Worthy Cause Showcased at TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival

You're in for a treat this weekend as the TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival goes on full swing. This is organized by Amber Studios as they partnered with organizations like Metro Manila Film Festival, HealthJustice Philippines, Parents Against Vape, Action for Economic Reforms, Social Watch, Philippine Smoke Free Movement and government sectors Philippine Legislators Committee on Pop Dev. The event was done to host young creators to use storytelling as a medium for social change. 

Participating individuals have undergone workshops under industry experts Jacque Manabat, Chiara Zambrano, Tops Brugada and Jobert Moteras. They created short films with themes involving tobacco, nicotine and vape. It's going to be raw, unique, full of emotions, especially from the POV of the youth. The festival will start on December 13. The shorts will be primarily shown digitally (by next year) but there will be screenings in Cebu, Sorsogon, and other provinces.

Ms. Jacque Manabat says "It's hard to quit, but what I've learned is that you can do it for others, for your loved ones. It's about giving them a better future, the best gift for Christmas. I am leveraging TikTok, to make sure the young ones won't get hitched with the small hints they've done in previous years. We organized this but you are the leaders of your generation, and from the looks of it, the young ones have a bright future, a smoke free future."

This will also be shown in other spots in Manila, Quezon City Film Festival screenings on the 11th and 12th. Updates will be posted on Amber Studios FB page, and the main screening will be done at the MMFF Auditorium at MMDA grounds in Pasig City. From what we've seen during the screening, they're absolutely right in telling us how bright the future of new generation of filmmakers are. All they wish for is a smoke free future, why don't we give them that!

RK Rubber Enterprise Corp. Launches 6th CINEGOMA Film Festival

If you're in the look out for indie films, there's a lot being showcased at the CINEGOMA: RK Rubber Film Festival. It's an open film festival hosted by RK Rubber Enterprise Corporation to feature student and non-professional films that tell stories of resiliency, grit, determination and the Filipino spirit. They are also making sure the film makers are going to be featured in several locations across Quezon City.

This is their 6th installment, so far from the initial 6 films independently produced when they started, they now have a little over 50 films shown in several locations. They also have some of the films released in other provinces like Olongapo City prior to this launch in Quezon City. They also did a parade to promote the CINEGOMA Film Festival around Quezon City Circle grounds with a full on band, street dancers, participants and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. 6th installment not only means film, but workshops and several mainstream works that are exhibited for the filmmakers and the public.

Xavier Cortez the CEO of RK Rubber who heads the festival says "I feel pressured because of the introduction but this is the 6th year of the CINEGOMA Film Festival. Thank you to the organizers, to the employees of RK Rubber, the production department of the same corp, the logistics department and operations, to RK Rubbers Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, the RK Rubber Davao and to the media who went here for the opening of CineGoma. You are giving them voice, to those who volunteered and supported CINEGOMA and provided expertise and experience, to help make sure we get to understand how go organize this show and emman dela Cruz. We also have the sales department of Manila who got us huge projects to contribute here. If we are this big and do this every year, there will be more than 40 films that will benefit from it. Folks have never got tired of CINEGOMA because the independent and small filmmakers are being given experience, so they too can tell their stories. Each of you have stories, unique ones that can change the lives of others. Because if we do that, there will be a huge impact on communities, and I hope this 6th CINEGOMA becomes bigger in the next few years as we imagined it to be."

He adds "I feel proud that my once schoolmates are now cheering for a person who wants good things to happen with filmmakers. I get teary eyed, because they're so proud of me too. For all who participated, full length or shorts, congratulations to all of you! I'll do my best to make this better, give more opportunities for filmmakers and this is all for you!"

Here's what happened at QCX that morning:

This year's categories are separated into Student, Commercial, Pro, made with AI and RK which are meant for RK Rubber Enterprise employees only. As mentioned by Sir Xavier, prizes amount from 5,000 pesos to 25,000 pesos depending on the award category. This will run from November 24-29, and the awards will be given at the Quezon City University on the last day. Make sure you watch the films at Sine Pop and exhibitions around Quezon City during this time because after all, it's the City of Stars! (Please check schedule on CINEGOMA social channels).

