| Culion | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Alvin Yapan |
| Screenplay by | Ricky Lee |
| Produced by | Mark Shandii Bacolod |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Neil Daza |
| Edited by | Mai Dionisio |
| Music by |
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| Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Cine Screen |
| Release dates |
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| Running time | 136 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Culion is a 2019 historical drama film directed by Alvin Yapan, starring Iza Calzado, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Meryll Soriano. Set in the 1940s, it tells the story of three women seeking a cure of leprosy. The name derives from the eponymous island in Palawan once known as a major leper colony.
Synopsis
Three women afflicted with leprosy live a life of stigmatization in Culion at a time when the disease is considered a life sentence.
Cast
Main cast
- Iza Calzado as Ana
- Jasmine Curtis-Smith as Doris
- Meryll Soriano as Ditas
- Joem Bascon as Kanor
- Mike Liwag as Jaime
- Suzette Ranillo as Nay Mameng
Special guest appearance
Supporting cast
- Joel Saracho as Father Salvino
- Nico Locco as Fred
- Simon Ibarra as Dr. Cuevas
- Lee O'Brian as Colony Chief
- Mayen Estañero as Azon
- VJ Mendoza as Kulas
- Mai Fanglayan as Mabel
- Mercedes Cabral
- Upeng Fernandez as Donya
- Aaron Concepcion as Miguel
- Denise Nayve as Osang
- DMS Boongaling as Goryo
- Elisa Weber as Sister Yvette
- Elle Velasco as Malou
- Erlinda Villalobos as Elena
- Jack Love Falcis as Nune
- Jaepheth Cortez as Pining
- Jai Astor as Juana
- Jay Garcia as Tonyo
- Luminita Gamboa as Sister Cicelle
- Marcus Dreeke as Jesuit Priest
- Nikko Delos Santos as Amado
- Raflesia Bravo as Soledad
- Rex Lantano as Dado
- Roven Alejandro as Paeng
- Ruth Alferez as Milagros
- Tommy Roca as Henry
- Yam Mercado as Badong
- Earl Andrew Figueroa as Ding
Production
Culion was produced under iOptions Ventures Corp. which is owned by Palawan-based businesspersons Peter and Gilie Sing. The film is the first produced by the production studio. Culion was directed by Alvin Yapan with the script made by Ricky Lee, the cinematography by Neil Daza, and the production by Mark Shandii Bacolod.
The production team sought consent from the local leaders and residents of Culion to produce their film on the island and promised to have the film screened first on the island. They also secured an endorsement from Dr. Arturo Cunanan Jr., head of the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital, and Virginia de Vera, the town's mayor. Filming took two weeks with a crew of about 150 people.
Release
The film had its world premiere at Culion, Palawan on December 14, 2019, in honor of the island's past. It had a wider release on December 25, 2019 as one of the eight entries of the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Reception
Accolades
| Year | Award / Film Festival | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 45th Metro Manila Film Festival | Special Jury Prize (cast) | Culion | Won | |
| MMFF Hall of Fame Awards | Best Screenplay/Story | Ricky Lee | Won | ||
| 2020 | 7th Urduja Heritage Film Awards | Best Heritage Film | Culion | Won | |
| Best Actress | Iza Calzado | Won | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Mike Liwag | Won | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Suzette Ranillo | Won | |||
| Best Director | Alvin Yapan | Won |
See also
References
- ^ Garcia, Ma. Angelica (October 16, 2019). "MMFF 2019: the full movie lineup". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on 2019-11-16. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- "MMFF 2019 entries announced". CNN Philippines. October 16, 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-10-17. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- Tabanera, Lily Grace (October 2, 2019). "What You Need To Know About John Lloyd Cruz's Intriguing Comeback Film, 'Culion'". Cosmopolitan Philippines. Archived from the original on 2019-12-26. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- "WATCH: John Lloyd Cruz makes acting comeback in 'Culion'". ABS-CBN News. September 30, 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-09-30. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- "Culion in Christmas". BusinessWorld. 25 December 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
- "Culion the movie and SMB". BusinessWorld. 16 December 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
- ^ Silvestre, Edmund (December 6, 2019). "MMFF entry 'Culion' to mount red carpet world premiere in Culion, Palawan". Sunstar Manila. Archived from the original on 2019-12-06. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- "'Mindanao' dominates MMFF 2019 awards night: Complete list of winners". ABS-CBN News. December 27, 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-12-27. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
- "'Quezon's Game' wins big at 7th Urduja Heritage Film Awards". ABS-CBN News. 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
