Lav Diaz’s new film, “Ang Hupa” (Eng. title: “The Halt”), is well on its way out to the world. With the list of films at the Directors’ Fortnight at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival unveiled, we have confirmation that Lav’s new film is premiering this May. Other films in the roster include: Quentin Dupieux’s “Deerskin”, Takashi Miike’s “Hatsukoi”, Robbert Eggers’ “The Light House” and more.

The film, according to a Philippine Star report, is set in 2034 AD. “Southeast Asia has been in the dark for the last three years, literally,” says Lav. “Because the sun hasn’t shone as a result of massive volcanic eruptions at the Celebes Sea in 2031. Madmen control countries, communities, enclaves and bubble cities. Cataclysmic epidemics razed over the continent. Millions have died and millions have left.”

From the above description, we can deduce that “Ang Hupa” bears a science fiction beat that stems from its environmental slant. The last science fiction film in Lav’s oeuvre was 2002’s “Hesus Revolusyonaryo”, which starred Mark Anthony Fernandez in the titular role.

The new film, meanwhile, stars Joel Lamangan, Piolo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao, Pinky Amador, Hazel Orencio, Mara Lopez, Noel Miralles and Bart Guingona. Spring Films and Sine Olivia Pilipinas serve as producers, with Pascual, Bb. Joyce Bernal, Erickson Raymundo, Enrico A. Roque and E. Del Mundo executive producing.

The film’s official Facebook Page shared this poster.

A trailer has yet to be released. The 2019 Directors’ Fortnight happens from May 15 – 25.