Get ready to be captivated by a story that blends ambition, manipulation, and the gritty world of underground billiards—because Bilyarista is here to shake things up. But here’s where it gets controversial: What happens when a young girl’s dream of becoming a billiards champion is hijacked by her own uncle, turning her into a pawn in a dangerous gambling scheme? This is the heart-wrenching premise of Bilyarista, a billiards drama starring Venice Film Festival Best Actor winner John Arcilla and rising star Loisa Andalio, which is set to make its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Directed by Phil Giordano, the film follows Aya (Andalio), a determined girl from Manila’s slums who dreams of billiards glory. But after her father’s murder, her hustler uncle Itoy (Arcilla) manipulates her into playing high-stakes underground matches. And this is the part most people miss: The film isn’t just about billiards—it’s a deep dive into the moral complexities of ambition, family, and survival. Arcilla’s portrayal of Itoy is particularly striking; he claims, ‘I always thought I was helping my niece. Being unfair to her was my right, because I’m running the business.’ Bold statement? Absolutely. But it raises a thought-provoking question: Can good intentions justify harmful actions?
Giordano’s fascination with the Philippines’ underground pool culture began nearly a decade ago during street casting for his short film Supot (2016). He recalls, ‘I saw a 12-year-old homeless kid walk into a pool hall and beat a 40-year-old man with an expensive cue. I was hooked.’ This led him to uncover the Philippines’ status as the world’s pool capital, producing legends like Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante, both of whom make cameo appearances in the film. Here’s the kicker: Their presence isn’t just for show—it underscores the film’s message that there’s a respectable path to greatness, beyond the shadows of exploitation.
The international crew behind Bilyarista is just as impressive. New York-based cinematographer Adam McDaid (Single Drunk Female, Everything’s Trash) and camera operator Aaron Brown (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Smile 2) bring Hollywood-level expertise, while Philippine editor Lawrence Ang (Leonore Will Never Die) handles post-production. Producer Shreyom Ghosh highlights the unique perspective of an Italian-American director like Giordano, who lived in the Philippines for four years: ‘He brings an outsider’s eye that local directors wouldn’t.’
The film also features an original song by Filipino-American rapper Alex Bruce, adding another layer of authenticity. Partnerships with ABS-CBN Entertainment and Sony Music, along with color grading by Company3 (The White Lotus, Deadpool & Wolverine), ensure Bilyarista is a polished, high-impact production.
But here’s the real question: Can a film about underground gambling and family betrayal inspire hope? Ghosh thinks so: ‘When people see Efren Reyes on screen, they’ll realize this is real. It’s about breaking free and aspiring for more.’* After its IFFI premiere, Bilyarista is set for festival runs, theatrical release, and streaming—so get ready to dive into a world where every shot counts, both on and off the table. What do you think? Is Itoy’s manipulation justified, or is he just another exploiter? Let’s debate in the comments!
