Kolorete

2009-08-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

In a town where friars and landlords ruled the laymen and peasants, trust is a foreign word. As they prepare for a play as despedida for the Alcalde Mayor who was dismissed by the town’s friar, suspicions heat up, unraveling secrets that could change the course of their history.

Cinemalaya 2009

2009-07-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

INDIE ANI: A Harvest of Recent Full-Length Features

KOLORETE by Ruello Lozendo (Cinema One)
23 July/Thu, 3:30PM
VENUE 3 - Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

Asia Pacific Arts Magazine

2009-05-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

LA Asian Pacific Film Festival 2009: an interview with
Kolorete director Ruelo Lozendo
by Clifford Hilo

Kolorete has politics, music, and the living dead.
In other words, it's just another zombie flick. Director Ruelo Lozendo explains.

Pedro Costa once remarked that a filmmaker needs to be young and old at the same time so that one might have both the opposing qualities of wild impulse and rational experience.

The film Kolorete makes one think of the director as a veteran experimenter, a director certain and calm in his choices as a result of years and years of attention and work. One thinks of the elderly Jean Marie Straub with Kolorete, as if he were the one poised over the editing table with his tousled, blanche white hair and a cigar angrily chewed in the side of his mouth.

Then it was quite the surprise to see the director, Ruelo Lozendo, after the screening of Kolorete, because out walked a young man who appeared no older than twenty (he's actually 32). Here is the paradox of the man who is young and mature at the same time -- so mature in his cinema that he almost seems super-aged. He spoke softly to the audience in his demure way about Kolorete. And one must really admire the audacity of his modesty, because here is a filmmaker whose humility belies the assuredness of his work. Watch next for where Ruelo Lozendo will go, because there is a great deal of future left for this old man.

Read more

Photo Gallery

2009-05-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Production Stills

Behind the Scenes

Snap shots

Snap shots

2009-05-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

LA Asian Pacific Film Fest 09

Cinema One Originals 08 Awards Night

Robinson's Ortigas Screening

University Preview Screening

Production Stills / Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

2009-05-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Snap shots / Production Stills

Production Stills

2009-05-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes / Snap shots

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2009

2009-05-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

Sometime within the first half of KOLORETE, the first solo feature from Philippine independent filmmaker Ruelo Lozendo, a scene of an audition is taking place under the shade of a tree, men accidentally drop a coffin as they pass, a caribou meanders about in the field behind, farther back a woman crosses the frame, all layered upon a stunning backdrop of a provincial Philippine countryside very much appearing as it would have during Spanish rule, when the film is set. It is a painterly image of classical proportion yet, like the rest of the film, it is rich with irony and filled with historical and artistic context. A film not only fascinated with the textures of the sewing thread, the mossy eaves or the bug bit back of a woman, but also in the texture of emotions as its protagonists keep them close to the vest as their intentions and suspicions are precariously obscured.

In a small village during Spanish colonial Philippines, a group of citizens begin staging a zarzuela (a genre of musical theatre derived from Spain) for the departing and unpopular Mayor of the village. Could there be ulterior motives? The performance nears and the tension mounts. As the players in the play jostle for their piece of the stage, they become players in their own drama as love, jealousy and suspicion permeate the lives of these townsfolk. All this action occurs in the haunting and dreamy world of KOLORETE.

KOLORETE, translation meaning a rouge or red coloring make-up, is ironically shot in radiant high definition black and white, illustrating a duality inherently woven in the film's fiber. The contrast of dark and light creates mystery and mood all the while a sly sense of humor and evocative music threads throug the film. Although inspired by early black and white Filipino silent films, evident in a beautiful near archival looking rain drenched title shot, the film possesses a crisp and contemporary resolution that has the faces of the main characters glow with subtle expressive details. Lozendo's dynamic visual scope balances between close ups of ants infesting the mortar of the old church to the blustery landscapes of fertile hillsides and ominous trees. A style perfectly enhances an innovative vision respectful of the past and eager to transcend into the future. Rare is a film firmly experimental yet fully embracing history, tradition and its varied influences.

