This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Electromilk) is limited to 1,000 unitsand is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
At a catholic high school in the Filipino city of Tuguegarao, a rambunctious batch of students rebel against all expectations to be good and clean: a germaphobe is tested by a bout of uncontrollable diarrhea; a trio of emos are forced to perform tinikling (a traditional Philippine folk dance) with a normie; an uncircumcised boy attempts to ask an ostracized pregnant girl to prom; and the mayor’s son is tempted by his father’s corrupt example while running for youth council chairman.
Every frame of filmmaker Glenn Barit’s Cleaners was printed, hand colored with highlighters, and then rescanned, giving each of its angst-drenched emotions a singular handmade texture and the whole film a bone-deep nostalgia for growing up in the Philippines in the early aughts. One-of-a-kind visuals, plus earnest tracks by Filipino emo band Typecast and a swelling score composed by Barit himself, compel us to feel the fullest extent of Cleaners’ all at once loud, soft, funny, and sweet teenage antics and affections.
directed by: Glenn Barit starring: Ianna Taguinod, Leomar Balora, Julian Narag, Carlo Meji, Gianne Rivera Charisse Mabbonag, Allan Gannaban, Andrei Marquez 2021 / 78 min / 1.78:1 / Tagalog DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Audio Commentary with Director Glenn Barit
Newly Commissioned Short Film, Yung Huling Swimming Reunion Before Life Happens (Glenn Barit, 2023, 20 minutes)
Short film, Luzonensis Osteoporosis (Glenn Barit, 2022, 20 minutes)
Short film, Endless Oven (Glenn Barit, 2021, 10 minutes)
Short film, Judy Free (Che Tagymon, 2019, 20 minutes)
Short film, Nangungupahan (Glenn Barit, 2018, 12 minutes)
Short film, Aliens Ata (Glenn Barit, 2017, 7 minutes)
Initial and Secondary Proof of Concept
Behind-the-Scene Videos
Festival Trailer
Domestic Release Trailer
Optional English, Tagalog, Spanish, and Portuguese subtitles for feature film
English subtitles for shorts and bonus material
Booklet with new writing by Richard Bolisay and Benj Gabun Sumabat.
New Artwork by Electromilk (@electromilk)
Overall rating: 4.756098 / 5 from 41 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Cleaners, a limited edition slipcover by Electromilk, features a unique film by Glenn Barit with hand-printed visuals and a nostalgic score. Customers appreciate the quirky, creative, and captivating nature of the film, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
"firstly, this could be one of my favorite slipcovers ever I love the overall design and the film is excellent." — Chris Z.
"A totally captivating high school movie from the Philippines, with some really, really unique visuals!" — TIGER Q.
"Very unique and enjoyable film." — Marcel W.
Reviews
My Favorite Release from KANI so far!
"For the reason that it checks all of the boxes. EXTRAS: Kani includes here a wealth of special features from behind-the-scenes/making of featurettes, director commentary, trailers, a booklet featuring supplemental readings on the film, and six short films. 6! PACKAGING: Beautifully designed slipcover, cover, disc art that stay true to the creative spirit of the film. Even the design of the main menu, is a treat to look at. FILM SELECTION: Its a perfect example of what Kani hopes to keep bringing at the table, asian cinema and to present these films with the distinct culture they embody. Also, at least for the ones they have released from the Philippines, I am glad they opted for a more recent film which I hope they would do again in the future since theres plenty to discover from the country's new breed of cinema. Overall stellar release. Give it a try."
— Terrence P. (5/5)
Coming of Age
"Beautiful, bittersweet, and incredibly warming film to watch amongst people you care about."
— Christopher V. (5/5)
Unique
"A unique film well worth the watch"
— Travis O. (5/5)
Gritty, stylish anthology with attitude
"Fast-moving, energetic chapters linked by bold editing and a punchy visual style. Great if you like sharp, experimental storytelling. Presentation is clean and dynamic."
— Thomas L. (4/5)
Fun!
"Phenomenal packaging for such a great and creative film"
— Simon P. (5/5)
Nothing quite like it
"I'm definitely missing a lot of cultural context in the actual story, but there's nothing else quite like it and the accompanying shorts offer different showcases of the director playfully experimenting behind the camera."
— Jonas V. (5/5)
Super interesting film from Kani.
"Super interesting film from Kani."
— Dave C. (4/5)
an amazingly creative film
"firstly, this could be one of my favorite slipcovers ever I love the overall design and the film is excellent."
— Chris Z. (5/5)
Hidden gem
"Glad to have discovered this and get to dive into the directors other work"
— Michael G. (5/5)
"Wholly original. Great artwork."
— Laurens (5/5)
Q&A
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