Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay

The mockumentary by Director Antoinette Jadaone is a loving and beautiful tribute to Philippine horror film icon Lilia Cuntapay, who finally is given the well overdue credit. It also becomes a tribute to all character actors, bit players and dedicated extras who are definitely undervalued and mostly go through their professional lives under-appreciated. I applaud the director's wonderful choice of subject matter and her engaging, heartfelt and funny method.

I'm gonna make an attempt to write a review again after several years of being a silent iMDB user because this is what Lilia Cuntapay deserved! I got to be honest that I watched the first few minutes years back but I didn't have the energy to finish it thinking it was just a boring mockumentary and a mere spoof of the colorful life Lilia had led. Man, was I wrong! On her debut film, Direk Antoneitte was able to cement herself as the young director oozing with special talent in presenting pressing social issues with genuine humor and heart. I fell in love with the smart writing and enjoyed the honest performances from the little-known but extremely gifted cast. Of course the true star of this film is none other the bit player, the plain housewife, and the actress Lilia Cuntapay. Despite being underrated, her passion for acting overflows. She was the perfect definition of a no-frills artist who just wanted to entertain. Now that she's gone, I pity the new generation of Filipinos who will not get to know her especially in the Netflix-era we're living in. It was such a privilege to get a glimpse of this humble person's journey and struggles. More than ever, I'm inspired to take on opportunities with same vigor as her. Thank you Lilia and Antoinette for this gem!

This film reminded me of 'Ekstra' (Jadaone is one of the writers of this film) which tells the harsh realities of being a bit-player. (A great film too!)

In this mockumentary, it shows that Lilia Cuntapay is so underappreciated as an actress. She's been typecasted to play ghosts for horror movies, only playing bit-player roles. Despite this, she managed to be an icon, gathering the name "Queen of philippine horror movies".

The film sends a compelling message about privilege. Nonetheless, this film cemented her name and will surely be there forever, like a ghost (hahaha).

Thank you for the director for at least, once, the spotlight is focused on her, she genuinely deserved it.