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About Us But Not About Us

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About Us But Not About Us
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJun Lana
Written byJun Lana
Produced by
  • Jun Lana
  • Perci Intalan
  • Ferdy Lapuz
  • Elmer Gatchalian
  • Josabeth V. Alonso
Starring
CinematographyNeil Daza
Edited byLawrence S. Ang
Music byTeresa Barrozo
Production
companies
Release dates
  • November 23, 2022 (2022-11-23) (PÖFF)
  • April 8, 2023 (2023-04-08) (Philippines)
CountryPhilippines
LanguagesEnglish
Filipino

About Us But Not About Us is a 2022 Philippine psychological drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Jun Lana. The film stars Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas.[1]

The film was first released in Estonia on November 23, 2022, as one of the official entries for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it won the Best Film award.[1] It also received a Philippine premiere on April 8, 2023, as one of the entries for the 1st Summer Metro Manila Summer Film Festival, where it won 10 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

Premise

Eric (Romnick Sarmenta) and his student, Lancelot (Elijah Canlas) converse with each other over a meal at a restaurant unveiling secrets.[2]

Cast

  • Romnick Sarmenta as Ericson; A gay man who worked as a literature professor[3][2][4]
  • Elijah Canlas portrays two roles which are:
    • Lancelot: A student attending the University of the Philippines who has Ericson as his mentor. His character is helped by Ericson after the student was beaten up by his stepfather. Canlas described the character as a survivalist, who was also victimized by a pedophile priest at ten years old.[4]
    • Marcus: Former husband of Ericson who committed suicide

Production

About Us But Not About Us was produced under The IdeaFirst Company, Octoberian Films, and Quantum Films under the direction of Jun Lana.[5] Perci Intalan, Lana's ex-partner was the producer. Lana described the film as a "personal" project which he created during a "period of depression". Characterizing the film as "part fiction and part confessional", Lana disclosed writing for three straight days for the story of the film, drawing inspiration from his childhood trauma.[6]

The film's story is "conversational" featuring just two seated characters talking to each other in a single setting. A significant part of the story was in English.[3] About Us But Not About Us took five days to shoot, with a script reading taking place a day prior.[2]

It was shot entirely on location at the "L'Opera Ristorante" Italian Restaurant in Bonifacio Global City ,Makati ,Manila .


Release

The film premiered in Estonia at the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2022.[7][1] It screened in cinemas in the Philippines as one of the eight official entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival which began on April 8, 2023.[5]

Reception

Critical response

About Us But Not About Us was recognized as the Best Film in the Critics' Pick competition of the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.[1] Film critic Niki Nikitin, as an attendee of the Estonian film festival, praised the film as "masterfully orchestrated" despite having a small budget.[6]

Accolades

Accolades received by About Us But Not About Us
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival April 11, 2023 Best Picture About Us But Not About Us Won [8]
Best Director Jun Lana Won
Best Actor Romnick Sarmenta Won
Best Screenplay About Us But Not About Us Won
Best Production Design About Us But Not About Us Won
Best Cinematography About Us But Not About Us Won
Best Editing About Us But Not About Us Won
Best Sound About Us But Not About Us Won
Best Musical Score About Us But Not About Us Won
Best Float About Us But Not About Us Nominated
Special Jury Prize Elijah Canlas Won

References

  1. ^ a b c d "'About Us But Not About Us' wins Best Film in Tallinn". ABS-CBN News. November 29, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Cruz, Marinel (April 1, 2023). "Elijah Canlas takes steps to fulfill Hollywood dream". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Why Romnick Sarmenta accepted gay role in 'About Us But Not About Us'". ABS-CBN News. March 16, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Bautista, Mario (March 19, 2023). "Elijah plays one of his hardest roles - Journal News". Journal Online. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Eight official entries of 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival". Manila Bulletin. February 25, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Gabinete, Jojo (November 5, 2022). "Jun Lana isiniwalat ang "dark past" sa About Us But Not About Us movie" [Jun Lana revealed "dark past" in About Us But Not About Us movie]. PEP.ph (in English and Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  7. ^ "'About Us But Not About Us' to premiere in Tallinn film fest". ABS-CBN News. November 28, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  8. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Summer MMFF 2023 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. April 11, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.