ALPHA, THE RIGHT TO KILL

Set against the backdrop of the Philippines Government’s crackdown on illegal drugs, a SWAT-led police force launches an operation to arrest Abel, one of the biggest drug lords in Manila. Police Officer Espino and Elijah, a small-time pusher turned informant, provide the intelligence for the operation, which quickly escalates into a violent and heavily-armed confrontation in the slums between the SWAT and Abel’s gang. Before the investigators arrive at the crime scene, Espino and Elijah walk off with Abel’s backpack full of money and methamphetamine. This gesture of survival for one and corruption for the other will soon set off a dangerous series of events, both of them risking their reputations, families and lives in the process. The film has won the Prize of the Jury at the Beaune International Thriller Film Festival 2019, and the Special Jury Prize and the Special Mention SIGNIS Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival 2018.

Brillante Mendoza is one of the most important Filipino filmmakers working today. He won the Golden Leopard at Locarno Film Festival with his debut film, “Masahista” (2005). His works have competed in major film festivals such as Berlinale, Venice and Cannes, picking up Best Director (for “Kinatay”, 2009) and Best Actress (for “Ma’ Rosa”, 2016) at Cannes.