Project 8 and Mentorque Come Together for Cinemalaya movie about grief and family, ‘Kono Basho’

PROJECT 8 Projects and Mentorque Productions join forces to create ‘Kono Basho’ for this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival!

Project 8 Projects graced last year’s fest with Cinemalaya Audience Choice Award Rookie (2023) and Gawad Urian Best Film winner, Iti Mapukpukaw (2023). Beyond the film fest, they also produced well-awarded movies like Never Not Love You (2018), Alone Together (2019), and Fan Girl (2020).

As for film production company Mentorque, they have made strides with their box-office hit and critically acclaimed film Mallari (2023), the first Filipino mainstream movie distributed by Warner Brothers.

Bryan Dy, Executive Producer under Mentorque Productions, shares what compelled him to bring this story to life: “What drew me to Kono Basho was the powerful story the director embodies hope in the face of adversity. Witnessing the rebuilding efforts of Rikuzentakata and the community’s unwavering spirit is incredibly inspiring. I want audiences to feel the warmth and solace that “Kono Basho” offers.”

With the success of their debut film Mallari, Dy found significance in supporting filmmakers who put heart in every story they make. He says, “it’s important for me to continue supporting filmmakers who bring such impactful stories to life, emphasizing the strength of the human spirit.”

With two creative forces combined, Kono Basho magnificently narrates the story of two estranged half sisters, Ella (Gabby Padilla) and Reina (Arisa Nakano), who reunite at their father’s funeral in Rikuzentakata where they end up forging a bond to heal their personal wounds.

In the process, Ella, a 28-year-old Filipina Anthropologist, confronts the cultural and emotional complexities entwined with her father’s second family, particularly her half-sister, Reina, who was born and raised in Japan. Amidst the intricate layers of their relationship, Ella and Reina find solace and connection as they both strive to reconcile their differing perceptions of their shared father.

The movie stars Gawad Urian and Cinemalaya Best Actress nominee Gabby Padilla, who is known for her outstanding roles in Kalel, 15, Billie and Emma, and Gitling.

Padilla gracefully shares the screen with Arisa Nakano, an actress from Japan who is best known for her pivotal role in the Oscar nominated movie ‘Perfect Days’. Having lived in Japan, the disaster in Rikuzentakata hit closer to her.

‘Kono Basho’ is a personal tale made by visual artist, curator, teacher turned filmmaker and director Jaime Pacena II. He draws inspiration from the time he spent in Japan researching and immersing in Rikuzentakata, a city devastated by the 2011 Tsunami. Pecan artistically reflects on his thirteen years worth of archival photographs and videos as remnants and memories, a key theme that can be seen all throughout the movie.

What makes this film even more special is Director Dan Villegas’ comeback as a cinematographer. Villegas comes back to his roots as a Director of Photography to further bring to life the stories of Ella and Reina. Aside from his role as DOP, Villegas also serves as the Executive Producer and Producer of this film under Project 8 Projects.

Beyond the amazing talents, The Japan Foundation also played a big part in painting this story. With the film being shot entirely in Japan, the production team was assisted by the foundation to ensure that the culture and sensibilities of Rikuzentakata, Japan were properly captured and honored.

Take a trip to Japan with ‘Kono Basho’, an official film entry to the 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. You can still catch the remaining screenings in TriNoma, Market! Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt.

The Awards Night is on August 11, 6:00 P.M. at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Goodluck team ‘Kono Basho’!

(ROHN ROMULO)