Dante Basco could arguably be anointed as API film festival royalty with his defining role in Gene Cajayon’s THE DEBUT and as Prince Zuko in AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER (lest not forget his bad boy personification as Rufio in HOOK). After a diverse career that is entering its fourth decade, Dante makes his directorial debut, and he’s not at it alone. Co-writing with his brother Darion Basco, and casting pretty much his entire family, THE FABULOUS FILIPINO BROTHERS is an intergenerational comedy that is sweet, at times raunchy, and full of heart. Set in their hometown of Pittsburg, California, Dante wears multiple hats behind the camera, and co-stars with Basco siblings Darion, Arianna, Dionysio, and Derek. Together, this FilAm family takes on a series of humorous vignettes that grant each a chance at the spotlight. The film will show at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival on 10/2 at 8P at the Aratani Theatre, get your tickets here before they sell out.
From cockfights to adultery, and finding new (and old) love in unexpected places, each of the brothers finds themselves in different situations that will ultimately challenge their beliefs on love, family, and culture, all leading up to a climactic family wedding! Undeniably fun, filled with hijinks and some truly jaw-dropping gags, THE FABULOUS FILIPINO BROTHERS is a testament to this talented family. Make sure to stay through the end credits, as home movies showcase the brothers in their youth, especially showcasing their mad skills as ’80s-era B-Boys. — Anderson Le
CREDITS
Director: Dante Basco
Writer: Dante Basco, Darion Basco, Dioynsio Basco, Arianna Basco
Producer: Rome Reyes, Joann Bagana, Ronald Erickson II, Dante Basco
Executive Producer: Ronald Erickson II, Dante Basco, Robert P Galang (Philippines)
Director of Photography: Andrea A. Walter
Editor: Brian Hershall Merrick
Production Designer: Sara Alix
Composer: AJ Rafael
Cast: Derek Basco, Dante Basco, Dionysio Basco, Darion Basco, Liza Lapira
Director/star Dante Basco of the film, "Fabulous Filipino Brothers," comments on his Instagram for the SXSW announcement of inclusion of their film he shot pre-COVID with his family in their hometown of Pittsburgh, Ca as well as in Manila, Philippines. The film was scored by AJ Rafael. See the full SXSW Film Festival line up here.
The film follows the story of 4 brothers that are the uncles/father of the 4 Basco brothers seen below:
This film marks Dante's directorial debut as announced in Deadline in 2019.
Watch the casts interview with the Basco family below with Kollective Hustle and host, Romeo Marquez Jr.
