The Myth of Manila

The Myth of Manila

2021 · 27 min · Drama

Since the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, Metro Manila has been subjected to intermittent lockdowns with demeaning punishments. Despite the danger, Sandra, a single middle-aged reporter living there, continues to search for stories, even after waking up with symptoms one day. As a public service, she turns the camera on herself for the first time in her career, documenting her condition and recording the sights and sounds of the afflicted city on her way to the hospital. Unfortunately, every place she reaches has a long queue. With her remaining strength, she brings herself to Quiapo Church, the site frequented by many pilgrims in dire situations.

Directed by Janus Victoria · Written by Janus Victoria

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Cast

Angeli Bayani

Make it a double feature

2h 15m together

The Myth of Manila

Persuasion

A close match in mood and era.

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After a long absence, a young woman returns to the home of her grandmother near the dying Pasig River. Across the generations, they discover common depths of loss and loneliness that, while shared, continue to flow as dark undercurrents in their lives. This numbing realization provides no comfort, and salt water bleeds into the black water of the Pasig.

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