Review – Metropolis

In Metropolis, Connie de Gracia is running for the mayorship of San Pablo, Philippines, on a platform of “peace and livelihood” to ensure minimal services for the city’s population. The film follows Connie and her campaign staff, on the day before the election, as they rally for last-minute support to displace the reigning mayor Zarate.Predictably, Connie’s principles are called into question as she negotiates back-handed deals with key-players about the city, and it is eventually revealed that her candidacy was dependent on a past deal her father, Pedring de Gracia, had made with the city’s power-brokers. But it is ultimately the social dynamics of local politics that are on trial, here, as class, patriarchy, religion and capitalism play out to maintain a status quo which does not always benefit the people. This low-budget film is not the most thrilling political drama you’ll see, but thanks to believable performances and competent direction it makes for an accessible illustration of city-life in modern San Pablo.Metropolis was screened for the Fringe by the Anahata Community, a Philippine-based project which aims to promote art and facilitate cross-cultural exchange.