PEP: Fate of 'Ploning' in Oscars known on Jan 22

After organizing "Damit Para Kay Ploning" and "Plato Para Kay Ploning," the producers of the period film are now busy organizing "Laro Para Kay Ploning." A poker tournament is slated to take place on January 13 to raise funds for the Oscars bid of the Philippine movie starring Judy Ann Santos. Ploning, produced by Panoramanila Pictures Co., is the country's entry to the Foreign Language category of the 81st Academy Awards. "Laro Para Kay Ploning" will take place at the Metrocard room at Metrowalk, Ortigas Center. For details, contact Niña at 09153280307. Come January 22, the whole world will know whether or not the film will be included in the list of five Oscar nominees that will be read during the awards night in February. The U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the official nominees on January 22 at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. By January 28, the 6,000 Academy members will vote for the films that they wish to include in this year's edition of the annual Academy Awards. If the Philippine entry Ploning enters the prestigious list, it will mark a first-ever feat in local cinema. The 81st Academy Awards telecast will take place on February 22 with X-Men Origins: Wolverine star Hugh Jackman serving as the host. The star-studded event will be held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood & Highland Center. Judy Ann is scheduled to leave on January 11 to attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Considered to be a pre-Oscars event, the filmfest will run from January 8-19 at Palm Springs, California. The 20th Palm Springs IFF boasts 209 films culled from 73 countries. Fifty of the 67 films submitted for consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category for the Academy Awards will be screened at this year's PSIFF. Juday will be there for two weeks to lobby for her movie, which is about a young woman from Cuyo, Palawan. Her character named Ploning is an "old maid" by rural standards but she refuses to marry. She is intent on waiting for the return of her lover who left for Manila many years ago. During the town fiesta, her secret is revealed—a fact that demonstrates her selfless love and sacrifice. Ploning will be screened in California on January 12 (10:00 a.m.) and on January 13 (6:30 p.m.). - Philippine Entertainment Portal