Allen Dizon and Ina Feleo in a scene from ‘Deadline’

MANILA, Philippines -- Joel Lamangan’s latest indie movie, “Deadline (The Reign of Impunity)” has been described as a “political thriller” and “an unrelenting POV of media killings.”

This latest collaboration between Joel Lamangan and awarded scriptwriter Bonifacio Ilagan is a fitting follow-up to the duo’s award-winning advocacy films “Dukot” and “Sigwa.”

Statistics reveal that Filipino journalists and broadcasters have become victims of brutal summary executions which have made the Philippines the “most dangerous country for journalists” as exemplified by the “Maguindanao Massacre.”

The movie “Deadline” focuses on this fact and goes deeper into the root of the problem and even pinpoints the culprits in a no-holds-barred fashion.

The characters in “Deadline” are presented in a fictionalized manner. Nonetheless, the people and incidents depicted are familiar because they are hurtingly real, culled from real events.

Says Direk Joel: “It has always been my dictum to present the truth through the films I do. Movies are a powerful medium, so I use them to present my principles based on truth. If my films hurt some sectors, it’s because these are well-thought of and are anchored on truth.”

Aside from media killings, “Deadline” also touches on election frauds, political dynasties and private armies.

The cast of “Deadline” is composed of award-winning actors: Tirso Cruz III (FAP and FAMAS Best Actor for “Bilangin ang Mga Bituin sa Langit;” Golden Screen Best Supporting Actor for “The Debut” and “Sigwa;” Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actor for “Sigwa”) who plays the offbeat role of a corrupt, trigger-happy governor in a fictitious town in Southern Philippines; Allen Dizon (Star Awards and FAMAS Best Supporting Actor for “Twilight Dancers;” “Gawad Tanglaw Best Actor for “Dukot;” FAMAS Best Actor for “Paupahan” and “Dukot”); Ina Feleo (Cinemalaya Best Actress for “Endo” and “Sanglaan;” Gawad Tanglaw Best Actress for “Presa”); and Lovi Poe (FAMAS Best Actress for “Sagrada Familia;” Cinemalaya and Golden Screen Awards Best Actress for “Mayohan”).

Veteran broadcasters Che Che Lazaro and Ted Failon appear in cameo roles as their support to this advocacy film.

Filmed in cooperation with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), and Asian Congress for Media and Communications (CMC), “Deadline (The Reign of Impunity)” will be screened later this year in various key cities, municipalities and universities in the country.

“Deadline” is produced by XITI Productions of Ma. Gracia A. Lara and Butch de los Reyes, and AEI Movie Productions of Atty. Ariel E. Inton, Jr.

‘Blusang Itim’ airs May 16

Kylie Padilla, the daughter of action star Robin Padilla, takes her first leading role as an actress in “Blusang Itim” which begins airing on May 16, 2011 on GMA-7’s Dramarama sa Hapon after “Eat Bulaga.”

Kylie plays Jessa, the woman with a disfigured face, the lead character in “Blusang Itim” and whom Melchor (played by Carl Gueverra) cares so much for.

Carl, asked if he may develop an exceptional feeling for Kylie, said that “it is possible, but his focus now is on the project.”

“Blusang Itim” is an adaption of the original movie of the same title written by Elena Patron and starring Snooky Serna.

“Blusang Itim” features mostly young stars like Frank Magalona, as Angelo, a famous model admired by Jessa; Winwyn Marquez (daughter of Alma Moreno and Joey Marquez), as Vicky, Angelo’s girlfriend who is also a model; and Lucho Ayala as Edward, the man who would fall for Jessa’s alter ego named Jessica.

The senior stars are Jackielou Blanco as Esmeralda, a selfish and greedy mother of Jessa; Rita Avila as Rhea, Jessa’s real mother, and Gary Estrada as Gerald.

Completing the cast of “Blusang Itim” are Maritoni Fernandez, Marissa Delgado, Maureen Mauricio, Bodie Cruz, Chariz Solomon.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 13, go to Sen. Mar Roxas, Atty. Oliver Lozano, Reggie Regalado, Ditas Ferrera of Baras, Rizal; Gliceria “Tey” Lazatin-Tabor, Marilou Lagadi and Kenneth Lagadi of Las Vegas, Nevada…