THE GOSPEL OF THE BEAST

a film by Sheron Dayoc

2023, 85 minutes, Philippines, 2.35, Color, 5.1 Sound, in Filipino (Hiligaynon) with English subtitles

Sales/Festivals: Diversion (Thailand)

Synopsis:

"The Gospel of the Beast" is a coming-of-age film about Mateo, a 15-year-old boy known for being a troublemaker in school but possessing a genuine heart for his two siblings. He assumed the role of man of the house after his father went missing, doing his best to care for them. However, a confrontation with his schoolmate Gerald escalates into violence when he accidentally kills his rival. With nowhere else to turn, Mateo seeks help from a man he barely knows, Berto, who persuades him to run away and introduces him to the world of the syndicate. As Mateo takes up residence in the old mansion where the syndicate operates, his world darkens as he slowly succumbs to despair and violence. Delivering drugs and disposing of dead bodies became part of his daily routine.

Over time, Berto evolves into a father figure for Mateo, and as their unique father-son relationship grows, Mateo gradually learns the harsh realities of life, death, and violence. After his best friend, Gudo,is killed by the same syndicate they work for, and he uncovers the truth about his father's death, Mateo finally loses himself to violence and despair, falling into a trap on his ultimate journey into beasthood.

About the Director:

SHERON DAYOC is one of the pioneering voices in the regional cinema in the Philippines, who is an alumnus of the 2011 Sundance Institute, Next Master Tokyo Filmex 2010, and Asian Film Academy 2008. HALAW (WAYS OF THE SEA), his debut feature-length film, won the Special Mention, NETPAC at the 2011 Berlinale, and the NETPAC Development Prize at the 2011 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. His first full-length documentary, “THE CRESCENT RISING” won the best documentary at the 2016 Busan International Film festival. His 2016 film “WOMEN OF THE WEEPING RIVER” won several local and international awards and was awarded by the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Gawad Urian (Philippines Critics Award) as one of the top 10 iconic films of the decade.