NEWSFLASH

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ONLY 4 PINOY FLICKS TO TORONTO FILMFEST

Manila, Aug. 6, 1998 - Although five Filipino films have been chosen by David Overby for exhition at the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept. 10-19), only four will actually be shown there. They are Regal's "Curacha" (Chito Roño) and "Gangland" (Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes); Reynafilms' "Tatlo...Magkasalo" (Carlitos Siguion Reyna); and GMA Films' "Sa Pusod ng Dagat" (Marilou Diaz Abaya).

The fifth, Octo-Arts' "Mapusok" (Mel Chionglo), is hampered by cost considerations. OctoArts producer Orly Ilacad isn't keen on joining the Toronto filmfest, which requires at least P300,000 for subtitling and other incidental expenses like promo materials.

The IFFCOM (International Film Festival Committee) of the Film Fund used to shoulder this expense, but this year the release offunds has been suspended because of the governments tight money situation.

The other four entries -- "Gangland" (topbilled by young newcomers), "Curacha" starring Rosanna Roces, "Tatlo" with Ara Mina in the lead role, "Sa Pusod ng Dagat" staring Jomari Yllana and Elizabeth Oropesa -- are definitely going to Toronto. The Canadian film "The Red Violin" will open the filmfest.