The Bit Player (2013 film)
# The Bit Player (2013 film)

The Bit Player (Filipino: Ekstra) is a 2013 Filipino socio-realist drama-comedy film by Jeffrey Jeturian. The film stars Vilma Santos as Loida Malabanan, who spends her days dreaming of her big break while working with the country’s best small screen actors. The film competed under the Directors Showcase sidebar of 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It topped the box office in all four venues of said festival. The film was released in mainstream theaters by Star Cinema on August 14, as part of their 20th Anniversary offering.

The film had its international premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, set from September 5 to 15, under Contemporary World Cinema section. It also showed at the 2013 San Diego Asian Film Festival.

## Plot

The film follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan (Vilma Santos) as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra. As the shoot goes on, we get a glimpse of the truth in the ruling system of the production as well as the exploitation of the marginalized laborers like her.

## Cast

* Vilma Santos as Loida Malabanan
* Fatima Centeno as Production Assistant
* Marlon Rivera as Director
* Vincent de Jesus as Assistant Director
* Ruby Ruiz as Josie
* Tart Carlos as Venus
* Hazel Faith Dela Cruz as Olga
* Marian Rivera as Herself / Belinda
* Piolo Pascual as Himself / Brando
* Cherie Gil as Herself / Doña Beatrix
* Pilar Pilapil as Ms. Amanda / Doña Esmeralda
* Tom Rodriguez as Himself / Rafael
* Eula Valdez as Herself
* Cherry Pie Picache as Herself / Ma'am Amelia
* Richard Yap as Himself / Sir Richard
* Terence Baylon as Police 1

## Awards

* 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival (Directors Showcase)
   * Special Jury Prize
   * Audience Choice
   * NETPAC Award
   * Best Actress – Vilma Santos
   * Best Supporting Actress – Ruby Ruiz
   * Best Screenplay
   * Nominated–Best Film

Gawad Tanglaw Awards 2014

   * Best Actress - (Vilma Santos)

13th Dhaka International Film Festival

   * Best Actress - (Vilma Santos)

2015 New York Festivals

   * Best Feature Film - Bronze
