Photo from Enrique Baniqued/Instagram

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has unveiled its final lineup for the 2024 edition, featuring an array of films from around the world, including a Filipino-produced film.

Among the highlights is the world premiere of “Village Keeper,” a full-length feature film produced by Filipino filmmaker Enrique Miguel Baniqued.

The film, directed by Karen Chapman, is based on the 2019 short “Measure” and is set to make its premiere debut this September at TIFF.

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Last year, the film was selected for the 2023 TIFF Every Story Accelerator program, which supports producer/director teams with feature-length projects in post-production.

This program offered Baniqued and Chapman targeted guidance to pitch their project to key industry decision-makers, helping to secure its place at this year’s prestigious festival.

“It feels surreal and incredibly rewarding to see Village Keeper premiere at TIFF after the journey we’ve been on,” Baniqued shared in an interview with Inquirer.net USA. “From the accelerator program last year to this milestone, it’s been an amazing experience of growth, learning, and a testament to the disciplined work and belief in the story, director Karen Chapman set out to tell, and I’m thrilled to share this film on such a prestigious platform.”

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Baniqued also reflected on the challenges faced during the production of “Village Keeper,” describing the experience as “both rewarding and demanding.”

One of the most significant hurdles was balancing the film’s ambitious vision with a limited budget, requiring innovative problem-solving and resourcefulness.

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“We had to lean heavily on organizations and vendors that believed in our vision for the film,” Baniqued noted.

Another challenge involved navigating the delicate subject matter of the film, which deals with trauma and violence. Baniqued emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for the cast and crew, ensuring that the sensitive themes were handled with care.

Through “Village Keeper,” Baniqued and Chapman aim to convey powerful messages about endurance, the impact of silence and the significance of breaking cycles to reclaim one’s voice and future.

Baniqued particularly highlighted the film’s relevance for parents, especially mothers, as it underscores the importance of communication and self-discovery. He hopes the film will offer valuable insights for parents navigating their own challenges while also encouraging them to nurture themselves.

The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, now in its 49th edition, will showcase a total of 278 films on Sept. 6 to 15.

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