Sheron Dayoc’s regional film The Gospel of the Beast will open the twentieth edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on August 2, 2024, at 7 PM at Ayala Malls Manila Bay (Cinemas 2, 7, 9, and 10).
Starring Jansen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro, The Gospel of the Beast is a coming-of-age drama about Mateo, a 15-year-old known for his rebellious nature but deeply caring for his two younger siblings. After his father goes missing, Mateo steps up as the man of the house. However, when a violent altercation with a schoolmate results in his rival’s death, Mateo turns to Berto, a stranger who introduces him to a life of crime. As Berto becomes a father figure, Mateo learns harsh life lessons but ultimately succumbs to violence and despair following the murder of his best friend and the revelation of his father’s fate.
The film is inspired by a dark secret shared by someone close to Dayoc’s family. “He revealed that before working for our family, he was a hitman for a vigilante group in my hometown,” Dayoc said.
Though set in the Philippines, Dayoc highlights the film’s universal themes. “In a world grappling with violence, including war, domestic abuse, and modern-day slavery, the story of Mateo reflects the broader human experience—struggles for justice and hope.”
The Gospel of the Beast won Best Feature Film at the 2024 Bali International Film Festival and was nominated for Best Film at the 2023 Tokyo International Film Festival.
This year’s Cinemalaya theme, “Cinemalaya Bente: Loob Lalim Lakas,” focuses on raising awareness of the consequences of violence and promoting community change and healing. Over two decades, Cinemalaya has championed over 200 films that address social issues with artistic integrity.
Catch The Gospel of the Beast for FREE on August 2, 2024, at 7 PM at Cinemas 2, 7, 9, and 10 of Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting two hours before the screening.
For more details, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow CCP and Cinemalaya on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.
