About Us But Not About Us Explained

About Us But Not About Us
Director:Jun Robles Lana
Producer:
  • Jun Robles Lana
  • Perci Intalan
  • Ferdy Lapuz
  • Elmer Gatchalian
  • Josabeth V. Alonso
Cinematography:Neil Daza
Editing:Lawrence S. Ang
Music:Teresa Barrozo
Country:Philippines
Language:English
Filipino

About Us But Not About Us is a 2022 Philippine psychological drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Jun Robles Lana. The film stars Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas.[1]

The film was first released in Estonia on November 23, 2022, as one of the official entries for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it won the Best Film award.[1] It also received a Philippine premiere on April 8, 2023, as one of the entries for the 1st Summer Metro Manila Summer Film Festival, where it won 10 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

Premise

Eric (Romnick Sarmenta) and his student, Lancelot (Elijah Canlas) converse with each other over a meal at a restaurant unveiling secrets.[2]

Cast

Production

About Us But Not About Us was produced under The IdeaFirst Company, Octoberian Films, and Quantum Films under the direction of Jun Lana.[5] Perci Intalan, Lana's ex-partner was the producer. Lana described the film as a "personal" project which he created during a "period of depression". Characterizing the film as "part fiction and part confessional", Lana disclosed writing for three straight days for the story of the film, drawing inspiration from his childhood trauma.[6]

The film's story is "conversational" featuring just two seated characters talking to each other in a single setting. A significant part of the story was in English.[3] About Us But Not About Us took five days to shoot, with a script reading taking place a day prior.[2]

It was shot entirely on location at the "L'Opera Ristorante" Italian Restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Makati, Manila.

Release

The film premiered in Estonia at the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2022.[7] [1] It screened in cinemas in the Philippines as one of the eight official entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival which began on April 8, 2023.[5]

Reception

Critical response

About Us But Not About Us was recognized as the Best Film in the Critics' Pick competition of the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.[1] Film critic Niki Nikitin, as an attendee of the Estonian film festival, praised the film as "masterfully orchestrated" despite having a small budget.[6] Indonesian film critic Bavner Donaldo praised this film for its stunning acting performances with an unexpected conclusion.[8]

Accolades

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)Result
2023 Metro Manila Summer Film FestivalApril 11, 2023Best Picture About Us But Not About Us[9]
Best DirectorJun Lana
Best ActorRomnick Sarmenta
Best ScreenplayJun Lana
Best Production DesignAbout Us But Not About Us
Best CinematographyNeil Daza
Best Editing Lawrence Ang
Best SoundAbout Us But Not About Us
Best Musical ScoreAbout Us But Not About Us
Best FloatAbout Us But Not About Us
Special Jury PrizeElijah Canlas
2024 Gawad Urian AwardJune 8, 2024Gawad Urian for Best PictureAbout Us But Not About Us[10]
Gawad Urian for Best DirectorJun Lana
Gawad Urian for Best ScreenplayJun Lana
Gawad Urian for Best ActorRomnick Sarmenta
Gawad Urian for Best EditingLawrence Ang
Gawad Urian for Best SoundArmand De Guzman
7th EddysJuly 7, 2024Best PictureAbout Us But Not About Us[11]
Best DirectorJun Lana
Best ActorRomnick Sarmenta
Best ScreenplayJun Lana
Best EditingLawrence Ang

Notes and References

  1. News: 'About Us But Not About Us' wins Best Film in Tallinn . 1 April 2023 . ABS-CBN News . 29 November 2022.
  2. News: Cruz . Marinel . Elijah Canlas takes steps to fulfill Hollywood dream . 1 April 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 1 April 2023 . en.
  3. News: Why Romnick Sarmenta accepted gay role in 'About Us But Not About Us' . 1 April 2023 . Leah C. . Salterio . ABS-CBN News . 16 March 2023.
  4. News: Bautista . Mario . Elijah plays one of his hardest roles - Journal News . 1 April 2023 . Journal Online . 19 March 2023.
  5. News: Eight official entries of 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival . Robert . Requinitina . 1 April 2023 . Manila Bulletin . 25 February 2023 . en.
  6. News: Gabinete . Jojo . Jun Lana isiniwalat ang "dark past" sa About Us But Not About Us movie . Jun Lana revealed "dark past" in About Us But Not About Us movie. 1 April 2023 . PEP.ph . Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. . 5 November 2022 . en, fil.
  7. News: 'About Us But Not About Us' to premiere in Tallinn film fest . 1 April 2023 . ABS-CBN News . 28 November 2022.
  8. Web site: Donaldo . Bavner . 2023-10-23 . Review Film #753 - About Us But Not About Us (2022) • Cinejour . 2024-03-05 . cinejour.com . id.
  9. Web site: April 11, 2023 . FULL LIST: Winners, Summer MMFF 2023 Gabi ng Parangal . September 25, 2023 . Rappler.
  10. Web site: Veronique Yap . Jade . Here is the complete list of winners . . June 8, 2024 . June 9, 2024.
  11. News: Fariñas . Ian . SPEEd announces nominees for 7th EDDYS . Journal News . June 14, 2024 . June 14, 2024.