Coleen Garcia, Loisa Andalio Topbill E-Sports Movie “Friendly Fire”

Coleen Garcia and Loisa Andalio will depict women working in the e-sports sector for “Friendly Fire,” the latest Filipino film to depict the gaming community on the big screen.

Directed by Mikhail Red, “Friendly Fire” focuses on the vibrant gaming community. It will also star Harvey Bautista, Jan Silverio, Liza Diño, Yves Flores, Bob Jbeili, and Jon Lucas, with a special appearance by cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao.

This Pinoy film was chosen to have its world premiere at the 44th Annual Hawai’i International Film Festival, taking place from October 3 to 13 in Honolulu and October 15 to 17 in West Oahu. Following its festival debut, the film will open in Philippine cinemas on October 23, 2024.

“Friendly Fire” centers on a Filipino e-sports team called Isla, which faces a critical challenge after losing their star player. This setback compels their team manager, Sonya Wilson (played by Coleen Garcia), to sign a new player, Hazel aka Kaya (Loisa Andalio). Kaya is a female gamer grappling with uncertainty about her life and career. With her addition, Team Isla hopes to break barriers and capture the coveted championship title. Viewers will see Hazel transform from being an Internet cafe cashier to an international gamer.

The film draws on the excitement of the gaming world, featuring appearances from various Filipino e-sports personalities. Notable figures include MLBB esports host Mara Aquino and shoutcasters Rogyn “Osiris” Manansala and Aaron Paul Paragas “Burrito” Gaddi. The film prominently features the Filipino-designed shooter game, Project Xandata, enhancing its authenticity and visual appeal.

Red shared insights into his motivation for creating “Friendly Fire.” He recalled his youth spent playing video games and hanging out in Internet cafes, which inspired him to bring that nostalgic culture to the big screen. “I wanted to finally try the sports movie genre because I’ve always been a fan of movies like ‘Karate Kid’ and ‘Mighty Ducks,'” Red stated in an interview with the Philippine Star. He described “Friendly Fire” as a personal and enjoyable project that combines elements from his past experiences.

Adapting e-sports for a cinematic audience posed challenges for Red and his team. He noted the difficulty in crafting an underdog sports film focused on computer games rather than traditional physical sports. “It was tricky to find the balance of making it accessible to non-gamers while still maintaining the heart and soul of a gamer’s professional journey,” he explained.

“Friendly Fire” presented various technical challenges, particularly in capturing the dynamics of an international tournament. The film employs a blend of character perspectives, in-game footage, and visual effects to recreate a live stadium atmosphere. Red described the process as “exhausting yet exciting,” crediting his strong production team for their collaborative effort.

Access to Secret6’s “Project Xandata” was crucial for the film, allowing Red to create visually stunning sequences using an actual game engine. This innovative approach contributes to the film’s authenticity and immerses audiences in the world of e-sports.

With a filmography that includes hits like “Birdshot,” “Eerie,” and “Deleter,” Red is known for his thrilling narratives. However, he revealed that “Friendly Fire” takes a different direction. This film aims to be accessible, family-friendly, and heartfelt, addressing themes of dreams and destiny. “I wanted to make a film about chasing one’s dreams against all odds,” he said. “It’s a universal struggle, relatable to many, set in the exciting world of professional e-sports.”

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