In 2013 Star Cinema released an
action drama film that completely contrasted their usual fare of rom-coms and
big-budget blockbusters. “On the Job” was the brainchild of director Erik Matti
and co-writer Michiko Yamamoto, about the seedy underbelly of crime and
political corruption seen through the eyes of imprisoned convicts temporarily
released to perform contract killings and rewarded by politicians and other
societal elites. The movie got some serious nods from international film
festivals, and it was assured of a sequel by Matti, produced during the
pandemic. Its first premiere will be at the Venice International Film Festival,
with its lead actor attending the event.
GMA News reports that actor Dennis Trillo is making plans to travel
to Italy next month where the Venice International Film Festival will exhibit “On
the Job: The Missing 8,” Erik Matti’s sequel to his 2013 crime noir sleeper hit
“On the Job.” The VIFF has made known its list of film entries back in July, with
the theme of this year’s film fest being “Cinema at the Time of COVID.” As for
Trillo, his travel papers are being processed so he could make the trip in time
for the festival period of September 1-11.
Having the movie make its debut
in an international film-fest echoes the journey of its predecessor, which was
exhibited first at the 2013 Cannes Film Fest, receiving a two-minute standing
ovation from its audience even if it won no prizes. Matti noted back in June
that having “On the Job: The Missing 8” do likewise will help gauge viewer
reception to the 3-hour-28-minute film (originally conceptualized as a
multi-episode streaming limited series), and determine if dividing the running
time into two movies would work for local audiences once cinemas reopen.
As for Dennis Trillo, he is happy
that “On the Job: The Missing 8” will soon get to run on the big screen, because
COVID-19 has kept Philippine theaters shut. “I’m happy that the film will not
only premiere, but is also part of the competition,” says Trillo. “The fact
that our movie is included is already a reward for all of us. The film also
stars John Arcilla, Dante Rivero, Ricky Davao, Vandolph Quizon, Christopher De
Leon and more. The film returns to the setting of a crime-ridden and corrupt
Philippines with prisoners being hired by powerful figures to assassinate
targets outside prison, with John Arcilla’s reporter character investigating
the disappearances of his colleagues and Trillo portraying the crook
temporarily freed to kill him.
Image courtesy of Esquire Philippines
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