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Writer's pictureKatareena Roska

Sonny Calvento's "PRIMETIME MOTHER" is a REVELATION

For many film fanatics, the Philippines is not exactly the first country that comes to mind when asked about purveyors of cinematic masterpieces. But as a Filipino myself, I’ve always known that the island is overflowing to the brim with talent.


Photo Credit: AFI


The short film Primetime Mother is only but one example of that rarely recognized trait, taking you to the Philippines without ever lifting off. Directed and screen written by Sonny Calvento, who is based in Manila, the short film follows a mother auditioning for a spot to compete on a popular Pinoy game show. The process is grueling and humiliating, but the chance at winning 50,000 pesos is a reward more valuable than dignity.


Video Credit: AFI


The film is far from a romanticized love letter to home, but in many ways, it reveals the most noble parts of the Filipino heart while simultaneously criticizing the greater culture. Primetime Mother recognizes that in a capitalist society, poverty is a spectacle. For consumers of the game show, watching these mothers cry and wail on live television about their struggles is a kind of emotional pornography—-the harder the life lived, the more captivating the story, the higher the ratings. After all, audiences love an underdog. In one scene, the gaggle of “mommies” auditioning come on camera to cry together, reminiscent of a scene from Midsommar, attempting to garner sympathy.


The plot progresses to become only more eerie and unsettling, utilizing changes in aspect ratio, editing, and Meryll Soriano’s incredible performance to achieve such. Primetime Mother premiered at TIFF earlier this year, with Calvento having directed the first Filipino short film to play at Sundance. As for myself, a cinephile and proud Pinoy, I can’t wait to see what Calvento does next. The full list of films screening at this year’s AFI Film Fest: Film is for Everyone, can be accessed here: Film Results | AFI FEST

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