Wildlife (Filipino Drama Film)

Wildlife, known by its Filipino title Kalayaan, is an international co-production arthouse drama film released in 2012. The production was written and directed by Adolfo Alix Jr.

Wildlife - Kalayaan promotional poster showing cast details — Wildlife - Kalayaan promotional visual

Premise and Production

The narrative centers on Julian, a soldier played by Ananda Everingham, who is stationed on a remote island in the Philippines. Having completed his three-month tour, Julian prepares to depart, but news of a coup d'état in Manila disrupts his departure, stranding him on the island with only a walkie-talkie, radio, and television for communication. As he senses a presence watching him and loses contact with the main base, reinforcements Lucio and Eric, portrayed respectively by Zanjoe Marudo and Luis Alandy, are dispatched to the location. During their time on the island, the soldiers discuss a predecessor's encounters with a mermaid.

Scene from the Filipino film Wildlife — A scene from Wildlife (Kalayaan)

Cast

Ananda Everingham as Julian
Zanjoe Marudo as Lucio
Luis Alandy as Eric
Rocky Salumbides as Victor
Angeli Bayani as Mermaid 1
Kiki Sugino as Mermaid 2

Festival Screenings

The film was screened internationally at several events in 2012, including the 17th Busan International Film Festival in the 'Window on Asian Cinema' section and the 28th Warsaw Film Festival as part of the International Competition.