Chances Are: You and I

 Cathy Camarillo film opens Jinseo Arigato int'l filmfest in Japan

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

"Chances Are, You And I," Cathy 'CC' Camarillo's debut feature about two people coming to terms with having brain tumor, will open the forthcoming Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Nagoya, Japan on May 25, 2024.

Topbilled by Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger, the film was shot in Manila and South Korea during the height of the global pandemic, with principal photography done in early 2021.

"We started filming in 2021, through lock-in taping sessions. Cast and crew waited for more than two years to finish the movie. The shoot had been stayed during the lockdowns. Back then, we weren't sure if the project would push through. Luckily, the production was given a go sometime after," shared Kelvin.

Cast members and a few members of the crew had mixed feelings watching the official trailer with members of the media during a recent mediacon at 38 Valencia Events Place in San Juan.

"My character, Sol, made me realize why most of us don't live our lives to the fullest, and wait for a terminal illness to prod us to do so," he added.

The film is a first for most of the people involved with the project. It is the first film for its two lead actors, Kelvin and Kira; as well as Korean actor Nam Ji Hoon, who just finished drafting with the Korean military when he was invited to be part of the cast. It is also Direk CC's first feature film and the first screenplay written by her daughter, Ellis Catrina.

"I was in the habit of tossing coins while asking random questions. While attending high school in 2013, Juan Karlos Labajo's "Demonyo" came out and I made it a part of the script," shared the young playwright.

"I've only seen pure passion and hard work from my two lead stars. Kelvin and Kira were perfect for their respective roles. They were my first choices, having seen some of their previous works," revealed Direk CC, who directed such teleseryes as "Halik" and "Wildflower." She has also worked with Chito Roño (Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa), Laurice Guillen (Tanging Yaman), as well as a string of Joyce Bernal movies.

Chances Are: You and I was produced by Pocket Media and Happy Infinite and will be distributed by Regal Entertainment in the Philippines. The movie opens nationwide on May 29, 2024.

"Seeing the trailer with you, mediamen, made me emotional. Even if I've seen it a dozen times before, I'm still excited for our premier screening in Japan. It's my first full-length movie. It takes guts to show your vulnerability.

"Life is beautiful and should be cherished everyday. I met Kelvin, for the first time, during the film's Look Test who arrived wearing a leather jacket and ear studs. So, I don't believe in first impressions because he's not a 'bad boy' as his image purports him to be," intimated Kira.

Kelvin will also be seen in the movie "Mananambal" with National Artist for Film Nora Aunor and Bianca Umali, which is one of the eleven films competing at the Jinseo Arigato international Film Festival.