Kaaway sa Sulod (lit.'The Enemy Within') is a 2019 psychological thriller drama. It is the second full-length film directed by Arnel Barbarona and written by Arnel Mardoquio.[1]

Kaaway sa Sulod
Directed byArnel Barbarona
Produced by
  • Arnel Barbarona
  • Perry Dizon
  • Dionne Monsanto
  • Ethel Mendez
  • Arnel Mardoquio
Starring
  • Dionne Monsanto
  • Perry Dizon
  • Dax Alejandro
  • Jeff Sabayle
  • Nor Heela Macusang
Cinematography
  • Bryan Jimenez
  • Arnel Barbarona
Edited byArbi Barbarona
Music byTeresa Barrozo
Release date
Running time
103 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageVisayan

Synopsis

edit

Two women on opposing sides of an armed conflict unexpectedly find that they are mirror images of each other and a shared past that would unite them. Lieutenant Raiza Umali was assigned to a team protecting a mysterious businessman in hiding. When they subdue his attackers, a New People's Army squad, she finds out one of its leaders, Ka Lai, resembles her.

Raiza learns they are protecting General Rapatan, an officer in hiding for the murder of activists. She questions her superiors, at the same time doubting her past. A DNA test shows Raiza and Lai are siblings. Her superior think of a mission to have Raiza switch places with her sister who is a guerrilla fighter to infiltrate the NPA. But Raiza makes a choice with fatal consequences.[2]

Cast

edit
  • Dionne Monsanto as Ka Lai / Lt. Raiza Umali
  • Perry Dizon as Gen. Rapatan
  • Dax Alejandro as Captain Nuñez
  • Jeff Sabayle as Heneral Carlito Rapatan
  • Nor Heela Macusang

Release

edit

Kaaway sa Sulod premiered out of competition at the 2019 QCinema International Film Festival Asian New Wave section.[3][4] The film was also screened at the 2019 Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival and Mindanao Film Festival.[5]

Accolades

edit
Accolades received by Kaaway sa Sulod
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
QCinema International Film Festival October 13–22, 2019 Best Picture - Asian Next Wave Competition Kaaway sa Sulod Nominated [6]
Pylon Award for Best Actress Dionne Monsanto Nominated

References

edit
  1. ^ Cabana, Ysh (December 20, 2019). "Kaaway sa Sulod: Part thriller, part drama, dark, unnerving". The Philippine Reporter. Archived from the original on December 24, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  2. ^ Hawson, Fred (October 15, 2019). "QCinema review: 'Kaaway sa Sulod' appeals for national unity". Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  3. ^ "PHL grantees and Asian films to compete in revamped QCinema". Business World. October 1, 2019.
  4. ^ Shackleton, Liz (October 7, 2019). "Philippines' QCinema fest launches Asian Next Wave competition". Screen Daily. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  5. ^ "FDCP Champions Regional Cinema Through Partnerships With Film Fests". December 2, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  6. ^ Layug, Margaret Claire (October 19, 2019). "Winners at the 2019 QCinema international film festival". GMA News. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
edit