“Pan de Salawal,” which opens in cinemas July 24, promises to change your perspective in life

“‘[Ang pelikula], parang baby. ‘Pag first-time filmmaker, ‘yong feeling na nanganak ka na, ang tagal tagal mong binuo, tapos ‘pag nilabas mo, may mixed emotions,” said director/writer Che Espiritu when asked how she feels with the commercial release of her indie movie “Pan de Salawal.”

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity na maipalabas sa Filipino public ‘yong pelikula. Very excited and blessed ‘yong feeling,” she continued.

Che said it is her tribute to the fantasy genre of the ’90s that she grew up with. “Classic family-oriented and fantasy films like ‘Magic Temple’ and ‘Wansapanataym,” Che added.

“Pan de Salawal” is a heartwarming and hilarious tale starring celebrated actor Bodjie Pascua as Sal, a baker with a kidney problem, and young actor Miel Espinoza as Aguy, a wandering kid with healing powers.

Also playing important roles are Soliman Cruz, Madeleine Nicolas, Ruby Ruiz, Anna Luna, Felix Roco, JM Salvado, Ian Lomongo, Lorenzo Aguila. They make up the cast of characters whose lives are touched by Aguy. 

“Pan de Salawal” is one of biggest winners of the 14th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. It won for the Best Director honor for Che, Best Original Music Score for Len Calvo, Special Jury Prize (for Acting) for child performers Miel Espiritu and JM Salvado, and Special Jury Award. 

Produced by US-based CineFocus Productions in association with Urbanflix Philippines, “Pan de Salawal” will hit cinema nationwide on July 24. (Report by Daisy Liezel Cuison)

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