Winning the Special Jury Award at Cinema One along with Best Production Design and Original Score, KOLORETE is a beautiful conglomeration of influences from an initial concept of a zombie musical with indigenous themes as an indictment on the troubled history of a country to a Shakespearian construct by way of Tom Stoppard with a good dose of song and wit, the film is an original, complex and unexpected experience that will mystify and allure.

Joel Quizon
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

Colors of Intrigue

2009-05-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

"Colors of Intrigue"
From Charlie Koon Film Review ++

Excommunication by the Church was flagrant during the Spanish Era. Even when the excommunicated dies, they will never be recognized by the church. It is a belief that that their soul is often seen as committed to hellfire. Kolorete (Rouge) is red cosmetic for coloring the cheeks or lips. It is a film directed by Ruello Lozendo and written by Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Ironically, the film is shot in black and white. The film depicts the lives of Filipino people during the Spanish Occupation. It has a fascinating manner of how the characters are established in the film. I am personally hooked with it. But to my dismay, it is only up to the intriguing aspect that it has delivered.

Luciano (Roeder Camañag) organizes a zarzuela for the departure of the Alkalde Mayor. The play is agreed and sanctioned by Father Antarez (Edgar Sandalo). Isabel’s (Coreen Chan) singing prowess qualifies her to a role in the play. Magdalena (Angeli Bayani) who has an inferior voice pitch is also chosen to be in the play. With the arrival of Asuncion (Jean Judith Javier) a soprano based in *Hong Kong, the secrets start to unravel.

Actually, I am confused with how I am to describe the film’s story. Or is it the progression of the film that is confusing? It is hard to describe which character gets the role in the play precisely. But as the film progresses, the role of Magdalena goes to Isabel. Just a little spoiler, Magdalena did not show up on the day they will present the zarzuela. It was deliberated that Asuncion will play the role of Magdalena. But then, it is Isabel who gets to play it. The confusing plot twist might be part of it – I presume.

The film has the intriguing elements with how the characters are shown. There is irony with how they portrayed the roles. Father Antarez looks too innocent to be the antagonist of this film. It is also deliberated by the director of the film that the role of Asuncion must look androgynous. The tension that has been built in the film is like a revolution. The surmounting silence in the film is likely to break. But when we look closely at the characters’ layering and how the story develops, the mystique that veils each character was not fully uncovered up to the end. It still holds on to the secrecy and shifts to a different perspective years after the story takes place. It is also noteworthy on the believability of the movie since it is a period film after all.

Apart from the classy look the film has rendered, Kolorete meant belies the thirst for freedom Filipinos have silently been screaming for decades. Through the zarzuela, the musical pieces ignite the dormant passion of Filipinos to unfetter the aim of social equality. We might be confused with how the character’s lives are presented. But it meets its objective by doing so. But then, it could have been foretold in a way that the truth within each mystery is set off in the end with clarity. I am already intrigued. We deserve to be enlightened.

The Love Revolution
(for the Zarzuela within the film)

Kolorete has incorporated the Spanish lyric-dramatic genre called Zarzuela. Diwa de Leon composed and arranged the songs in the zarzuela. It is a love story set in a far away land. Isabel is in love with Tertulles. But then his brother Arcillo disapproves their love and seeks revenge.

The story is narrated by Asuncion (Jean Judith Javier) mostly in operatic performance. There are minor flaws in the libretto that is overfilled with the notes. It could be terser with the words, since it sounds too crowded. But as a soprano, she delivers very well. Isabel (Coreen Chan) has to make the notes more rounded as this is the style of most kundiman songs. But then, Chan embodies raw singing talent and has able to shell out emotions required for her character. Diwa de Leon is a talented musical composer. Despite the flaws in the zarzuela musical structure, it is still a superior work. It is a fuel of a person’s longing for independence.

Madrid Indian Film Festival 2009

2009-05-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

In Competition
May 22/Friday/4PM
La Boca Espacio Cultural
C/ Argumosa 11
28012 Madrid, Spain
+34 914 681 791

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2009

2009-03-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 3, 4:45 PM (Program 32)
Directors Guild of America, Theater 2
7920 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
(One block west of Fairfax; corner of Sunset and Hayworth)

click here for details

The Film

2009-02-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

Synopsis

Cast

Filmmakers

About the Production

Video, Songs and Stills

2009-02-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Trailer

Soundtrack

Photo Gallery

Sales and Distribution

2009-02-19T06:16:00.000-08:00

For group sales and discounts, call the Creative Programs, Inc. office (look for Marga) at the 8th floor ELJ Building, ABS-CBN office at 4152272 local 3162.

