Netflix has released many animated films on its streaming platform in the past, but HAYOP KA! The Nimfa Dimaano Story marks the PHILIPPINES’ first original animated movie.
The light, comical, innovative, 2D animal story from the “Saving Sally” creator is set to premiere on Netflix on October 29. Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story follows the story of Nimfa (Angelica Panganiban), a perfume sales kitty, and her romantic relationship with the “macho mongrel” janitor Roger (Robin Padilla). Nimfa’s love for Roger will be put to the test when she meets Iñigo (Sam Milby), a “bourgeois business dog.”
Animanila based its very Pinoy look on some places in Metro Manila. For instance, the “Mall of Aso” in the film is obviously a replica of the famous Mall of Asia in Pasay, and the church that appeared in the first few seconds of the trailer is somewhat similar in shape to Quiapo Church. Of course, the film would not be as Pinoy as it could be without the heavy traffic and the famous pares and mami stores that are very common in the Philippines.
Its classic love triangle story between a poor boyfriend and a wealthy suitor makes it more appealing to the ordinary people simply because most Filipinos used to watch and listen to this kind of story genre on television and radio.
Rocketsheep Studio released the trailer last September 5, 2019. The project took three years to complete all in all. “In the global animation industry, the Philippines is a go-to nation for outsourced animation services. We are home to thousands of talented animators but, sadly, we are not known for ideating and producing our own work,” Director Liongoren said.
“There have been less than 10 animated feature films in the entire 100-year history of Philippine cinema, and we want to continue adding to that, while also hoping that, little by little, someday Filipino animators can be known as not just service providers, but creators as well,” he added.
“While our main goal was to elicit a few laughs, our advocacy is to encourage local animation production.” says Liongoren in the Netflix press info.
Despite the boycott call from some people on different social media sites because of one of its main actor, Robin Padilla, the film still has received enormous support from people who see it as an excellent opportunity for Filipino animators to showcase their artistic animation skills in the international arena.
We are now spearheading a slate that wasn’t there before. We feel privileged to be at the forefront of it.
Watch more local films on MOOV, Cinema Centenario’s video on-demand online channel.