This is certainly a great way to showcase their talents, and hopefully, the ones who have a lot of promise gets noticed especially the students. They were very eager to showcase their work during the festival launch. Congratulations to RK Rubber Enterprise Corporation for mounting this every year!

Campaign Calls for Responsible G@ming

With the unending thirst for all things exciting, the folks from DigiP|us Interactive and Bing0P|us Foundation just recently launched "Pust@ de Peligro". It's a responsible gaming campaign aimed to promote mindful choices when it comes to this community and entertainment platform. 

The campaign starts with three short films which was previewed to the public today, January 23rd at Gateway Mall Cinemas.

This is coined from the term "Petsa de Peligro" when budget seems low right before salary comes in. This time, it is when there are risks involved and you would want to only do it safe, and not put everything out because it's supposed to be just for fun. 

Eusebio Tanco said "We mark a defining moment for the community, to safeguard joy that g@ming brings. The short films we will see today would shed light where our choices matter most. We partner with mental health and financial experts, to make mindful game decisions. It's just a subset of the financial literacy program that we should have, it's a small piece, you need to safeguard your earnings for your daily needs. The decision to save and spend it. A lot of people use it for consumption, for investment, and how it equates to the savings you make. Without investment, there would be no growth. There should always be returns, everyone should know about it. We owe Pagcor for sharing this vision, a community driven approach of responsible gaming to ensure it remains fun and safe. We hope you put the Pust@ de Peligro message far and wide!"

Putting an entertainment fund is essential, should always bring joy not stress. It should always be through prevention, education, intervention so they could be aware, and do it responsibly. Do pause. Set limits and get the right support from friends and family. This will be included in the app, from controls of daily time limits, and things that could help with it.

Teresita Cambe Castillo, Armand Bengco went on stage and talked about it. This is part of the programs they do nationwide. It's a continuous effort for their financial literacy advocacy.

Ms. Teresita said we are a bit late in executing this because of the huge growth, this is somehow a public health issue too. The campaign should have available self care options, to remind people about something reliable. Problems stem when bills don't get paid, if they isolate, dysfunctional behavior, it is stressful. They are doing a great job in doing this."

Sir Armand says "Public and private efforts would cover a broader market. All stakeholders including the company should be in sync because we want to protect players in elements that go with it. This is a reality, and we hope instead of just playing, present a big picture on what would happen. It is entertainment, not a way to manage your finances, one of the things you do that is regulated. This is not an investment, whether you win or not, it should only be for qualified adults."

Ms. Celeste Jovenir and Ms. Angela Winickie added how they are doing this for the first time and how excited they are about how this will now be out in the public. Hope this will resonate not just for their users, but also for the environment they have, to hopefully be less toxic and exist for the long haul. They also said responsible gaming is everyone's responsibility. They want to educate and protect, to multiply the good. This will be shown in YouTube and their social platforms, including mass advertising. Even before they have invested inside the platform, the next step is to empower them while they are doing it on the KYC and a dedicated tab.

The short films were really fun to watch! You should definitely watch it on their channels.

Meet the New Generation of Stars at "Sugat Sa Dugo" Film

It was a little over 3pm when we got to the Bambbi Fuentes Hair and Make Up Salon in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. We got there to get to know a few people behind the film "Sugat sa Dugo" (with international title Wounded Blood) that won the Best Actress Award for Ms. Janice De Belen at the International Film Festival Manhattan 2021. 

These new breed of lads and lasses are under famed Make Up Artist Bambbi Fuentes and Businesswoman Tine Areola's very own Dragon Artists Management Group. They've scoured the nation and auditioned a lot of talents to choose who to take in, and from what I've seen, they all look promising.

The Dragon Ladies

Meet Christa Jocson, Emcel K Abuso, Shira Tweg, Mira Aquino and Mosh Gerodias also known as Filipino Pop group Gandaras

Albeit new to movies, these ladies have been doing shows, pageants, showcasing their talent in different Emcel K Abuso is more of a jack of all trades and often join beauty pageants in different provinces around the country. Mira Aquino on the other hand is a very spirited singer and composer. She got us a bit stunned when she suddenly sang the soundtrack for the movie. I've observed Shira Tweg to be a little shy, but perky. She also sings and dances, I guess the requirement for them is being a triple threat. Christa Jocson has done several shows on TV, but takes this experience of doing the movie a bit educating. After all, they are learning the ropes of the business by playing different roles. Mosh Gerodias was a ball of energy, saying her role in the movie is pretty close to home.. as she likes being the life of the party. Here's our interview with them a few days ago.

