MANILA -- Cinemalaya Best Actress nominee Gabby Padilla and Japanese actress Arisa Nakano will play half sisters trying to brave the rough family tides and untouched traumas caused by a massive tsunami in Japan back in 2011 on "Kono Basho", an entry to this year's Cinemalaya Independent Festival.

"Seeing Rikuzentakata rebuild and reform after the disaster for several years is what drew me in writing Kono Basho. The hope amidst loss and pain is such an inspiration," he shared.

The story revolves around two estranged half sisters, Ella (Gabby Padilla) and Reina (Arisa Nakano), who reunite at their father’s funeral in Rikuzentakata where they end up creating a bond to help heal each other. Amidst their cultural and emotional complexities, they thrive to find solace and connection while trying to reconcile their differing perceptions of their shared father.

Official poster of Cinemalaya 20 entry "Kono Basho". Handout.

Padilla rejoiced having an amazing team and a Japanese community that made their film impossible. While Nakano said the disaster in Rikuzentakata hit close to her and she hopes that Filipinos can also connect with the story.

“Having lived through the big natural disaster in Japan, I’ve seen how people’s lives changed because of it. I hope people in the Philippines get a glimpse of that reality through this film," she stressed.

The vintage-looking cinematography of the movie as seen on its trailer is a product of Director Dan Villegas' comeback as a cinematographer, who also serves as the executive producer and producer of the film.

To honor and perfectly capture Japan's sensibilities and culture, The Japan Foundation also extended help to the production team.

Cinemalaya 20 will be shown in Ayala Malls Manila Bay theaters from August 2-11.

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