskeldi (Kyrgyzstan), Village Rockstars 2 by Rima Das (India) and Yen and Ai-Lee by Lin Tom Shu-Yu (Taiwan).