The Dragon Boys

Meet good lookin guys Leonne Adriano, Khai Flores and RJ Ariar.

There's no shortage of talent with the boys from Dragon Artists Management. Leonne Adriano might be young but he's done several indie films already following the footsteps of his Grandmother, the legendary Rosanna Roces. Khai Flores on the other hand comes fresh from his stint in Kadenang Ginto and a few movies in the pipeline. The guy has good looks, very confident, and quite smart. He also plays Janice De Belen's son in "Sugat Sa Dugo". RJ Ariar on the other hand has found a new home with Dragon Artists Management. He used to be in a boy group but felt he needed to spread his wings elsewhere. He ultimately wanted growth and with the several projects he's gotten under Ms. Bambbi and Ms. Tine, he's learning more especially with the movie they made. These guys are barely scratching the surface of what they are capable of and their management knows that. Here's our conversation with them about the movie.

Seeing fresh new faces, possibly the artists that would eventually become the big stars of the future made us feel a little assured that there's a huge source of talent in the country that will continue to grow. I hope you were able to get to know these guys and gals during the small conversations we had about the movie. "Sugat Sa Dugo" will be shown in the Philippines soon. The acclaimed short film has been made into a full length one and they're raring to show this to the general public. The goal is, to let you know about the cause they discussed in the film as it's about HIV, family, and love. Here's hoping they get to follow through with making it as touching as the first so Filipinos could learn more about why they made this film. For those who don't know, this is written by Bambbi Fuentes (based on a friends account), Produced by her and Ms. Tine Areola under Dragon Entertainment Productions.

Of Card Sharks, Betrayal and Feisty Women: Director Phil Giordano for VIVAMAX's "PUSOY"

I've had the pleasure of meeting Writer-Director Phil Giordano during the screening of Brillante Mendoza's masterpiece "Palitan" during the first week of December 2021. He's originally from Staten Island in New York, got his masters from NYU Tisch School of the Arts Asia. He's pretty accomplished and has received a Grand Jury Prize at the New York Screenplay Contest for his short entitled "Supot". 

 

He's no stranger to how we do films in the Philippines as I'm under the impression he's been working with Brillante Mendoza's production for a number of years. His handy work "Supot" that got around 10 accolades in Busan International Film Festival and several other award giving bodies - and have been shown in different countries as well. He's done several commercials and campaigns with well known brands like KFC, Porsche, Johnson & Johnson, Universal Music and others. Recently, they released a new movie which he made for the VIVAMAX platform called "PUSOY". This was something he already had written but made it extra spicy since it's likely to follow the theme of movies seen on the app. 

As the title suggests, this is about a group of card hustlers lead by Baron Geisler's character Rodolfo. Their lives got complicated when they got caught in one of their cheating sprees and murdered a son of a politician played by Greg Hawkins (of Kuya Escort fame). Rodolfo got in a rut and had to seek help of a General which then forced him to go even deeper into debt... and the dark world of wagers, dirty money, women and vices.  The film stars Janelle Tee who plays the role of Xandra. She's Rodolfo’s mistress with the same set of skills, providing the venue for love, trust and betrayal in different acts. Also in PUSOY are Vince Rillon, Angeli Khang, Felix Roco, Jela Cuenca, Julio Diaz, Raqel Monteza, Kiko Matos and Jacq Yu. This is pretty much an ensemble of new and experienced actors which we asked Director Phil Giordano about, let's listen in:

 

It's remarkable to see that we have the talented Director Phil Giordano making strides in the movie industry in the Philippines. I like his capacity to adapt, to make his films follow his style, which I deem stem from his hunger to create things and write at an early age. After seeing films done in the US, he knew he could do an even better job and got inspired with the great film makers. He's also planning to have a shorter version of this out for international film festivals, so this is just the start. Exciting times no?!

