IN JUNE, streaming service Netflix introduced five Filipino films to its slate including critically acclaimed films such as 2016’s Pamilya Ordinaryo (Ordinary People) and Untrue (2019). This August the service is adding 15 more films to its content library, mostly romantic films such as Love the Way U Lie and Write About Love.

“We are happy that our local distribution companies are continuously engaging with these international companies to expand their audience. With the world’s inevitable shift to digital platforms now even more expedited because of the pandemic, the local industry is adapting to the change,” Mary Liza B. Diño, chairman and president of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), said in a Facebook post on July 31.

The films added to the platform’s content library were from Viva Communications, Regal Films, TBA Studios, The IdeaFirst Company, and CleverMinds. Some of the 15 films will be available to stream from Aug. 6 to Sept. 25 though several still have no set release dates.

“It is an honor having our film be included as a Netflix Original and be shown across Asia. It is a huge opportunity not just for me but also for every Filipino filmmaker to continue creating quality films that can be shown to the world and that every Filipino can be proud of,” RC delos Reyes, the director of Love the Way U Lie, said in a Netflix statement.

Below are the films that will be dropping in the service alongside their release schedules (if available):

• Once Before (Hindi Tayo Pwede) is a 2020 film by Joel Lamangan. The film, starring Marco Gumabao, Tony Labrusca, and Lovi Poe, is a romantic drama about two people falling in love while a friend is seeking a more than a platonic relationship. The film will be released on Aug. 4.

• Time & Again (2019) by Jose Javier Reyes. Another romantic film, Time and Again is about a barista by day and writer by night who gains the power to turn back time and try to win the love of a law student. The film stars Wynwyn Marquez, Enzo Pineda, and Adrienne Vergara. The film will be released on Aug. 6.

• Stranded (2019) by Ice Idanan is a romantic comedy about a woman who finds herself stuck inside her office building in the midst of a typhoon with a stranger. The film stars Jessy Mendiola and Arjo Atayde and will be released on Aug. 6.

• How She Left Me (Kung Paano Siya Nawala) is a 2018 romantic drama film by Joel Ruiz starring JM de Guzman and Rhian Ramos. It tells the story of a man with face blindness who meets a beautiful free spirit who changes his life. The film is set to be released on Aug. 13.

• Finding You (2019) by Easy Ferrer is a romantic drama starring Jerome Ponce, Jane Oineza, and Barbie Imperial. The film is about a young man with an extraordinary memory who discovers he can’t recall a past heartbreak thus he revisits his exes searching for the mystery woman. The film will be released on Aug. 13.

• Love the Way U Lie (2020) is a romantic film about a spunky psychic who tries to help the deceased woman move on. The film stars Alex Gonzaga and Xian Lim and is scheduled to be released on Aug. 20.

• Us Again (2020) by Joy Aquino is a romantic drama about former lovers who cross paths after years, raising the question of second chances. The film stars Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing. The film is scheduled for release on Aug. 20.

• Us, At The End Of The Year (Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon), a 2019 film by Nestor Abrogena, Jr., is another romantic drama starring Nicco Manalo, Emmanuelle Vera, Anna Luna, and Alex Vincent Medina. The film is about two former lovers who meet again and rekindle past feelings. The film is to be released on Aug. 27.

• D’Ninang (2020) by G.B. Sampedro is the only comedy in the slate. It stars Ai-Ai de las Alas, Kisses Delavin, and McCoy De Leon. The film is about a criminal gang matriarch who is reunited with her estranged daughter who is a firm believer in the law and doing right. The film is to be released on Aug. 27.

• Gasping For Air (2016) by Carlo Obispo is a drama about a man who sets out to find his sister with whom he lost contact after she left to pursue a career as a singer in the city. The film stars Carlos Dala, Barbara Miguel, Therese Malvar, and JC Santos. The film will be released on Sept. 3.

• Write About Love (2019) by Crisanto Aquino is a romantic drama about a young writer who has to collaborate with a seasoned writer in re-working her screenplay and finds love in the process. The film stars Miles Ocampo, Rocco Nacino, Yeng Constantino, and Joem Bascon. It will be released on Sept. 25.

• Sleepless (2015) by Prime Cruz is a romantic drama starring Glaiza de Castro, Dominic Roco, and TJ Trinidad about two people who can’t sleep and try to fight the loneliness that keeps them awake, together. No release date has been announced.

• Waiting for Sunset (Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon) is a 2018 film by Carlo Enciso Catu starring Dante Rivero, Menggie Cobarrubias, and Perla Bautista. The film is a drama about an old unmarried couple whose lives are shaken after the woman’s estranged husband appears seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. No release date has been announced.

• Distance (2018) by Perci Intalan, starring Iza Calzado, Therese Malvar, and Nonie Buencamino, is a drama about a woman who is grieving the loss of the love of her life and then receives an unexpected visit from someone from her past. No release date has been announced.

• The Vow (Tuos) (2016) by Roderick Cabrido is a fantasy drama starring Elora Españo, Barbie Forteza, and Nora Aunor. The film is about the last binukot (kept maiden) who keeps an age-old tradition alive. She must choose between her granddaughter’s life and the belief that kept her in solitary confinement. No release date has been announced. — Zsarlene B. Chua

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR