About Us But Not About Us is a 2022 Philippine psychological drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Jun Robles Lana. The film stars Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas.[1]
The film was first released in Estonia on November 23, 2022, as one of the official entries for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it won the Best Film award.[1] It also received a Philippine premiere on April 8, 2023, as one of the entries for the 1st Summer Metro Manila Summer Film Festival, where it won 10 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Premise
Eric (Romnick Sarmenta) and his student, Lancelot (Elijah Canlas) converse with each other over a meal at a restaurant unveiling secrets.[2]
Lancelot: A student attending the University of the Philippines who has Ericson as his mentor. His character is helped by Ericson after the student was beaten up by his stepfather. Canlas described the character as a survivalist, who was also victimized by a pedophile priest at ten years old.[4]
Marcus: Former husband of Ericson who committed suicide
Production
About Us But Not About Us was produced under The IdeaFirst Company, Octoberian Films, and Quantum Films under the direction of Jun Lana.[5] Perci Intalan, Lana's ex-partner was the producer. Lana described the film as a "personal" project which he created during a "period of depression". Characterizing the film as "part fiction and part confessional", Lana disclosed writing for three straight days for the story of the film, drawing inspiration from his childhood trauma.[6]
The film's story is "conversational" featuring just two seated characters talking to each other in a single setting. A significant part of the story was in English.[3]About Us But Not About Us took five days to shoot, with a script reading taking place a day prior.[2]
About Us But Not About Us was recognized as the Best Film in the Critics' Pick competition of the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.[1] Film critic Niki Nikitin, as an attendee of the Estonian film festival, praised the film as "masterfully orchestrated" despite having a small budget.[6] Indonesian film critic Bavner Donaldo praised this film for its stunning acting performances with an unexpected conclusion.[8]
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