The Philippines is no stranger when it comes to exploring largely uncharted waters in filmmaking, just like a few brave souls who wanted to do something in a growing movie genre such as “BL.”
For the uninitiated, BL or Boys’ Love, is a genre of fictionalized media that features homoerotic relationships between male characters. Now that the Philippines finally joined this craze, College of Saint Benilde AB Multimedia student Kristian Mark Villaflor decided that, with his passion for filmmaking, to give it a shot and produce his first of many projects meant to celebrate love and the country.
Like its name “Unframed Film Production,” the brand and the people behind it wanted to go beyond what meets the eye.
“For our production outfit, ayokong malimitahan o maitali ‘yung mga gagawin ng Unframed sa iisang (I don’t want what Unframed is going to do to be limited or tied to one) genre or sa iisang (to one) formula.
“There is so much to explore and that’s our ultimate goal – to always serve something fresh to the table.”
In 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Unframed Film’s first official major project came to life – a Boys’ Love series titled Better Days that will be aired through the brand’s official YouTube channel this October 2020.
With acclaimed Cinemalaya director Carlo Obispo at the helm and with YouTube artists Chesther Chua and Benedix Ramos starring, Better Days is about two childhood friends who are teaming up to revive an old restaurant.
Initially, Better Days wasn’t the first project under Unframed Film but a full length film that was supposed to be featured in Cinemalaya titled The Baseball Player.
Starring Cinema One Originals 2019 Best Actor Gold Azeron, the film follows the story of a Moro child soldier who strives to become a baseball player amidst an all-out-war in 2003.
However due to the pandemic, there’s a slight delay on the project.
Doing a project for a barely new genre is a bold move that Unframed Film is willing to take. “Boys Love Genre is something new and I believe there is still a lot to explore.
“I and Direk Carlo, the same director I will be working with in the full length film, had a conversation about creating one of our own. So we decided to produce a feel-good Boys’ Love Series that will also highlight the beauty of our Filipino culture. With this in mind, we would definitely be showcasing more projects that cover this genre.”
Living by the company’s words “think global, act local,” Kristian avers that it’s about time to bring the Philippines’ undeniable charm to the international stage one project at a time.
He asserts, “The Philippines has a lot to celebrate – from its stunning views, sumptuous delicacies, rich and colorful culture, most especially its world-class talents. We have so much to offer, we have a rich culture and a diverse archipelago which we can show to the world. So, with this in consideration, I guess what sets us apart is our drive to highlight the Philippines, its culture, destinations, and its skilled people.”
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