Keith Deligero
DirectorGale Osorio
ProducerPhilippines
CountryLogline
“Baradero” is a psychological period drama set in a Philippines that is at the brink of World War II. It explores how two troubled men Kilum and Enrico torn between different moments in history are strangely connected by the Arko Niño, a ship of fools that bears witness to the trauma of history and its enduring impact on the present.
Short Synopsis
Present
Forced to dock at the nearest port in the Visayan seas after a mysterious damage to her propeller, the Arko Niño’s supposed fishing expedition is stalled. Her skipper Kap Jo sends one of his crew members, the young hand Enrico, to look for Iyo Pugaldo, the ironsmith, in the island of Bantayan, to repair the mangled steel.
Little did the young man know that his encounter with the old smith will bring him to the winding tale of Kap Jo and the boat.
The Arko Niño crew ignites friction with the dockside community after disposing their catch at a cheaper price to the scheming village leader, who secretly resold it at the market at an exorbitantly cheaper price, leaving the other fisherfolk at the losing end of the trade.
Past
In the 1930’s, around 300 lepers were transported from Cebu to the leper colony in Culion Island, west of the Philippine archipelago. Hauled into forced exile was the unfortunate Kilum, who was tagged as a guerilla spy by an American navy officer Maj. White, who had the eyes for the former’s love, Leonor.
The ensuing months in the colony found the vanquished Kilum befriending the American volunteer nurse-nun Sister Veronica who helped him survive the exile. One day, Kilum reunited with his friend Botong who was among the new batch of patients shipped into the colony. Suspecting that Kilum and Botong were not really leprosy patients, Sister Veronica checked on their records and found that they were falsely accused of being guerilla spies and were on forced exile.
Present
Sailing towards the mysterious island of St. John, at the southeastern part of the Philippine archipelago, Kap Jo promises Enrico a bright future, though days later the skipper secretly jumps into the sea and disappears, much to Enrico frustration and anger. The crew tries to look for him, to no avail, and instead discovers that they are once again stalled in the middle of the sea with the propeller mysteriously gone. An ominous storm suddenly appears, the violent waves clashing and eventually devouring the boat. Only Enrico survives this day.
Future
The ageing Enrico asks to be wheeled forth from the hospital ICU to the shoreline. A Chinese boat is seen in the horizon of the west philippine sea. He takes one last breath.
Keith Deligero
Keith Deligero’s contributions to Philippine cinema are significant and far-reaching. His focus on regional stories and characters provides a platform for underrepresented voices and promotes cultural diversity. His innovative use of visual effects and experimental techniques enriches the cinematic landscape, offering new ways of seeing and understanding the world. By addressing pressing social issues through compelling narratives, Deligero’s films resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
The cinema of Keith Deligero is a testament to the power of regional storytelling, visual innovation, and social commentary. His films offer a unique lens through which to view the Philippines, one that is rooted in the specificities of culture yet resonates with universal themes. Through his distinct cinematic voice, Deligero continues to push the boundaries of Philippine cinema, making him a vital figure in the industry.
Gale Osorio
Archipelago is a film boutique known for its innovative approach to filmmaking. The company embraces experimental techniques and non-traditional narratives, often blending genres and styles to create unique cinematic experiences. This approach is not only evident in its feature films but also in its short films and other projects, which often challenge conventional cinematic norms and explore new storytelling possibilities.
Archipelago is committed to nurturing new talents in the Philippine film industry. The company offers opportunities for emerging filmmakers, writers, and artists to develop their skills and bring their visions to life. By fostering a supportive and creative environment, Archipelago plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the next generation of Filipino filmmakers.
Archipelago stands out as a beacon of innovation and cultural representation in Philippine cinema. Its dedication to quality, experimental storytelling, and regional narratives has set it apart from other production companies, making it a vital contributor to the industry. Through its bold and impactful films, Archipelago continues to push the boundaries of what Filipino cinema can achieve, inspiring both audiences and filmmakers alike.