Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival official entry Starfish centers on the hardships faced by male sex worker Boyet, while also reflecting the cyclical pain experienced by Filipinos across different generations. Although these inherited burdens are often similar, Filipinos tend to internalize and experience them differently. To convey these emotions, the film cast actors from varied acting backgrounds, whose differences helped strengthen the intensity and emotional depth of Starfish, directed by John Clite Apolinar.
Boyet is portrayed by VR Relosa, whose work in Vivamax films earned him the moniker “Vivamax King.” With films such as Rita and Pihit under his belt, Relosa brings both a steadfast presence and a lived-in authenticity to Boyet, who returns to his province after losing his job for refusing to participate in illegal drug activities.
Playing his compassionate sister, Pia, is Nour Hooshmand, a festival favorite whose recent films, Cinemartyrs and Agapito, competed at Cinemalaya and Cannes, respectively. Pia is a rational yet idealistic character, and Hooshmand once again delivers a compelling performance in Starfish.
Theatre actor Floyd Tena portrays Domeng, the commanding father of Boyet and Pia. Last seen on stage in the musicals Next to Normal and Delia D., the veteran actor brings the measured yet commanding presence for which he is known.
Starfish features an eclectic cast whose members draw from their own lived experiences to shape their performances. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the actors come together as a cohesive ensemble that grounds the short film. Their distinct acting styles also reinforce the central question posed by Starfish: Is survival alone enough to truly live?
Starfish is directed by John Clite Apolinar, with a screenplay by Adelbert Abrigonda. The short film is produced by Tasá Productions, which also produced the following official entries in last year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival: Dan, En Pointe, Taympers, Si Nadia at ang Kanyang mga Kuro-Kuro, and My One and Only Bab(o)y.
Tasá Productions is also producing Alumahan, another official entry in this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
As part of this year’s lineup, Starfish will be screened from September 23 to October 4, 2026.
