"Ang Babae sa Septic Tank" Goes to Oscars

The Film Academy of the Philippines chose the movie "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank" to represent the Philippines in the 84th Academy Awards Best Foreign Langauage Film Category. Written by Chris Martinez and directed by Marlon Rivera, the movie features Eugene Domingo, Kean Cipriano, JM De Guzman and Cai Cortez. 

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank narrates a day in the life of three ambitious and passionate but misguided filmmakers as they set out a short pre-production meeting at Starbucks to create what they think to be a wonderful independent film, dreaming of international film festivals and awards, such as the Oscars. Producer Bingbong (JM De Guzman), Director Rainier (Kean Cipriano), and Production Assistant Jocelyn (Cai Cortez) are graduates of topnotch film school who believe they have the energy and the drive to produce an award-winning movie and turn their dream into reality, no matter what the cost may be. 

Although the plot of their movie already exists, they brainstormed how the movie will be treated. From the neo-realistic approach to musical to documentary of a real life drama - as the non-speaking character of Jocelyn imagines how each treatment will be executed. They were able to formulate a screenplay that would reflect poverty and child exploitation in our society. Mila is a single mother of seven children in an impoverished area who sells her child to a pedophile out of desperation to support her family. 

During their courtesy call with their lead actress, Eugene Domingo as herself, gave her suggestions and recommendations for the movie while PA Jocelyn continues to visualize each scene Eugene mentions. In one scene, Eugene showed her dramatic acting skills while flaunting her talent in comedy on the next scene. It was one wild meeting! 

One of the scenes I loved most in this movie is this line from Eugene Domingo: "Itong full frontal nudity: CHECK! Itong death defying scene: CHECK! Itong sex scene na may actual penetration: CHECK NA CHECK! Gagawin ko ang lahat… wag niyo naman akong palusungin sa tae. Hello, tae yun Direk, tae. MABAHO. Alam niyo bang mabaho ang tae?" 

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank won several awards in the 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It was also an official entry to other international festivals, such as the 2011 Vancouver International Film Festival, the Pusan International Film Festival, the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Tokyo International Film Festival, and the Far East Film Festival. 

Let us support Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, our official entry to the 84th Academy Awards. Nominations will be announced live on January 24, 2012, Tuesday, at 5:30AM PST at Samuel Goldwyn Theater.