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Filipino-Canadian indie film “Islands” now showing in Winnipeg

By Donna Natividad-Arenas Apr 22, 2022 | 10:11 AM

How would you like to see a movie  in Canada  with Filipino actors speaking in native Tagalog language?

Islands,  a 2021  film shot in Toronto and  directed by Filipino-Canadian filmmaker  Martin Edralin  is now seen  in  select U.S. and Canadian theatres, including Winnipeg. It comes with  English subtitles.

The movie follows the story of  Joshua (played by Rogelio),   an immigrant from the Philippines  who sacrificed his own happiness to care for his aging parents.

Islands  has been  nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards, including best feature film and picked up a special jury recognition prize at South by Southwest (SXSW) when it premiered where  lead  Rogelio Balagtas  won the Special Jury Prize for breakthrough performance.

The movie was hailed  Best Canadian Feature film under Made in the North Award for  Available Light Film Festival 2022 and was handed out the  Special Jury  Award for  VC Filmfest- Los Angeles Film Festival,  Audience Award   at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2021 and  nomination  for  Best film at the Hawaii International Film Festival 2021.

Aside from Rogelio, who is based in  Winnipeg, the movie has mostly Filipino casts including  film  lead actress, Sheila Lotuaco, who is also from Winnipeg.

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A  dentist and a nurse by profession  in the Philippines, Sheila is   working as home care assistant while  completing requirements  to become a Registered Nurse in Manitoba.

Sheila   has always loved acting and has appeared in  small roles in  television series and print advertisements.  Islands  was her  first major full-length movie project.

“It was a dream come true.  To act in front of the camera is such an extraordinary feeling.  It  brought tears to my eyes when I saw myself on screen”, she said.
Her personal experience being a healthcare worker made it easier for  Sheila to  portray her role.  She also thinks that  a lot of people  will be able to relate to the movie.
  “In our culture as Filipinos, we are used to taking care of our elderly. It helps me give life to Marisol in a natural way.   I  think a lot of people will have a connection to the movie because of what each of the characters in the movie went through.”
Sheila’s  portrayal had a major impact on the story.  She said  she landed the job  after undergoing audition  following  social media casting call.
“I thought it was a scam until  a former school friend told me  that  the director (Martin)  is  her cousin.  I exchanged emails with  the director and sent him audition tape.” 
Sheila admits being nervous at first because of her lack of  professional acting  background but  everything went smooth because of the support she was given.
“Everyone in the set  was  so nice and kind —  from the  make-up to wardrobe staff,  fellow  actors,  producer and especially the  director Martin—we  had a special bond after spending a month doing the movie.”
The movie opened new doors of  acting career  opportunities  for Sheila.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Islands  premiered  April 15   in Winnipeg   following   April 12 premier  in Toronto  and Vancouver. The film   will open  April 29 in Mississauga and Scarborough, Ontario.

In Winnipeg,  Islands is playing  at  Cinematheque,  100 Arthur Street at the following schedules:

https://www.winnipegfilmgroup.com/cinematheque/now-playing/

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