Manila, Philippines – In a recent release, streaming service Netflix shared first-look images of upcoming adult-animation film from the Philippines, Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story. The film, from acclaimed animator and director Avid Liongoren, led by multi-awarded actress Angelica Panganiban, and Sam Milby, among others. The film is set to premiere on content platform this coming October 29, 2020.
Joining the Saving Sally director, the film is written by Manny Angeles and Paulle Olivenza. Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story will be made available across Asia in Taglish, and English as ‘You Animal!’ The adult animation comedy stirs a refreshing look at societal expectations, personal aspirations, and the classic power struggle and love triangle.
Nimfa Dimaano (Panganiban), stars as the pretty feline character that sells perfume at a department store, while her boyfriend, Roger is the janitor. She then meets Iñigo Villanueva (Milby), the bourgeoisie business dog that then ignites an unexpected chemistry.
This chance meeting led to the rise of questions and doubt whether Nimfa and Roger’s love for DVDs and cheap street food would keep them together or Iñigo’s high society charms be instrumental in tearing them apart?
Additional voice cast include Empoy Marquez, Arci Muñoz, Eugene Domingo, Yeng Constantino, Moira dela Torre, and many more. The film is animated and produced by Rocketsheep Studio, together with Spring Films – Erickson Raymundo, E. Del Mundo, Avid Liongoren, and Manny Angeles.
“Hayop ako, hayop ka, hayop tayong lahat! Pinaghirapan po namin ang pelikulang ito at kakaibang hayop ang mapapanood niyo dito! Panuurin ang Hayop Ka!” the film teases.
“My team and I took over 3-years of serious hard work to create this light and comical film. While our main goal is to elicit a few laughs, our advocacy is to encourage local animation production. In the global animation industry, the Philippines is a go-to nation for outsourcing animation services. We are home to thousands of talented animators but sadly, we are not known for ideating and producing our own work,” said Liongoren.
He continued, “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. We hope you enjoy Hayop Ka! on Netflix.”
“I find it interesting to see animals dealing with adult human conflict in funny natural situations, the characters are real in their predicament and emotions, and each character has a unique Filipino trait that we can share to the audience,” said actor and one of the film producers, Piolo Pascual.