Although actress Mara Lopez is temporarily based in the US, she recently flew to Rome, Italy to attend the theatrical screening of her film “Ang Hupa,” a new masterpiece of internationally acclaimed Filipino director Lav Diaz.
In her social media posts, Mara announced her excitement over her presence in the historic showing of the film at the I Ragazza del Cinema America in Rome.
“’Ang Hupa’ premiered in Rome! Had a blast exploring Rome, reuniting with old friends & making new ones!” noted Lopez, the only daughter of actress and beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez.
Mara met up with Lav and actress Hazel Orencio at the theater. “We presented ‘Ang Hupa (The Halt)’ after three years. Lovely to meet Mara again next to the pasta, gelato and all the red wine we've consumed!” said Hazel, one of the major stars of the film.
Orencio added that the COVID-19 pandemic was the culprit in the world presentation of the film. “The COVID stopped this film from making its rounds from its premiere at Quinzaine des Realisateurs but now we can say, we're back physically!” exclaimed Hazel.
I Ragazzi del Cinema America flaunted its plugs about Diaz and his screen work even before the scheduled showing of the film. “The director who has become over the years a symbol of a new and visionary cinematography,” it said in its statement.
Lav, Hazel and Mara met the audience of Cervelletta for the film which has finally arrived on the big screen. The meeting was moderated by TV author and producer Donatello Fumarola.
“Dystopian and science fiction work, ‘The Halt’ recounts Southeast Asia in the year 2034 threatened by a decadent dictatorship and forced into a perennial night due to powerful volcanic eruptions,” said the notes about the film.
According to the press release of the cinema, Diaz, considered one of the most innovative contemporary directors, investigates through the film the human condition through his intimate and raw style, and is famous for the length of his films gifting us works of epic scale.
The movie was screened in its original version with Italian subtitles. Admission was free and no reservation was required.