“To grieve together and safely: sometimes that’s all that matters.” – Merlinda Bobis

Grief often comes in waves, urging us to seek solitude. Yet, finding solace in others can be a powerful remedy. Project 8 Projects and Mentorque Productions come together to bring you Kono Basho at this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

An Esteemed Legacy of Filmmaking

Project 8 Projects is no stranger to success, having earned accolades such as the Cinemalaya Audience Choice Award for Rookie (2023) and the Gawad Urian Best Film for Iti Mapukpukaw (2023). Their filmography includes critically acclaimed titles like Never Not Love You (2018), Alone Together (2019), and Fan Girl (2020).

Mentorque Productions, known for the box-office hit Mallari (2023) – the first Filipino mainstream film distributed by Warner Brothers – continues its tradition of impactful storytelling with Kono Basho

The Inspiration Behind Kono Basho

Bryan Dy, Executive Producer at Mentorque Productions, shares his motivation: “What drew me to Kono Basho was the powerful story that embodies hope in the face of adversity. Witnessing Rikuzentakata’s rebuilding and the community’s spirit is incredibly inspiring. I want audiences to feel the warmth and solace this film offers.”

Dy emphasizes the importance of supporting filmmakers who craft stories with heart, highlighting the strength of the human spirit.

The Heartfelt Narrative

Kono Basho follows the journey of two estranged half-sisters, Ella (Gabby Padilla) and Reina (Arisa Nakano), who reunite at their father’s funeral in Rikuzentakata. Ella, a 28-year-old Filipina anthropologist, grapples with cultural and emotional complexities tied to her father’s second family in Japan. Despite their differences, Ella and Reina forge a bond, reconciling their perceptions of their shared father.

Their path of self-discovery intertwines with Rikuzentakata’s healing, a city deeply affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Together, they navigate family tides, addressing unresolved traumas that reshape their relationship.

Stellar Cast and Crew

The film stars Gawad Urian and Cinemalaya Best Actress nominee Gabby Padilla, known for her roles in Kalel, 15, Billie and Emma, and Gitling. Gabby reflects on the experience: “The community we built in Japan while shooting in Rikuzentakata was one of my favorite things about the whole Kono Basho experience. Being able to work with an amazing team in such a magical place was already a gift in itself.”

Arisa Nakano, celebrated for her role in the Oscar-nominated Perfect Days, brings depth to Reina. Having experienced Japan’s 2011 disaster, she hopes the film offers Filipino audiences a glimpse into that reality. “Having lived through the big natural disaster in Japan, I’ve seen how people’s lives changed because of it. I hope people in the Philippines get a glimpse of that reality through this film.”

Director’s Vision

Visual artist, curator, and filmmaker Jaime Pacena II draws inspiration from his time in Rikuzentakata. He integrates thirteen years of archival photos and videos into the film, portraying themes of memory and resilience. Pacena dedicates Kono Basho to his three eldest sisters, emphasizing family and sibling bonds.

Director Dan Villegas returns to his roots as a cinematographer, enriching the visual storytelling of Kono Basho. Villegas also serves as Executive Producer and Producer, ensuring the film’s compelling narrative is brought to life.

Cultural Collaboration

The Japan Foundation played a crucial role in the film’s production, ensuring Rikuzentakata’s culture and sensibilities were authentically represented.

A Story of Family and Renewal

Kono Basho explores themes of family, loss, identity, and renewal against the backdrop of the 2011 tsunami. It offers a poignant reflection on the Filipino diaspora and the enduring hope amid grief.

Grief comes in waves, but you don’t have to face it alone. Sometimes, unexpected connections make the journey bearable.

Join us in Japan with Kono Basho, an official entry at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival – in theaters August 2024.