Mikhail Red's e-sports film to premiere at Hawaii film festival, 'Balota' in lineup

MANILA, Philippines — Director Mikhail Red's newest movie "Friendly Fire" will make its world premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival next month.

"Friendly Fire" is part of the list of movies screening out of competition togther with Kip Oebanda's Cinemalaya Film Festival entry "Balota" starring Marian Rivera.

The e-sports-centric film stars Loisa Andalio, Coleen Garcia, Harvey Bautista, Jan Silverio, Liza Diño, Yves Flores, Bob Jbeili, and Jon Lucas, with the special participation of Alodia Gosiengfiao.

"Balota," meanwhile, sees a tight mayoral election between a land-grabbing tycoon and a former actor, resulting in a violent uproar in a small town.

A teacher serving in the elections, played by Marian, runs into the wilderness with the ballot box containing the last copy of the election results.

Related:  Marian Rivera Cinemalaya movie 'Balota' getting wide release

Also screening out of competition in the Hawaii International Film Festival are a number of films that premiered in other prestigious film festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto.

Highlighting that selection are Jacques Audiard's Cannes darling "Emilia Perez" and Pedro Almodovar’s "The Room Next Door" starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore.

In total, there will be 92 feature films and 114 short films, including the largest-ever selection of Hawai`i films in competition.

The Hawaii International Film Festival will run from October 3 to 13 in Honolulu and October 15 to 17 in West Oahu, with subsequent screenings in Maui, Lanai, Kauai, Big Island (Waimea), Molokai, and Big Island (Hilo).

In the Philippines, a new cut of "Balota" will hit cinemas beginning October 16, while "Friendly Fire" will premiere in the country a week later on October 23.

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