Set in the gritty streets of Raon, Quiapo, “Palitan” which stars Mara Lopez, Alex Medina and Mon Confiado, is an erotic film which is a tribute to the classic “Scorpio Nights”.
Directed by Ato Bautista, the film was inspired by his most favorite film of Peque Gallaga. “I made Palitan as risqué and bold as possible but it’s not really based on the story of Scorpio Nights,” said Bautista, who waited seven years to make it.
The film marks the first leads and most daring roles of Lopez, daughter of former beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez and Medina, son of veteran actor Pen Medina.
Lopez admitted that she had to consult her mother before accepting the role. “My mom and I discussed if I am ready to accept such an intriguing role and she said she’ll always be there to help and support me. It’s my most challenging role and there are a lot to watch out for, but I don’t want to divulge anything. Let’s just say I placed my full trust to my co-actors and director,” said Lopez.
In “Palitan”, Confiado, the consumate actor who is known for his dedication by transforming himself into the characters he portrays, plays Ramiro, the cunning boss of the stupid and ill-tempered Nestor (Medina) who is badly in debt with him. Love-starved and porn-tired Ramiro wants more than money from Nestor; he wants his young and lovely common law wife, Luisa (Lopez). Ramiro and Nestor agree on a deal that will push the characters into unexpected and unexplored boundaries of power play, love, lust, deceit, and jealousy.
Bautista’s fifth full feature, “Palitan” was supposed to be his second fillm and be released as “Scorpio Nights 3” years ago but never came to fruition. And now we have the chance to watch “Palitan” in selected theaters, it will have its premiere night on December 1 at 9:30 p.m. at the Edsa Shangri-La Cineplex during the 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival.
The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival will run from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World and from November 29 to December 4 at the Edsa Shangri-La Cineplex. The festival’s much awaited awards night will be held on December 3 at the Studio 1, ABS-CBN Main Building.
The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival is an annual project of the Cinema One, the local movie channel on cable, owned and operated by Creative Programs, Inc.
