The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros  (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros)
100 min, Philippines, Tagalog with English Subtitles

The purity of first love is pitted against the squalor and corruption in the slums of Manila, the setting for Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros). Gay, pre-teen Maxi is deeply and uncomplainingly devoted to his family of petty thieves. He cleans house for them, cooks for them, washes their underwear, mends their tattered jeans, and when necessary, covers their tracks. His world revolves around his father and his two brothers, who love and protect him in return. Until Maxi meets Victor, an honest, principled, and handsome policeman. The two become friends. Victor inspires Maxi to hope for a better life, which incurs the ire of Maxi’s family.

Director : Auraeus Solito
Screenwriter : Michiko Yamamoto
Producer : Raymond Lee
Cinematographer : Nap Jamir
Original music : Pepe Smith
Production Designers : Christina Dy, Clint Catalan and Lily Esquillon
Editors : Kanakan Balintagos and Clang Sison

Cast : Nathan Lopez, Soliman Cruz, JR Valentin, Neil Ryan Sese, Ping Medina, Bodjie Pascua