Viva Films’ ‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ explores the human condition
Cinema has always offered a platform for delving into the complexities of the human experience, and Viva Films has consistently embraced this role, boldly tackling controversial themes often deemed ‘taboo.’
Their latest offering, Sampung Utos Kay Josh, promises to continue this tradition of storytelling, delivering a provocative narrative that explores faith, self-discovery, and the human condition.
Helmed by Marius Talampas of Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap fame, the film follows the story of Josh (Jerald Napoles), a devout Catholic man who, after a series of misfortunes, becomes disillusioned with his beliefs and spirals into depravity.
Speaking at the movie’s grand media conference, Talampas addressed speculations and assumptions about the new film, specifically the sensitive imagery and themes depicted in it.
“It’s not blasphemous. I just want to say that upfront. We’re not attacking any belief or faith. This is a story about a person—his battle with himself, his beliefs,” he said.
Talampas also assured the general public that the film underwent strict screening by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and passed.
“We know how strict the MTRCB is when it comes to sensitive topics like religion. The fact that it was approved without any edits to the teaser, trailer, poster, or the movie itself shows they didn’t have a problem with it,” he stressed.
Building on this confidence, Napoles takes pride in what they’ve created, particularly in the message they aim to convey to the audience.
“We don’t have any fear about how viewers will receive this. I’m confident because the material is good. If it happens to affect people’s sensibilities, the story will still deliver the message we want to convey—in a way that the audience can relate to. They’ll laugh but also reflect.”
Pepe Herrera, who plays the controversial figure Satanas in the film, said he does not fear any backlash since they “have no intention of offending anyone.”
“But if someone does feel offended, which is possible, then we’ll apologize. We’ll explain that the intention is to entertain and impart a lesson,” he explained.
Also joining Herrera and Napoles in the film are veteran stand-up comedians James Caraan and GB Labrador, who make up two-fifths of the popular The KoolPals podcast.
Created in collaboration with ANIMA and Sine Arcade, and brought to life through the vision of the late writer-comedian Sherwin Buenvenida, Sampung Utos Kay Josh, with its unconventional storytelling and nuanced portrayal of faith and humanity, promises to leave a profound and lasting impact on Filipino audiences.
Catch it in cinemas starting Jan. 29.