PUSOY by the way can be seen worldwide on VIVAMAX (this is produced by Brillante Mendoza), you can visit VIVAmax.net for more information about the movie and other titles in their library. Get in tourch with Phil on his social channels FB: https://www.facebook.com/PhilipJGiordano/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/philip_giordano.director if you want to see more of his work.

MEGA Sardines Presents FIRST DAY

I am impressed, it looks like MEGA Sardines is at it again. 

 With the success of their first two viral videos called “Adulting” and “Tipidity”, they recently came out with another short film called "First Day", a play on one of the most pivotal moments in your life, your first job. Do you still remember that day? 

 Director Chris Cahilig puts in a little dash of romance as character Joseph played by Jindric Macapagal tries to make it big in Metro Manila. He then finds himself smitten over coffee breaks, lunch outs, with an angelic ward as he enjoys every moment with comfort food so close to Filipinos, over a can or two of what could cause #MegaGandaAngBuhay to happen.

This short film was made through the efforts of Tiu Lim Foundation (executive producer), Rommel Sales (cinematography), Yuji Gonzales (screenplay), Jegs Morales (offline editor), Kenneth Amparo (online editor), Melai Entuna (line producer), Clark Lopez (assistant director), Kat Salinas (sound design), Richard Gonzales (scoring), Det Moldera (accounts manager), Yani Bautista (production manager) and Johanna Evangelista (production coordinator). 

 If you would like to see “First Day”, it can now be viewed at MEGA’s official Facebook page facebook.com/officialmegasardines and their YouTube channel (just search Mega Global). Currently, “Tipidity” and “Adulting” has almost 3 million views on YouTube. You may also watch these short films through MEGA Sardines’ official FB page too. 

Thanks to Mega Global Corporation for doing this. As you may well know, they are also the manufacturer of MEGA Sardines, one of the country's freshest sardines packed 12 hours from catching to canning. You can get it in easy open cans and pouch forms. I love their Spicy version personally for breakfast. 

 Now go watch it. You'll love how the story would turn out.

KUMAGCOW

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MEGA Sardines Does Touching #MegaGandaAngBuhay Shorts

Award winning Director and PR Maven Chris Cahilig just came out with a new short film called “Tipidity” for household brand Mega Sardines as they introduce #MegaGandaAngBuhay. They are probably going to do a few but I like this slice of life pov, it reminds us how we all take effort to have a hearty meal even in a very quaint simple setting. I bet most of you probably have a can of sardines in your pantry, it’s also probably one of the basics you often get at the grocery counter. Even at that price point, it gives you comfort, a trait that spanned generations and I also bet, you still do it now.

“Tipidity” talks about a husband and wife, newlyweds who go through hardships of life, their economic status, showcases the resilience of the Filipino family. Headlined by indie actors Karl Medina and Kia Del Rosario who in this film, albeit industrious in their careers - suddenly are met with financial griefs. It tried and tested their marriage in so many ways, but in the end, will they still be together? Will they weather through these problems? Or suffer the fate of tons of relationships, who fail unfortunately?

They knew they had to tighten their belt, they knew they had to make sacrifices, which a lot of people would be able to relate, more so now with the high inflation rates.

We don’t want to be political, so make sure you see this Tipidity installment on Mega Sardines Facebook page and assets, you’ll also love the next ones, so stay tuned!

There will be more stories soon!

KUMAGCOW

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McJim Shorts Score Nominations Worldwide

McJim has always been my go to brand for belts, bags and leather accessories. In the recent years, they’ve been able to touch base with campaigns that have elevated Filipino products that are worthy to be called world class. Have you seen their shoot in Montreal Canada? If I didn’t know that happened I’d gladly mistake their ware from another country, so it really makes me proud to see how successful they have become in the leather business showcasing things that are manufactured, designed and created all in the Philippines - but for a global audience. 

Aside from that, they have also released heartwarming videos depicting the Filipino persona , how we live - and how ordinary people like you and me in so many ways use their products, not hardsell. I personally like that about them and with these videos, it’s like a slice of life. It in turn becomes honest, relatable, so even if it is showcased on the web initially, it still was able to get the nod of a total of 22 prestigious film festivals in countries like the US, the UK, Italy, France, Australia, Mexico, Venezuela and others. It’s a record breaking feat for any brand based in the Philippines. 

