Foster Child

Mendoza’s fourth feature and most maturework is a realistic social drama dealing withclass distinction and the emotional weightof separation. Set in Manila, the film movesfrom the slums, worn down but with a spiritof solidarity, to the sterility of a shiny highclasshotel. The story revolves around the boyJohn-John and the foster family he was broughtup in. With a docu-like authenticity, the filmdescribes the warm and loving, but financiallyweak, family, the foster mother Thelma’s effortsto make ends meet and the work of a dedicatedsocial worker. Taking place during just one day,“Foster Child” shows the day when John-Johnis about to leave his home to join the wealthycouple who has adopted him.Convincing and genuinely characterised, tothe point where acting becomes being, “Foster Child” is clearly and honestly pro-foster care,using the sharp contrasts of the locations toaccentuate the conflicting emotions of ensuringa loved one’s financial security by leavingthem.

Premiere Status
Nordic Premiere: Cast
Cherry Pie Picache, Eugene Domingo, Kier Segundo, Jiro Manio: Producer
Robbie Tan: Script
Ralston Jover: Cinematography
Odyssey Flores: Music
Jerold Tarog: Spoken language
Tagalog (Filipino)