Manangapa’

LOGLINE

Months after an indigenous Bornean warrior is shot by 1840s British colonists, lead poisoning from the bullet wound has driven him insane, forcing his wife and children to decide between fleeing, or putting him down.

Synopsis

MANTUG is the compassionate oldest son of a family of four. After he refuses a challenge from his belligerently drunk FATHER to slaughter a piglet, the family’s dinner turns violent, forcing Mantug, his MOTHER, and his younger sister ANAVAU to escape into the jungle.

When they realize that Father is following close behind, Mantug insists on staying behind to face him — so that his Mother and sister can escape. But as a fight breaks out between the men, Anavau escapes her mother’s hold, sprinting back to her older brother. She finds him in grave danger, and jumps into the fray to save him.

The fight ends in a tragedy. We close on the image that began it; a mother pig, and her piglet asleep in the mud.

TEAM BIOs

ALEXANDER HOEFER is a Kadazan-American writer/director/editor who grew up in Southeast Asia and the American South. His commercial work has included clients like Dior, Calvin Klein, and Adidas. His personal short films have screened in festivals ranging from Seattle to Sarajevo.

SURAJ GUBBALA is an NYC-based writer/comedian from Atlanta. He is Hoefer’s longtime producing partner, and the recipient of several student filmmaking awards.

CECE CHAN is an NYC-based cinematographer born and raised in Hong Kong. Her work has premiered at Oscar-qualifying festivals (Tribeca, Raindance, Austin Film Festival), and has earned Best Cinematography awards at the BAFTA-qualifying Manchester Film Festival. She is a 2023-24 ASC Vision Mentee, and a member of the IFC+C.