Cinemalaya's all-time highest grossing film 'LIWAY' starring Glaiza De Castro now showing!
Thursday, October 11, 2018
After a very successful premiere at the 2018 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, the film "Liway" begins its commercial release across the country which started last October 10. Quantum Films is the distributor of this stirring motion picture. The story, which is set during Martial Law, is about a young mother who uses storytelling to protect her young son from the painful realities of prison life.
The movie is based on director Kip Oebanda's experiences as he was growing up inside the prison camp where his parents were detained.
It features rousing performances by Glaiza de Castro as inday/Kumander Liway, Dominic Roco, Soliman Cruz, Joel Saracho, Nico Antonio, Sue,Prado, Paolo Ohara, Ebong Joson, Gerry Cornejo, Diana Alferez. Julie Bautista, Pau Benitez, Liway Gabo, She Maala, Renante Bustamante, with Vance Larena, Upeng Galang-Fernandez, and Khalil Ramos in a very special role. Child actor Kenken Nuyad plays Inday's son, Dakip. The screenplay is written by Kip Oebanda and Zig Dulay.
Present during the Blogcon were two of the main cast of LIWAY
Glaiza De Castro as Liway
Dominic Roco as Ric
Glaiza De Castro shared her experience on her role as "Liway. She wasn’t even born yet during Martial Law but she “experienced” how it was like then, how hard it was for most of the people to express their freedom and fight for their rights. The film was shot in 9 days and Glaiza even recalled that she was shooting Contessa and Liway at that time. She added that it was a challenging role for her because it was based from a real life experience.
The movie is produced by VY/AC Productions and Exquisite Aspect Ventures. "My childhood memories were full of laughter and love coupled with the daily routines of prison life," Oebanda writes in his director's notes. "Within the barb wired walls and the cramped, small room, I learned to read, write and speak."
Although the young Kip was thrown into a place that was certainly unfit for a child, he learned to cope, Oebanda says, "My parents, to the best of their ability, tried to keep me healthy and happy."
By all accounts and in the small flashes of my memory, it was a happy childhood." "Liway" presents through the poignant relationship of mother and child, the struggles of those who fought for freedom during Martial Law. "Beyond a deeply personal story of people who refuse to remain as victims, it brings the audience to the emotional journey and sacrifices that freedom requires," Oebanda elaborates.
Glaiza shared how she prepared for her role as "Liway" which was made easier because she met Liway in person, she learned alot from the way she talks, she acts but when she finally demonstrated how to hold a gun and how to use it, Glaiza respected her even more. To portray a very empowered woman like Liway is an honor for her according to Glaiza.
Glaiza also had some physical adjustments for her role from her hair since in Contessa she had her hair in blonde but as Liway, she needs to have her hair in pure black.
Glaiza also shared how she appreciates all the good reviews about the movie starting from the standing ovation they got when the film was released via Cinemalaya the to her nomination as Best Actress. “From the moment they gave me the role, I had hoped to give justice to it. I felt the public had to hear the story of Liway. If only for that, I had a clear vision of what I needed to do.” Although she didn't win the said award, Glaiza still feels blessed that she was able to get the role and the viewers loves it, for her that is enough as a reward already.
Glaiza also hopes that the film's subject and message can motivate the youth to examine the Martial Law period. She says, "(Sana) magiging kahalo na ng mga gagawin natin sa hinaharap. Magigiging inspirasyon... ugat ng diskusyon."
Producer Alemberg Ang affirms, "To preserve the lessons of the past, we must tap both the hearts and minds, particularly of the younger generations who may not have lived through the era."
The reaction so far has been nothing short of "electrifying." Thanks to good reviews and strong word-of-mouth, "Liway" is turning out to be the Martial Law movie of this generation. The story truly resonates with the people.
Throughout the Cinemalaya 2018 festical, "Liway" is turning out to be the Martial Law movie of this generation but the cast said that the movie is also about family and hope.
Liway played to SRO audiences wherever it was shown, eventually becoming the highest-grossing Cinemalaya film in the festival's 14-year history. At almost every screening, those who watched were stirred to tears, standing ovations, and even patriotic chanting.
So don't be left out. Find out why everyone is raving about "Liway." Now showing in selected cinemas nationwide!
Interested parties may organize block screenings", for more information, please visit the Liway Facebook page.
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