Director Chris Cahilig notes that his short films “Pitaka” (The Wallet), “Sinturon” (Belt) and “Bag” can now be considered are at par with the world’s best branded commercially produced films. He says “McJim has always been inclined to adhere with their simple philosophy of style, quality and elegance. McJim is always committed to showcase not just the world class leather goods but also same world class films.”

True enough the short film “Pitaka” has already participated in international film festivals like San Mauro Torinese International Film Festival 2018, Cefalu Film Festival in Palermo (in Italy), the Diwa Filipino Film Showcase of Seattle 2018, Culture of Life Film Festival 2018 in Memphis, 2019 Dramatic Shorts Film Festival in Denver, Colorado and Los Angeles CineFest 2019 all in the US. It talks about fraternal love, how one cares for a younger brother portrayed by Karl Medina and boyband 1:43’s Art Artienda. 

It was then followed by another short film called “Sinturon” (The Belt) which was showcased in Nebrody Film Fest and Corti A Sud-Polla In Corto (bothe in Italy). It was also invited to participate at the Love Shorts Film Festival 2019 in the US. This piece was done with veteran independent actors Kiko Matos and maven of indie films Ms. Mercedes Cabral. This talks about marital infidelity which is a no-no in a very conservative Philippine society.

Their latest one “Bag” on the other hand just got in to 12 official selections for the brand in different international film festivals. This is LGBT themed, inclusive, even as McJim may have identify as a male brand, they are inclusive and it reminds us about having a more progressive society rather than applied tolerance. Certainly groundbreaking.

If you would want to watch these short films, they are still up on their page Facebook.com/OfficialMcJim. 

Please continue to do the country proud!

KUMAGCOW

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Star Magic's Lights, Camera, Magic!

This is a good day for amateur storytellers and digital content creators as Star Magic launches Lights Camera Magic! This is a first of it's kind video making contest catered to new up and coming film makers from around the world. All they need to do is submit an entry with a 2-3 minute video showcasing their unique and strong stories. This is part of Star Magic's and ABSCBN'S efforts to expand their presence online which they see as important in this day and age.

Nash Aguas says "Just be unique and don't forget that it is a venue to express yourselves."

Khalil Ramos says " I was inspired to work behind the cam a couple years ago with some of my peers. I now have a production outfit and do content, doing challenging and brave projects, anyone can do this if they put their mind to it.”

Renee Dominique says "I am a huge fan of film making, but I am looking for a material that is substantial and current. My brand is aesthetics, like a moving instagram video."

Ketchup Eusebio says "I have small projects that involve production. I am a movie fan, I involve myself with storytelling, they have a short period of time to tell a story and that is the challenge."

So if you want to win P50,000 in cash, just go and submit your 15-minute short video and be mentored by one of the three young directors. You will also have Star Magic artists headlining your movies so submit your entries starting July 29 until August 25. The 20 finalists would be announced after the voting period which is from September 7 to September 19, 2018. It’s so close I could almost smell it!

If you want to know more about Lights, Camera, Magic please visit their official website lightscameramagic.ph or follow Star Magic’s social media channels, it’s all there!

KUMAGCOW

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Short+Sweet Film Festival Manila Extends Deadline

Good news come in huge packages, but this one is Short+Sweet. Imagine your own short film which you initially plan to show for a couple of people in the Philippines suddenly had the chance to be showcased in an international competition in Hollywood, sounds crazy? No.

This is Short+Sweet Film Festival, once an Australian theatrical initiative that has now grown into doing theatre, dance (even cabaret, comedy, burlseque), music and film all in the span of 10 minutes. They’ve got the calendar filled with activities for the arts, and recently called for entries which they (heaven willing) could get to represent the country in the Short+Sweet international competition in Hollywood.

This is in cooperation with their partners RAYA, Pineapple Lab, The Lee Strasberg Theatre abd Film Institute, Casting Networks International and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines. The deadline for entries initially was only until July 26, but they decided to extend it now until August 15, 2018. This means you’ve got a few more days to get your 5-10 minute masterpiece in the contest so they could start butting heads in heats to be viewed and shown at Pineapple Lab in Makati City. We were informed that they’d be choosing two finalists as entry to big one in the US, to ultimately be seen by thousands of people out there, win a few prizes too in the process.