Festivals

2008-12-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

In Competition

Madrid Indian Film Festival 2009

Click here

Official Selection
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2009

Click here

Winner
Cinema One Originals 2008
Special Jury Prize
Best in Production Design
Best Original Score

Cinema One Originals 2008

2008-12-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

"Colors of Intrigue"
From Charlie Koon Film Review ++

Excommunication by the Church was flagrant during the Spanish Era. Even when the excommunicated dies, they will never be recognized by the church. It is a belief that that their soul is often seen as committed to hellfire. Kolorete (Rouge) is red cosmetic for coloring the cheeks or lips. It is a film directed by Ruello Lozendo and written by Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Ironically, the film is shot in black and white. The film depicts the lives of Filipino people during the Spanish Occupation. It has a fascinating manner of how the characters are established in the film. I am personally hooked with it. But to my dismay, it is only up to the intriguing aspect that it has delivered.

Luciano (Roeder Camañag) organizes a zarzuela for the departure of the Alkalde Mayor. The play is agreed and sanctioned by Father Antarez (Edgar Sandalo). Isabel’s (Coreen Chan) singing prowess qualifies her to a role in the play. Magdalena (Angeli Bayani) who has an inferior voice pitch is also chosen to be in the play. With the arrival of Asuncion (Jean Judith Javier) a soprano based in *Hong Kong, the secrets start to unravel.

Actually, I am confused with how I am to describe the film’s story. Or is it the progression of the film that is confusing? It is hard to describe which character gets the role in the play precisely. But as the film progresses, the role of Magdalena goes to Isabel. Just a little spoiler, Magdalena did not show up on the day they will present the zarzuela. It was deliberated that Asuncion will play the role of Magdalena. But then, it is Isabel who gets to play it. The confusing plot twist might be part of it – I presume.

The film has the intriguing elements with how the characters are shown. There is irony with how they portrayed the roles. Father Antarez looks too innocent to be the antagonist of this film. It is also deliberated by the director of the film that the role of Asuncion must look androgynous. The tension that has been built in the film is like a revolution. The surmounting silence in the film is likely to break. But when we look closely at the characters’ layering and how the story develops, the mystique that veils each character was not fully uncovered up to the end. It still holds on to the secrecy and shifts to a different perspective years after the story takes place. It is also noteworthy on the believability of the movie since it is a period film after all.

Apart from the classy look the film has rendered, Kolorete meant belies the thirst for freedom Filipinos have silently been screaming for decades. Through the zarzuela, the musical pieces ignite the dormant passion of Filipinos to unfetter the aim of social equality. We might be confused with how the character’s lives are presented. But it meets its objective by doing so. But then, it could have been foretold in a way that the truth within each mystery is set off in the end with clarity. I am already intrigued. We deserve to be enlightened.

***

The Love Revolution
(for the Zarzuela within the film)

Kolorete has incorporated the Spanish lyric-dramatic genre called Zarzuela. Diwa de Leon composed and arranged the songs in the zarzuela. It is a love story set in a far away land. Isabel is in love with Tertulles. But then his brother Arcillo disapproves their love and seeks revenge.

The story is narrated by Asuncion (Jean Judith Javier) mostly in operatic performance. There are minor flaws in the libretto that is overfilled with the notes. It could be terser with the words, since it sounds too crowded. But as a soprano, she delivers very well. Isabel (Coreen Chan) has to make the notes more rounded as this is the style of most kundiman songs. But then, Chan embodies raw singing talent and has able to shell out emotions required for her character. Diwa de Leon is a talented musical composer. Despite the flaws in the zarzuela musical structure, it is still a superior work. It is a fuel of a person’s longing for independence.

Interviews

2008-12-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

Ruelo Lozendo on Kolorete
from the Cinema One Originals 2008 Catalog

How did the idea for Kolorete come to you?

