In a Filipino fishing village, two girls aged 16 are put in a car. One of them is found murdered, the other has disappeared without a trace. While a search for the missing girl goes on, the media has a field day with the friendship between the two girls. The inhabitants continue to be amazed that one of them must have broken the law. They lived peacefully together, didn’t they? After which the only witness has to make a difficult decision. Town in a Lake criticises corruption and politicians who only think about getting votes, although corruption is a sensitive issue under a president who preaches law and order. The surprising turn the story takes at the end can be explained as a portrayal of magical realism in Filipino culture. But it’s more likely that Leyco enjoys the idea of villagers who cannot bear so much animosity in their idyllic countryside and consequently let their imaginations loose.
Film details
Productieland
Philippines
Jaar
2016
Festivaleditie
IFFR 2017
Lengte
84'
Medium/Formaat
DCP
Taal
Filipino
Première status
European premiere
Director
Jet Leyco
Producer
Fernando Ortigas, EA Rocha, Vincent Nebrida
Screenplay
Brian Gonzales
Cinematography
Tristan Salas
Editing
Brian Gonzales
Production design
Marielle Hizon
Sound design
Brian Gonzales
Principal cast
Amante Pulido, Lance Raymundo, Sheilbert Manuel, Dan Jarden De Guzman, Cherrie Malvar, Joel Saracho, Mailes Kanapi