Mihk Vergara’s “Patintero: Ang Alamat Ni Meng Patalo” is finally getting its much-anticipated theatrical run this coming October. The film was one of the standout features in last year’s QCinema Fim Festival, taking home several awards such as Audience Choice and Gender Sensitivity.
Heavily inspired by the filmmaker’s love for Japanese anime, comic books, and sports movies, the film gets a more enhanced version for its theatrical run, promising to be bigger, better and more exciting.
“We didn’t change the story. It’s still the same narrative that people loved from the QCinema version. What we found out is that kids responded really well to the movie. So what we did is to make it more palatable to them by adding more action scenes and anime-inspired graphics,” shares Vergara.
Produced by TBA (Tuko Films, Buchi Boy Entertainment, Artikulo Uno Productions), the same team behind last year’s critical and box office hit “Heneral Luna”; “Patintero” is a fun, family-oriented film about a young girl, who learns to overcome life’s challenges through the help of her friends. Rife with coming-of-age themes of friendship, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the film also carries a strong anti-bullying message.
Aside from its positive theme, the film also aims to reintroduce patintero and other Filipino games to a younger, more technology-inclined generation.
“At the end of the day, our goal is to create an entertaining film. But we’re [also] hoping that through this movie, we can start a movement for kids to go out and play. If not, then at least we hope to create awareness that we, [their parents and older siblings], once played these games,” Vergara noted.
“Patintero” boast of a talented young cast led by Nafa Hilario Cruz (Meng), Isabel ‘Lenlen’ Frial (Nicay), William Buenavente (Shifty), and Claude Adrales (Z-Boy). Katya Santos and Suzette Ranillo complete the lead cast.
Catch the cast of “Patintero” as they share games and surprises at various malls around the metro, starting Sunday, September 25 at SM Southmall. On October 2, Sunday, the kids and comic book illustrators Rob Cham, Arnold Arre, Carlorozy Clemente and Mich Cervantes will be at SM North EDSA to promote the “Patintero: Mga Alamat ng Patalo” comic book. Later that afternoon, the cast will be at SM Fairview for a grand patintero tournament. Kids from ages 9-12 years old are encouraged to join.
The film will have its red carpet premiere on October 1, Saturday, at SM Megamall. Top celebrity families and stars from TBA films such as “Heneral Luna”, “Smaller and Smaller Circles”, “1-2-3”, and more are expected to attend this fun, family-day event.
“Patintero: Ang Alamat Ni Meng Patalo” will be released in theaters nationwide on October 5. “Patintero” is distributed by Quantum Films.