Filipino Cinderella film screens in West Hollywood

Cynthia Guico plays the role of Abadeha “Abadeha Neo-Ethnic Rock Cinderella," the first Philippine indigenous Cinderella film ever produced, is an official entry at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival at the Sunset 5 Laemmle Theatre in West Hollywood which runs from September 27 to October 4, 2007. Featuring selected films and videos from the U.S. and countries around the world, the NYIIFV Festival Opening Night Party on September 27, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., is an interactive event, which is both a film and art market. The usual participants include, film distributors, casting agents, the international press, as well as Hollywood celebrities. The world premiere of “Abadeha" at the Sunset 5 Laemmle Theatre on October 4, 2007 at 8 p.m. is proud to introduce the leading members of the cast: Marissa Sue Prado as Abadeha from the U.P. Los Banos Theatre Arts Department; and Lauren Novero as the Prince. Both have played lead roles in Philippine independent films, such as “Kaleldo," “Mga Pusang Gala," “Troika," and “Twilight Dancers." Playing the role of Abadeha’s mother, is Cynthia Guico, a soprano and seasoned stage and film actor who has performed internationally. Jess Evardone, who plays Abadeha’s father, is a busy stage and film actor who has performed in numerous Peta stage plays. Other members of the cast include Aurora Nanzan (Spirit of the Forest), Jersafe Salatandre (stepmother), Kristelle Suntay (little Abadeha), and Jeo Macatangay ( little Prince). “Abadeha" is a visual retelling of the age-old Cinderella fairy tale of the Philippines. Told with a contemporary interpretation, the story flows through dramatic dialogue, songs, indigenous dance, rituals, folkways, customs, poetry, and the fusion of present day music and sounds. Educator Myrna J. de la Paz, author of the U.S.-published book, “Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella," wrote, produced, and directed the film. The Manila-born de la Paz grew up in her father’s home town in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte in Mindanao. Cabadbaran is part of the rich Kalagan region which was once under the Kingdoms of Butuan and Masawa, the first kingdom that circumnavigator Ferdinand Magellan visited when he landed in the Philippines in 1521. To this day, like many other communities in Mindanao, Cabadbaran is a vibrant community where indigenous traditions are practiced parallel to that of Christianity. Growing up in a world like this provided de la Paz with a heightened level of existence, which is both earth-bound and mystifying. The magic and enchantment of these indigenous beliefs and rituals have created in de la Paz a keen sense of a world that is so much larger than its material space. For tickets to “Abadeha," call (323) 259-8918 or email: bmul@sbcglobal.net. - Philippine News