Casket for Hire

Casket for Hire (released in the Philippines as Ataul: For Rent) is a 2007 Filipino social satire film directed by Neal 'Buboy' Tan. The screenplay was written by Anthony Gedang and Neal 'Buboy' Tan, with production managed by Malou Cruz and Anthony Gedang. Renato de Vera served as the cinematographer for the project.

Plot

The film is a social satire set within a congested squatter settlement known as Kalyehong Walang Lagusan. The narrative follows a man named Guido, who rents out coffins in four distinct sizes, and Pining, who works alongside him to cremate bodies.

Cast and Production

The principal cast features Joel Torre as Guido/Guidote Alejo and Jacklyn Jose as Pining. Additional cast members include Ronnie Lazaro as Batul, Pen Medina as Tata Islaw, Irma Adlawan as Aling Carmen, Noni Buencamino as Boy Kagaw, and Coco Martin as Danny.

The film has a running time of 94 minutes, was produced in the Philippines, and is spoken in the Filipino language. It premiered theatrically on November 7, 2007.

Festival Screenings

Casket for Hire was selected for international film festivals in 2008. It appeared at the 10th Udine Far East Film Festival held from April 18 to April 26, 2008, and was screened in the Off the Fantastic section at the 12th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival from July 18 to July 27, 2008.