BEMAC, APSA & Screen QLD present “The Portrait”

As part of BrisAsia Festival 2019, BEMAC, Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) and Screen Queensland are presenting a free screening of the multi-award nominated film by director Loy Arcenas “The Portrait” at the Queensland Multicultural Centre (QMC) on Wednesday, 13 February 2019.

“The Portrait” tackles the conflict between pragmatism and art, an ode to the passing of the world of truth and beauty and a celebration of the tenacity of the spirit amidst the rise of materialism and consumerism.

Set in Old Manila before World War II, this musical film tells the plight of Candida and Paula Marasigan, spinster daughters of painter Don Lorenzo the Great whose artistry has afforded his family a life of luxury in the past.

Unfortunately, Lorenzo has not produced a painting for a long time so the family is in financial trouble. The unmarried sisters rely on the support of siblings Manolo and Pepang who feel no nostalgia for their ancestral home and the profound memories associated with it. The two would rather sell the house and have the sisters live with them.

Lorenzo paints his final masterpiece as a gift to the sisters. The painting becomes the buzz of Manila’s high society attracting the attention of journalists, politicians, and other unscrupulous personalities.

Candida and Paula reject all offers to buy the painting. They cannot bear to part with the artwork; they feel guilty because their father tried to commit suicide after finishing the painting.

There is one person who may be able to sway the sisters’ minds: the crass but charming vaudeville piano player Tony who has an American buyer willing to purchase the portrait for an unbelievable price. Tired of being poor, the more astute Candida is aware of Tony’s intentions and maneuvers the situation, offering her sister Paula as a sacrificial lamb to the hungry wolf.

A screening of short films by emerging local filmmakers will precede “The Portrait”.

Entry is free, but bookings are recommended.

There is free on-site parking at QMC, as well as a bar serving drinks and light snacks.