Apag


Apag is a 2022 Philippine drama film directed by Brillante Mendoza.

Premise

restaurateur Rafael Tuazon who was making preparations for a feast, finds himself in a fatal vehicular accident which took the life of a tricycle (Philippines)|tricycle] driver. His father Alfredo Tuazon takes a fall for the crime to save his son from legal repercussions. Rafael, free but overcome by guilt, tries to make amends to Nita, the widow of the driver.

Cast

Other cast members include Shaina Magdayao, Mark Lapid, Vince Rillon and Joseph Marco. Aljur Abrenica was to play Rafael Tuazon, but was replaced by Martin after Abrenica withdrew from the film project.

Production

Apag was produced by Center Stage Productions with Brillante Mendoza as its director and Arianna Martinez as its screenplay writer. The film was partially financed by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, which stipulated that Mendoza produce a film which does not feature sex, violence, or politics – a usual element of Mendoza's previous films.
The name of the film, Apag comes from the shorthand of "Hapag Kainan" or Dinner Table.
The film is a homage to Mendoza's Kapampangan roots, using a strictly Pampangueno cast and was film in the Kapampangan language.
Mendoza created an alternative ending for the film following the suggestion of lead actor Coco Martin. The new ending, was described as a somewhat violent conclusion compared to the original's usual happy ending. It was made to be compliant with the submission requirements for the 2023 [Metro Manila Summer Film Festival]. The film unaltered is ineligible for entry due to having already screened in various international film festivals by that time.

Release

Apag was released internationally as Feast. It premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2022. From 2022 to 2023 was showcased in various international film festivals such as the Warsaw Film Festival, World [Film Festival of Bangkok], Vesoul [International Film Festival of Asian Cinema|Vesoul International Film Festival], and the Asian Film Festival in South Korea.
The film screened in cinemas across the Philippines as one of the eight official entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival which began on April 8, 2023. The 2023 MMSFF release featured an ending different than the one screened in previous international film festivals.