Pepot Artista (2005)

In the Philippines, star power is the fantasy of the masses, especially the poor. In Pepot Artista, 10-year-old Jose Rizalino dreams of becoming a movie actor, a superstar. Pepot, as he is called, is dazzled by the cinema and the world of movie stars, for it is a sweet escape from the streets where he helps his family eke out a living selling comic books. Pepot is not the only one who has these dreams. But he is the most determined of all those around him who share this fantasy, including his mother, who once landed a movie role as an extra. Pepot is ambitious in this dream of stardom, and even skips school when he learns a director is casting for young children. A couple of fellow dreamers, artists who live happily in a small hut, become like surrogate parents and support Pepot's ambitions. Set in the 70s, Pepot Artista captures this fantasy of the masses in delightful terms—songs, dances, fantasies acted out. Hopefulness and perseverance are embodied in this young man, despite the social problems of his country and the disappointments encountered among his own family. Clodualdo Del Mundo was one of the key scriptwriters for many in the Philippine New Wave of the 70s. This directing debut comes from the very first script he wrote. Awards/Festivals: Balanghai Trophy Best Editing & Film Cinemalaya Independent Film Fiestival 2005; Gawad Urian Award Best Supporting Actress 2006; Silver Screen Award Best Actor Singapore International Film Festival 2006; Festival Paris Cinéma 2008; Active Vista Film Festival 2008.