Aliwan Paradise (1993)
A sharp, satirical short film by Mike de Leon exploring the glittering contradictions of Filipino showbiz culture.
Aliwan Paradise - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1993
- Directed by: Mike de Leon
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 28m
- Original Language: Tagalog
- Spoken Languages: Tagalog
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 30, 1993 (Japan)
- Production Companies: Cinema Artists
- Production Countries: Philippines
Aliwan Paradise - Plot
Mike De Leon's entry into the omnibus "Southern Winds" where he follows Julio Madiaga into the new world of Filipino Entertainment.
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Aliwan Paradise - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mike de Leon
Main Cast
- Johnny Delgado
- Julio Díaz
- Melissa De Leon
- Tess Dumpit
- Dexter Doria
- Tony Mabesa
- August Pascual
- Dante Castro
- Vic Belaro
- Julienne Mendoza
Writers
- Clodualdo del Mundo Jr.
Aliwan Paradise - FAQs
What is Aliwan Paradise about?
Aliwan Paradise follows Julio Madiaga as he steps into the glittering — and often contradictory — world of Filipino entertainment. Directed by Mike de Leon, this short film is a sharp, observational portrait of showbiz culture in the Philippines, blending satire with social commentary in just 28 minutes.
Is Aliwan Paradise a standalone film or part of a series?
It's part of an omnibus film called Southern Winds. Mike de Leon contributed Aliwan Paradise as his segment, alongside other Filipino filmmakers. Omnibus films like this were a creative format that allowed directors to explore distinct stories under a shared thematic umbrella.
Who directed Aliwan Paradise?
Mike de Leon directed Aliwan Paradise. One of the most respected figures in Philippine cinema, de Leon is known for his incisive, socially engaged filmmaking. His work often examines power, identity, and culture in the Philippines, and Aliwan Paradise fits squarely within that tradition.
Who are the main actors in Aliwan Paradise?
The cast features Johnny Delgado as the Empresaryo and Julio Díaz as Julio Madiaga, the central character navigating showbiz. They're joined by Melissa De Leon, Dexter Doria, Tony Mabesa, and several other accomplished Filipino stage and screen actors.
How long is Aliwan Paradise?
Aliwan Paradise runs just 28 minutes — a short film by design, fitting its role as one segment within the Southern Winds omnibus. Despite its brief runtime, de Leon packs in a full arc of satire and social observation, making every minute count.
When and where was Aliwan Paradise first released?
Aliwan Paradise had its initial release on January 30, 1993, in Japan. This international premiere reflects the film's positioning within a broader Asian cinema context, as the Southern Winds omnibus was conceived as a collaborative project with regional reach beyond the Philippines.
Who wrote the screenplay for Aliwan Paradise?
The screenplay was written by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., a highly regarded Filipino screenwriter and academic. Del Mundo is known for his thoughtful, culturally rooted scripts, and his collaboration with Mike de Leon on this project brought sharp, purposeful writing to the film's satirical premise.
Is Aliwan Paradise considered an important Filipino film?
Yes, Aliwan Paradise holds a notable place in Philippine cinema history, largely due to Mike de Leon's reputation as a master filmmaker. Its satirical take on the entertainment industry, combined with a strong ensemble cast and Clodualdo del Mundo Jr.'s script, makes it a compelling artifact of early 1990s Filipino filmmaking.
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