The First Wave Heats have already been chosen and if you want to see those who have joined and successfuly achieved the nods of screeners and judges, take a ride down midgard south in Pineapple Lab Makati, here’s the one showing on August 5!

They will be showing more entries in the consecutive weeks after this so if you haven’t submitted your entries yet, you better do in this once in a year opportunity.

We talked to the main man himself, Mark Cleary who told us of the opportunity of the films to also be shown elsewhere in the world. He also took a bit explaining what Short+Sweet is all about. Awards are also given to Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and People’s Choice. Here’s a short talk we had last week.

Then we also got to ask Festival Director Howard Yambao about how they go about getting people to also join especially the new up and coming creators. We asked who can join this year.

If you wish to do this, do it without hesitations. Log on to upload your entries via https://filmfreeway.com/ShortSweetFilmFestivalManila and also get your tickets on the same site. They also have their contact details listed there if you have further questions. No limits on genre, just the length of the film. Make it Short+Sweet!

Hurry!

KUMAGCOW

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TOFARM Announces Festival Director, New Category

TOFARM Film Festival 2018 has just announced their new festival director that will not replace former Maryo J Delos Reyes but rather continue his legacy in this one of a kind film festival that aims to uplift the plight of farmers. They have already proven the caliber of their work as it has won festivals left and right, both local and international just this past year. They have harvested a lot as TOFARM and people behind their films create Filipino film masterpieces and showcase these to stakeholders, everyone who would take interest in their plight and how they would tell the stories in these medium. Their theme this year is Tribute to Life: Parating Na which connotes a better life and expecting a great return for the hardships they’ve been through specifically for the agriculture and farming industry. They will also introduce a new category for short films so they can get up and coming, non professional film makers to take up the challenge and create stories with the theme “Slice of Life”.

Philanthropist and EVP of Universal Harvester Inc. Dr. Milagros How says “It’s so nice to see you and share with you what TOFARM Film Festival has this 2018. In the untimely passing of Maryo J, many of you were asking what would happen to this festival, well we will continue with our new advisers and consultants. We have Bibeth Orteza, our consultant Laurice Guillen who unfortunately couldn’t be here right now and Direk Joey Romero, so TOFARM is definitely alive. We can only expect the best. The TOFARM Film Festival Director, Direk Bibeth Orteza, our Managing Director Joey Romero. Cheers to farmers all over the Philippines and cheers to the Filipino Film industry!”

Bibeth says “I am here because I am a grand daughter of a farmer, the films of my childhood, titles that have been familiar for me. I saw Direk Maryo last Christmas and he told me I should be here. This opportunity and privilege to serve the farmers is just a good thing. The roi will be 50/50 between TOFARM and the filmmaker. The shortfilm competition will be for entries 1-10minutes long.”

Sir Joey Romero says “Our achievement dinner was a few weeks before Maryo J passed away. We talked about how Ms How was so passionate about this film festival - and now I am part of it.”

Ms Bibeth also adds “The deadline will be April 20, 2018 and will be sent to the TOFARM Secretariat. 7 finalists will be announced on May 23, 2018. Each will be given Php 1,500,000 which will be given in three tranches (Php 500,000) then the director can solicit funds to augment costs for the film. It must be about a Farmer, livestock raiser, fisher folk, or anything related to agriculture. We are also going to have a TOFARM Short Film Competition.”

Joey Romero also explained the short film category and says “The short film competition, will have 7 finalists. It will be shot entirely on a cellphone, the period of submission will be the same, professionals cannot join. It will be announced on September 12-18. They can have a maximum of 2 entries but only one will be a finalist. You can win Php 50,000 and a high end mobile phone as grant if you get chosen.”

For all interested parties, please visit their website www.tofarm.org and download the competition forms, fill it up and follow the instructions. My friends and I are going to try our luck in the short film category, because WHY NOT? We could get the chance to win too. They also plan to distribute and showcase their films to schools and special screenings nationwide, so stay tuned!

KUMAGCOW

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