Lukas the Strange

  • 85'
  • Philippines
  • 2013
The films of John Torres have a highly personal style that results from a very unique, improvisational way of working. Here, he remains faithful to his improvisational approach with fragments of reality, but there is obviously more history, more drama and a certain level of convoluted strangeness.
Lukas the Strange has a light and disruptive tone. Those who know Torres' previous work will be surprised that special digital effects have now been given a role in his normally so documentary-like reality.
Lukas the Strange is a story of an awkward teenager coming to grips with his own initiation into manhood just when there is a movie shoot in his neighbourhood. The story opens several nights before, when Lukas is told that he has a tikbalang (half-horse, half man) for a father. His father, Mang Basilio, disappears from his life the next day. Soon enough, Lukas' body reddens, and he wonders if he really is half-beast. The village is in a frenzy when the film crew arrives. Everyone tries to have a part in it. The film is told by Lukas' friend, Lorena, who is fascinated by this strange boy who thinks he is a tikbalang.
  • 85'
  • Philippines
  • 2013
Director
John Torres
Premiere
World premiere
Country of production
Philippines
Year
2013
Festival Edition
IFFR 2013
Length
85'
Medium
DCP
Original title
Lukas nino
Language
Tagalog
Producer
John Torres
Production Company
Los Otros Films
Sales
Los Otros Films
Screenplay
Dodo Dayao, Sherad Anthony Sanchez, John Torres
Cinematography
Gym Lumbera, Albert Banzon
Editor
John Torres
Production Design
Whammy Alcazaren, Jacyn Esquillon
Cast
Cheeno Dalog Ladera, Edilberto Marcelino
Local Distributor
Hubert Bals Fund
Director
John Torres
Premiere
World premiere
Country of production
Philippines
Year
2013
Festival Edition
IFFR 2013
Length
85'
Medium
DCP
Original title
Lukas nino
Language
Tagalog
Producer
John Torres
Production Company
Los Otros Films
Sales
Los Otros Films
Screenplay
Dodo Dayao, Sherad Anthony Sanchez, John Torres
Cinematography
Gym Lumbera, Albert Banzon
Editor
John Torres
Production Design
Whammy Alcazaren, Jacyn Esquillon
Cast
Cheeno Dalog Ladera, Edilberto Marcelino
Local Distributor
Hubert Bals Fund