What We Know So Far About The MMFF Film The Kingdom
Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual team up for the first time in a film that’s set in an uncolonized Philippines
December has begun, and the month means the Metro Manila Film Festival, which happens every Christmas until New Year. Vic Sotto returns to the film festival with a new film this year. But unlike his past entries, The Kingdom sees him in a different role. He is also starring alongside Piolo Pascual, their first project together.
The trailer was released on November 30. Here’s what we know so far about the film.
It’s set in an uncolonized Philippines
The story’s setting is an uncolonized Philippines ruled by a kingdom of datus. In the film, Vic plays Makisig Nandula, the Kalayaan kingdom’s king, and carries the title Lakan. He has three children—Bagwis (Sid Lucero), Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), and Lualhati (Sue Ramirez)—whom he must choose as an heir to lead the kingdom.
Piolo plays the role of Sulo, an outcast in the kingdom.
The film tackles clashes of the old and new
The people behind the film have kept the storyline pretty much a secret. But during the press conference, Vic hinted that Makisig finds himself torn between tradition and modern times, especially when his family is involved.
“Naiipit [siya]sa dalawang mundo — mundo ng heritage at kultura, at mundo ng pamilya. ‘Di niya alam ano ang papaboran niya. Tradisyon ba o sarili mong pakiramdam sa buhay,” he shared.
It revolves around a family torn amidst problems in society
Clashes between the rich and poor are not surprising in films. But it mirrors what continues to be the struggle of the Filipinos and other people worldwide. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are poor.
Director Mike Tuviera, who helmed the film said: ” We wanted to make a non-political film about politics. That’s why yung pinaka-seed, pinaka-soul ng pelikula is still the family.”
“Doon na nabuhay ang kuwento [at] nabuo ang mga characters. At the end of the day, it’s still all about the family.”
The movie sees a serious Vic Sotto
Vic Sotto has joined the film festival several times but his movies have always been seen in the comedy genre. He sheds it off for the film and admitted it was a challenge for him.
Vic said the movie was an answered prayer as his kids Danica, Oyo, Vico, Paulina, and Tali have been urging him to do a serious film. They had dinner when it was brought up.
“ Sabi nila sa akin, dad gumawa ka naman ng serious movie, yung tipong mala-Godfather. Yun medyo may pagka-villain ang dating,” he recalled the conversation.
At that time, Vic explained that he was going through the movie pitches, and then Mike Tuviera told him about the concept of The Kingdom. He hasn’t said yes to the project yet but already likes the idea.
” I said to myself, eto na iyon. Eto na yung hinhingi ng mga anak ko,” he said. “It’s out of my comfort zone. It’s out of the box concept. That’s why I decided to do this.”
Is there a developing story between Sulo and Lualhati?
There’s a lot to be unveiled with The Kingdom, but one thing is for sure: a special friendship between Sulo and Lualhati might develop. But until we watch the film, we will have to find out if their characters will clash, bicker, or develop into something else.
The Kingdom, directed by Mike Tuviera opens on December 25.
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