With public debate over corruption and unequal justice heating up, the independent film “Selda Tres” lands at the 7th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival (Sept. 24–30) as one of its most timely and talked-about entries.
The full-length action-drama, produced by Five 2 Seven Entertainment and written by Eric Ramos, follows a humble messenger wrongfully jailed for a crime he didn’t commit. After his release, he returns to the courts as a paralegal, defending former cellmates still trapped in the same broken system.
Director GB Sampedro, who is also executive producer of the film along with Alex Rodriguez, says the story “shows how justice too often favors the rich, yet reminds us that the truth can still set people free.”
“Hindi sinasadya pero very timely talaga siya ngayon,” he added.
Veteran actor Cesar Montano headlines the cast, joined by Carla Abellana and JM De Guzman.
For Montano, the project is a deliberate choice. “Mapili na ako at this point in my career,” he explains. “Gusto ko, kapag may proyekto ako, may aral at malinaw na mensahe sa manonood. This one has real substance.”
Abellana shares the sentiment, saying she was drawn both to the film’s “essence” and the chance to work with Montano and De Guzman dubbing both among the “best” in the industry.
For De Guzman, admiration for Montano sealed the deal: “Idol ko talaga siya, dati pa.”
The ensemble also features Aaron Villaflor, Kier Legaspi, Victor Neri, Isay Alvarez, Perla Bautista, Jeffrey Tam, Tanjo Villoso, and Johnny Revilla.
Sampedro, who won Best Director at Cinemalaya for his 2009 debut “Astig,” continues to build a reputation for gritty, socially aware storytelling that travels well on the festival circuit.
Festival founder Wilson Tieng and director Brillante Mendoza have curated this year’s lineup to spark conversation about the nation’s most pressing issues.
For those seeking a mirror to the country’s ongoing fight against corruption and the resilience of ordinary Filipinos, “Selda Tres” screens in Gateway 2, Trinoma, SM Mall of Asia and Fairview, Robinsons Manila and Antipolo, and Market! Market! cinemas.
