Brillante Mendoza

ALPHA – THE RIGHT TO KILL

Philippines, 2018, 94’

Set against the backdrop of the Philippines Government’s crackdown on illegal drugs, a SWAT led police force launches an operation to arrest Abel, one of the biggest druglords in Manilla. Police Officer Espino and Elijah, a small-time pusher turned informant, provide the intelligence for the operation which quickly escalates into a violent and heavily-armed confrontation in the slums between the SWAT and Abel’s gang. Before the investigators arrive at the crime scene, Espino and Elijah walk off with Abel’s backpack full of money and methamphetamine. This gesture of survival for one and corruption for the other will soon set off a dangerous series of events, both of them risking their reputations, families and lives in the process.

Brillante “Dante” Mendoza
(born 30 July 1960) is a Filipino independent film director. He was born and raised in San Fernando, Pampanga. He took advertising arts of the then College of Architecture and fine arts at the University of Santo Tomas. He has directed sixteen films since 2005. He won the award for Best Director for his film Kinatay at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. His 2009 film Lola won the award for Best Film at the 6th Dubai International Film Festival. His 2012 film Captive was shown in competition at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival in February 2012.