Cinepanalo Film Festival’s Pushcart Tales throws a group of strangers together during a raging storm. A storm rages outside, cutting off a motley crew trapped in a flooded grocery store: the manager (Nonie Buencamino), his employees (Shamaine Buencamino and Therese Malvar), a filmmaker (Elora Espano), a wealthy spoiled teen (Harvey Bautista), and a grumpy elder (Carlos Siguion-Reyna). Now, they face not just the storm, but their own demons.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its acting. All six main actors deliver powerhouse performances, each richly layered and nuanced. Shamaine Buencamino shines particularly bright, but the entire cast deserves recognition. Credit goes to director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo for masterfully guiding these talented individuals through their respective journeys.
Considering the film’s likely limitations in time and budget, the technical aspects are surprisingly impressive. The award-winning sound design creates a powerful experience, immersing viewers in the heart of the storm. The production design is equally commendable, effectively conveying the devastation outside the grocery store.
Bernardo’s script tackles a lot. Six characters, each with their own story, explore themes of infidelity, family issues, LGBTQ+ identity, sacrifice, and illness. These narratives are framed by zombies and a natural disaster, all leading to surprising twists that tie everything up. The script stays positive despite the fantastical elements, but pacing could be improved. Especially the first act might benefit from some trimming. The opening act might benefit from trimming, allowing for a more balanced exploration of the six central characters.
Despite its potential pacing issues, the film undoubtedly stands as a testament to Filipino acting prowess. Shamaine Buencamino delivers a truly captivating performance, and the supporting cast rises to the occasion as well.
The film’s polish is particularly notable when compared to other entries in the Cinepanalo festival.
Setting the film in a single Puregold grocery store showcases both smart production and a claustrophobic vibe. The skillful live sound recording eliminates the audio quality issues faced by other festival entries. While the film functions well on screen, it’s easy to imagine it translating beautifully to a theatrical format. The contained setting and focus on character interaction could offer a captivating experience when brought to the stage.
Final Thoughts
This film is a compelling character study elevated by exceptional acting. While the narrative might benefit from some tightening, it offers a unique blend of social commentary and fantastical elements that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Catch the Cinepanalo Film Festival, now extended until March 20, 2024, at Gateway, Cubao Cineplex.
