Setting a film in the backdrop of a historical event always has the potential for a good story. That goes even if no real-life persons are depicted in the screenplay; in fact, it might work even better. The independent film “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” from Cinematographica and Quantum Films, and director Carlo Francisco Manatad, chronicles the trials and tribulations of a mother and son (Charo Santos and Daniel Padilla) trying to survive in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, or known in the Philippines as Super-typhoon Yolanda. It has been lined up to premiere in North America at the Toronto International Film Festival this year.

According to Inquirer.net, Quantum Films and Cinematographica’s “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” (“Whether the Weather is Fine”) is an entry to the upcoming 2021 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The news was announced on the movie’s official Twitter page this past Wednesday, July 28. The tweet even showcased the official “Kun Maupay” movie poster, with abstract imagery created by Justin Besana. How else to explain Charo Santos’ character standing torso-deep in Yolanda floodwaters while a mini-storm cloud shoots lightning down on her? Then there is Daniel Padilla behind her, standing on a large chicken, while a giant face looms in the background like an island.

“We’re thrilled to announce that ‘Kun Maupay Man it Panahon’ (Whether The Weather Is Fine) is heading to Toronto International Film Festival for its North American premiere,” read the post on @theweatherfilm Twitter account. The TIFF Twitter page expounds on this further, in that its screening during the film festival will be its official North American premiere. The July 28 tweet also has a short summary, about the characters trying to survive the onslaught of Yolanda and wondering whether to evacuate to Manila or not.

“Kun Maupay” will be screen on the 2021 TIFF as part of the Contemporary World Cinema entries, 20 movies from around the world including this one. Produced back in 2019, it is only in 2021 that it seems fit to be shown. The lead stars Charo Santos and Daniel Padilla, both Kapamilya talents, were said to have bonded during filming, with Santos calling Padilla “one of a kind” after production wrapped back in February 2020. Aside from the Toronto Film Fest, which will run Setember 9-18, “Kun Maupay” is also slated to be screened at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, running on August 4-14.

Image from @theweatherfilm Twitter page

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