Kapampangans lined up to see the rated R-18 (restricted to 18 years old and above) movie but still were shocked by its gutter language, frontal nudity and steaming sex scenes.
However, an appreciative audience gave a resounding applause at the end of the movie.
Written by Ferdinand Lapuz and screenplay by Robby Tantingco, Area’s story line depicts the real-life situation of prostitutes in a place popularly known by male customers as “Area” in Barangays Sta. Teresita and Pampang here which has earned notoriety for its open practice of engaging in sexual intercourse in exchange of payment or prostitution that is openly practiced as if it’s a part of everyday life.
Directed by Louie Ignacio, the movie is played with the religious undertones of the sacredness of Holy Thursday and Good Friday in the background while the sinful practice of prostitution is openly played out as a matter of course which makes it oxymoronic.
Top billed by talented actress Ai-ai Delas Alas and stars Kapampangan actor Allen Dizon as well as a host of local Kapampangan actors and actresses led by Kapampangan poet laureates Eufrocinia Pena and Francisco Guinto as well as the versatile Cecille Yumul, the movie has won the Special Jury Prize at the Eurasia International Film Festival in Kazakhstan.
Baby Go, producer of the film under BG Productions, said close to P5 million was spent in the production of the movie. Go, an independent film producer, said Area was done in a month and is the third movie she produced with director Ignacio and the 12th film under her company.
Area is now showing at Cinema 3 of Robinsons Place Angeles until November 15.