I originally wanted to do a zombie musical, but I wanted an indigenous theme. So I put the concept of zombie in the context of Philippine history, where it could be said that zombies existed in our country. And it was during the Spanish period that many Filipinos lived like zombies, shackled and dead in spirit.

How is Kolorete different from other films set in the colonial era?

It is not based on actual history, but is historical in the sense that it tackles the struggle of people in a small town during the Spanish occupation. Instead of grand and epic portrayal of history, the film focuses on a small ripple in the pond, a small scale-struggle in history.

My treatment takes inspiration from the early silent Filipino films - black and white, heavy make-up, and musical (based on zarzuelas).

What did you learn about the craft of filmmaking (and about yourself) in the process of making Kolorete?

I have learned to accept the fact that a filmmaker should be always open-minded and open to changes and suggestions. He should never be restrained by pre-planned script and storyboards. Writing the film is never finished with the writing of the screenplay.

Synopsis / Cast / Filmmakers

Cinema One Originals 2008 Festival Run

2008-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Robinson's Galleria Cinema
Ortigas Ave. cor EDSA

December 4, Thursday
12:40PM-2:40PM

*December 5, Friday
7:20PM-9:20PM

December 6, Saturday
12:40PM-2:40PM

December 8, Monday
2:20PM-4:20PM

December 9, Tuesday
3:05PM-5:05PM

Trailer

2008-11-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

Soundtrack / Gallery

Synopsis

2008-10-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Asuncion, a beautiful soprano with a haunting voice pays a timely visit, stirring both banality and carnality among the townspeople, especially on the two admiring young women adopted by Prayle Antarez, Isabel and Theresa.

Luciano helps Prayle Antarez stage a play as a sugarcoated insult on Don Andres, the Alcalde Mayor, but is not doing this for the friar but rather for his own personal agenda. Don Andres rides along and keeps his relations with the friar, but surely would not let the humiliation pass. He will make the play the best entertainment the friar has ever seen with the help of Elias, the sabungero (a person engaged in cockfighting), and brother Isagani who pries on Asuncion for personal reason deeper than lust.

Magdalena the town socialite harbors a hidden envy toward Asuncion when the latter becomes part of the play and gets more singing parts than hers. She vows to do something to keep the spotlight on her as chickens strangely stalk her.

Anxiety creep in on Isabel - whose friend Theresa eventually gets pregnant - and her beloved Alejandro, Don Andres's unico hijo, as they count the last days they would be spending together. Alejandro seems to be distancing himself; does his father who is forcing him to leave Isabel cause it, or is it another woman he is allegedly seeing?

Deceit, conspiracy and suspicions take charge of the turn of events. Everyone does not want to attend the staging of the play, but they all have to be there to protect their interests and to bid their last farewell.

Cast / Filmmakers / About the Production

Soundtrack

2008-10-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Music by Diwa De Leon / Words by Lauro Caiña
Vocals:Judith Javier/Roeder Camañag/Coreen Chan/Lawrence Roxas
Guitar:Monching Carpio

Trailer / Gallery

Cast

2008-10-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Roeder Camañag
Luciano/Tertulles

Jean Judith Javier
Asuncion

Angeli Bayani
Magdalena

Perry Dizon
Elias

Chiqui Xeres Burgos
Don Andres

Edgar Sandalo
Prayle Antarez

Coreen Chan
Isabel/Iliana

Frank Garcia
Alejandro

Lawrence Roxas
Isagani/Arcillo

Althea Vega
Theresa

Synopsis / Filmmakers / About the Production

Filmmakers

2008-10-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ruelo Lozendo
Director

Sherad Anthony Sanchez
Screenwriter

Ronald Arguelles
Executive Producer

Albert Banzon
Director of Photography

Yeye Calderon
Production Designer

Clang Sison
Editor

Diwa De Leon
Music Composer

Earl Drilon
Sound Designer

Maisa Demetillo
Art Director

Kat Compuesto
Costume Designer

Niño Valencia
Production Assistant

Kints Kintana
Production Coordinator

Zyan Caiña
Poi Beltran
Assistant Directors

Lai Crisostomo
Production Manager

Shrerad Sanchez
Ruelo Lozendo
Producers

Salida Productions
Production Company

Synopsis / Cast / About the Production

Gallery

2008-09-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Trailer / Soundtrack