'Marupok AF (Where Is The Lie?),' the film about the viral catfishing thread, will close Cinemalaya 2023

“Marupok AF (Where Is The Lie?)” is finally making its Philippine premiere.

The dark comedy film about the viral catfishing thread is Cinemalaya 2023’s closing film, and will screen on the final day of the festival on August 13, Anima Studios announced on Instagram.

"Marupok AF (Where Is The Lie?)" is directed by Quark Henares, and stars EJ Jallorina, Maris Racal, and Sparkle artist Royce Cabrera.

Based on a true story that went viral on Twitter, it follows Janzen Torres (EJ), a hopeless romantic who goes on a dating app and matches with the seemingly perfect Theo Balmaceda (Royce).

On the day of their first date, Janzen gets ghosted. This then leads to an intricately-planned web of deceit, lies, and catfishing. A sociopathic mastermind named Beanie Landridos (Maris) is behind all of Janzen’s struggles.

The film also tackles the bullying the LGBTQIA+ community goes through.

"Marupok AF (Where Is The Lie?)" premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in the United States in January and is also headed to the New York Asian Film Festival this July.

Cinemalaya 2023 is happening on August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ANIMA Studios (@animastudiosph)

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News