| The Bit Player | |
|---|---|
_poster.jpg) Film poster | |
| Filipino | Ekstra |
| Directed by | Jeffrey Jeturian |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | Vilma Santos |
| Cinematography | Lee Briones |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Vincent A. de Jesus |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Star Cinema |
Release dates |
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Running time | 111 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Languages | |
The Bit Player (Filipino: Ekstra) is a 2013 Philippine comedy-drama film co-produced and directed by Jeffrey Jeturian from a story and screenplay he co-written with Antoinette Jadaone and Zig Dulay. The film stars Vilma Santos as Loida Malabanan, who spends her days dreaming of her big break while working with the country's best small-screen actors.[1] It also features the appearances of various actors and actresses including Marian Rivera, Richard Yap, Piolo Pascual, Eula Valdez, Cherry Pie Picache, and Cherie Gil.
Produced by Cinemalaya Foundation and Quantum Films, with Star Cinema handling its distribution, the film was released on July 27, 2013, as one of the competing entries under the "Directors Showcase" category for the 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and then, topped the box office in all four venues of said festival.[2] It was later released in mainstream cinemas on August 14, as part of the film studio's 20th founding anniversary.[3]
The film had its international premiere at the 38th Toronto International Film Festival, set from September 5 to 15, under the "Contemporary World Cinema" section.[4][5] It also showed at the 2013 San Diego Asian Film Festival.[6]
The film follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan (Vilma Santos) as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra. As the shoot goes on, we get a glimpse of the truth in the ruling system of the production as well as the exploitation of the marginalized laborers like her.[7]
Richard Kuipers, writing for Variety, described the written screenplay by Jeffrey Jeturian, Antoinette Jadaone, and Zig Dulay as "wise and witty" and "hits the right mix of humor and compassion from the outset". Kuipers also praised director Jeturian and his team for making the film with the best results and cinematographer Lee Briones for its photography that balances between comedy and drama for Vilma Santos' character and her background.[5]
Gawad Tanglaw Awards 2014
13th Dhaka International Film Festival
2015 New York Festivals
