Now Showing

The film centers on Rita, who is named after a famous American movie star admired by her late grandmother. Set in one of Manila’s oldest districts, it depicts her life with her busy mother and entrepreneurial aunt. As Rita grows, she remains captivated by television while helping at her aunt’s stall, which sells pirated DVD movies.

Now Showing weaves together themes of nostalgia and the impact of cinema on personal identity. The narrative juxtaposes Rita's contemporary life with remnants of film history, including footage from a movie made before the war. This exploration of both personal and cultural history offers insight into the significance of film in everyday life, particularly in a vibrant setting like Manila.