Pakil, Laguna has a new pride to offer not only to the town, province, to the region, to the country but to the world as well.
The translation of the mysterious and amazing occurrences in Pakil is captured in the film “Paquil” which has won the topmost prize at the recently concluded Five Continents International Film Festival.
“Paquil (The Miracle)” directed by Lemuel Lorca has been awarded Best Fantasy feature at the FCIFF, an online as well as in-person film festival.
According to the post of Paquil Movie, the “…recognition celebrates the film’s powerful storytelling and extraordinary vision, capturing the essence of faith, mystery and resilience. A proud moment for the Philippines!”
The movie’s blurb says it all: “Some films try to tug at your heartstrings, but Paquil will have you crying rivers—not because it’s sad, but because it feels like your story. You’ll see yourself in the characters, fall in love with them, cheer for their triumphs, and ache for their struggles. From start to finish, they’ll capture your heart.”
According to Archie DM, the screenwriter, “Paquil” was inspired by a dear friend who, after living in Manila for 20 years, made the life-changing decision to return to the hometown he barely knew. Reuniting with family and friends who had long moved on, he found himself rediscovering connections he thought were lost forever. In the process, he met someone who taught him the true meaning of love—a love rooted in faith and devotion. But sometimes, life is painfully unkind. Time wasn’t on their side, and what could have been was tragically out of reach.
“The characters of Paquil have lived in my creative head for over 30 years, quietly waiting for their moment to come to life. I pitched this story countless times, and while its heart and grandeur were undeniable, no producer or filmmaker believed it was marketable—or even filmable,” expounded Archie.
“Paquil” is a collaboration of Lemuel, Archie and the courageous producers, who are from Pakil and described by DM as passionate.
The creatives and the investors are called game-changers in this industry where cutthroat competition is prevalent.
They are steadfast artisans so saw what others couldn’t. Together, they breathed life into the art project. “The script took shape in a single inspired draft, refined through months of rewrites, until it was ready. By December and January of 2024, the cameras finally rolled,” added Archie.
Literary traditions and filmic influences aren’t strange in the movie.
Admittedly, “Paquil” was inspired by great cinematic works such as Agnes Carda’s “Cleo from 5 to 7,” a French movie in 1962 that explored poignantly on time and existential reflection and Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Milagros,” a Filipino film done in 1997 that delves into faith, identity and redemption. “Their essence echoes through ‘Paquil,’ honoring their legacy while forging a path of its own,” exclaimed Archie.
Another blurb of the film worth mentioning: “More than just a romantic dramedy, Paquil takes love to a deeper level. It’s a story of second chances, the pain of missed opportunities, and discovering what truly matters. When the actors read the script, they didn’t just understand the story—they fell in love with it. They embraced the characters with such intensity that you’ll feel it in every scene.”
And another one: “This isn’t just a film; it’s a dream that finally found its way to the screen—a poignant tale that will resonate deeply in your heart.”
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