Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves – August 15, 2011

The 34th Asian American International Film Festival 2011 (AAIFF11) Opening Night New York premiere of AMIGO, directed by John Sayles, commenced Wednesday, August 10, 7:00 pm, at the Chelsea Clearview Cinemas. A special Q&A session with director Sayles, producer Maggie Renzi, and actor Joel Torre moderated by Associate Director of Programming, Scott Foundas, Film Society of Lincoln Center, preceded the festivals Opening Night Reception at Art Gate Gallery.

AMIGO, is a powerful and provocative must see drama film based on a true story! Set in 1900 in the Philippines, the film depicts two brothers with strong spiritual beliefs Simon (Ronnie Lazaro) and Rafael (Joel Torre) caught in the crossfire between politics and religion. They are compelled to tempt fate against all odds, one for war and the other for peace.

AMIGO, written/directed by John Sayles | USA | 2011 | 128 m | Drama Feature | Tagalog, Spanish, English, Chinese, w E/S | distributed by Variance Films, A Pinoy Pictures production. Best Production Design Award winner, 2011 Gawad Urain; Premieres, 2011 Asian American International Film Festival, New York; in select theaters August 19, 2011.