FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT
Tyrone Acierto
Director's Statement
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As a filmmaker born and raised in the Philippines, my journey into storytelling has always been fueled by a desire to uncover the intersections of identity, culture, and morality. Gods and Thieves represents a continuation of that exploration—a film that challenges the way we perceive power, faith, and the human cost of ambition. This story weaves themes of deception, belief, and betrayal into a gripping narrative, reflecting the fragile balance between humanity's pursuit of salvation and its capacity for destruction.
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Throughout my career, from my early short films like Among All Creatures and The Grave Bandits to my award-winning feature film Watch Me Kill, I have sought to tell stories that are raw, layered, and deeply personal. Watch Me Kill, which earned accolades at the Warsaw Film Festival, Cinequest, and the Philippines Cinema Festival, gave me the platform to refine my voice as a filmmaker and embrace the weight of morally complex narratives. With Gods and Thieves, I am delving even deeper into the human psyche, challenging audiences to reflect on the power of belief and its consequences.
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Gods and Thieves is inspired by my fascination with stories that blend cultural nuance with universal themes. Growing up in the Philippines, I witnessed how belief systems—both sacred and profane—shape communities, sometimes for better, and often for worse. This film is a direct conversation with those experiences, exploring what happens when trust and devotion are exploited by the very people who claim to guide and protect. At its core, this is a story about power: who wields it, who succumbs to it, and who ultimately pays the price.
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Visually, I aim to create a film that contrasts the grandeur of divine imagery with the stark realities of human greed and desperation. Inspired by the raw beauty of Filipino landscapes, Gods and Thieves will be visually rich, pulling viewers into a world that feels both grounded and otherworldly. My intention is to craft a cinematic experience that is immersive, unsettling, and thought-provoking—a film that lingers with the audience long after the credits roll.
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As a Filipino-American filmmaker, I am committed to bringing cultural authenticity and sensibilities to my work. With Gods and Thieves, I want to honor the rich traditions of storytelling in my heritage while also creating a universal narrative that resonates across borders. This is not just a film—it’s an exploration of the human condition, a study of faith and deception, and a testament to the power of belief, for better or worse.
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I am excited to bring Gods and Thieves to life, not just as a compelling cinematic journey, but as a story that asks vital questions about the nature of trust, sacrifice, and humanity itself.
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Wilfredo Manalang
Producer's Statement
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​As a producer, my passion has always been to champion stories that push boundaries and elevate underrepresented voices in cinema. With Gods and Thieves, I see an opportunity to craft a bold and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of faith, power, and deception—universal themes that resonate deeply in today’s world.
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My experience with internationally acclaimed projects like PLAN 75 (Cannes Camera d’Or Special Mention), DON’T CRY, BUTTERFLY (Venice Critics’ Week Grand Prize), and TOPAKK (Triggered, Locarno Film Festival) has taught me the importance of creating films that not only entertain but challenge audiences. Gods and Thieves continues in this tradition, merging compelling storytelling with cultural authenticity to deliver a unique cinematic experience.
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This project is personal to me because it captures a tension that exists across cultures: the conflict between belief systems and the human desire for power. By collaborating with visionary director Tyrone Acierto, whose Watch Me Kill earned accolades at festivals like Warsaw and Cinequest, we are committed to creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that examines the fragile line between salvation and ruin.
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At its heart, Gods and Thieves is not just a story—it’s an exploration of the human condition, a cautionary tale about trust and exploitation, and a tribute to the power of faith when wielded responsibly. I am excited to bring this ambitious project to life and share it with audiences around the world.