Ekstra

Ekstra

1. Also known as The Bit Player
2. A socio-realist drama-comedy film that pays tribute to all bit players or "extras".
3. The protagonist "bit player", Loida Malabanan, is played by none other than Vilma Santos who is one of the most prominent actresses in the Philippines for decades already.
4. The film follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra. As the shoot goes on, we get a glimpse of the truth in the ruling system of the production as well as the exploitation of the marginalized laborers like her.
5. Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian.
6. Director Jeffrey Jeturian's 9th full-length film and his second for Cinemalaya’s Directors Showcase.
7. Had its international premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, set from September 5 to 15, under Contemporary World Cinema section.
8. Jeffrey Jeturian, a solid "Vilmanian", graduated from the broadcast communication program of UP Diliman in 1983 and it took him almost 30 years to realized his dream of directing Vilma Santos.
9. The film was somehow autobiographical in nature to the life of the director, Jeffrey Jeturian, who also patiently swallow his pride just to earn a pittance to support his family and also had difficulties making ends' meet in the early days of his career. Jeturian was a production assistant, script continuity, art director, production designer, and eventually assistant director before he became what he is now, a celebrated director.
10. 13th Dhaka International Film Festival awardee for Best Actress, Vilma Santos
11. Gawad Tanglaw Awards 2014 awardee for Best Actress, Vilma Santos
12. 2013 Cinemalaya Film Festival, Directors Showcase, awardee for:
    • Special Jury Prize
    • Audience Choice
    • NETPAC Award
    • Best Actress – Vilma Santos
    • Best Supporting Actress – Ruby Ruiz
    • Best Screenplay
    • Nominated–Best Film

References:

The Bit Player
Movie Review: Ekstra (The Bit Player)
Movie review: 'Ekstra' exalts the lowly bit players, raps 'studio system'
Ekstra
Ekstra (2013)
Ekstra (2013) IMDB