Island Dreams (film) explained

Island Dreams
Director:
Screenplay:Kenneth Au
Starring:
Cinematography:Carlo Mendoza
Editing:Ryan Allen V. Diaz
Country:Philippines
Studio:Kenau Pictures
Runtime:88 minutes

Island Dreams is a 2013 Filipino romantic comedy film directed by Gino M. Santos and Aloy Adlawan, written by Adlawan, and starring Louise delos Reyes and Alexis Petitprez. It was an official selection in the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival under the New Wave Category[1] and won the Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award.[2]

Plot

An unaccredited tour guide and a heartbroken tourist form a romantic bond as they explore the wilds of Philippine Islands.

Cast

Production

Producer Kenneth Au wrote the original screenplay, but it was deemed too ambitious. He hired director Adlawan to revise the storyline to fit a more modest budget. However, the theme of the struggle between the head and the heart was kept. Au stated that the title has a double meaning: 'ISLAND' presents the more than 7,000 islands of the Philippines and the character Zach, played by Alexis Petitprez heading to the island for personal reasons; 'DREAMS' represents Julie's ambition to become famous and that we all have dreams.[3]

Adlawan invited Santos to collaborate on Island Dreams. Santos, who had always wanted to make a romantic comedy, agreed and set out to make a film that would be "up to international standards".[4]

Reception

Rito P. Asilo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer wrote, "The film is so adorable that it's easy to disregard its implausibilities [...] Moreover, Island Dreams will win you over with its infectious optimism and charming whimsy, anchored on the vibrant chemistry of Delos Reyes and Petitprez. For hopeless romantics, this is the movie to see!".[5]

Notes and References

  1. News: MMFF 2013 guide: 5 indie films in New Wave. Dumaual. Miguel. ABS-CBN Corporation. December 18, 2013. October 6, 2014.
  2. Web site: Winners: 39th Metro Manila Film Festival. https://web.archive.org/web/20131228223847/http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/46763-winners-39th-metro-manila-film-festival-mmff. . Rappler. December 27, 2013. December 28, 2013. October 6, 2014.
  3. Web site: About Island Dreams. islanddreamsthemovie.com. May 9, 2014.
  4. Web site: Gino M. Santos: Guns and Horses. Fernandez. Denise. StatusMagazineOnline.com. July 15, 2013. April 28, 2014.
  5. News: MMFF indies offer potpourri of cinematic styles and treats. Asilo. Rito P.. Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 20, 2013. April 28, 2014.