Lola Igna

Lola Igna is a Filipino drama-comedy film released in 2019. Directed by Eduardo W. Roy Jr., the film unfolds in a small town amidst picturesque landscapes, narrating the story of an old woman challenged by modernity, mortality, and the far-reaching possibilities of the internet age. The film offers an intimate, empathetic portrait of its titular character, the oldest woman in the world, as she grapples with intrusive fame, an unexpected guest from her past, and her own longing for peace and quiet.

The film casts Angie Ferro in the lead role of Lola Igna, an elderly woman who has outlived her peers and is more than ready for the peaceful slumber of death. The significance of Lola Igna's age becomes a matter of global attention when she is acknowledged as "the oldest living grandmother in the world." However, rather than celebrating, Lola Igna is annoyed by the constant stream of visitors and the ongoing invasion of her privacy. She just wants to live her remaining days in peace, away from the cacophony of the world.

Yves Flores plays the role of Tim, a young and ambitious vlogger, who travels to Lola Igna's small town with dreams of creating a breakthrough video about the world's oldest woman. His character represents the millennial generation's hunger for instant internet fame, often oblivious towards the privacy and sentiments of others. Here, it is important to mention that the film makes a critical commentary about the social media culture and its continuous struggle for viral content without considering boundaries of personal space.

Meanwhile, Meryll Soriano plays a relatively smaller but significant role as a manifestation of Lola Igna's past. As the film unfolds, subtle details about Lola Igna's life that led to her current state are revealed, weaving a graceful narrative about her experiences and values.

Revolving around the compelling character of Lola Igna, the film portrays a reality where longevity is a double-edged sword. Lola Igna's increasing age, though a pride for her fellow villagers and an intriguing opportunity for digital content creators like Tim, becomes a burden to her. She sees life as a gorgeous banquet where everyone has had their fill and is ready to take their leave. The invasiveness of her newfound fame only enhances her longing for the sweet release of death.

The film's narrative incorporates a fine blend of humor and poignancy. It tickles your funny bone with light-hearted moments and witty dialogues while pulling at your heartstrings with emotional scenes that make you sympathize with Lola Igna. It is simultaneously comic and tragic to see how a woman who yearns for nothing more than a quiet exit has her sunset days interrupted by the world's insensible fascination.

One of the strengths of the film lies in its patient and detailed storytelling. The director carefully observes and reveals the charm of rural Filipino life through a unique lens, focusing on the captivating symphony of slow life that manifests itself in mundane tasks, local gossip, shared meals, and communal gatherings or celebrations. The picturesque landscape and visual poetics of the countryside have been captured beautifully, and the film provides a visually immersive viewing experience.

Another important aspect of this masterpiece is the strong performances of its cast. Veteran actress Angie Ferro, who plays the titular character, gives a remarkable performance, projecting an image of an ordinary woman burdened with extraordinary longevity. Her nuanced portrayal of Lola Igna is enriched by her mastery of character immersion and subtlety, wherein her facials expressions and body language speak volumes, often more than the dialogues. The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances, breathing life into the narrative with their distinctive portrayal of complex and layered characters.

The music and sound design of the film adds to the overall charm of the narrative as well. The score perfectly complements the film's rhythm of life and pastoral setting, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Lola Igna conveys a powerful message about life, death, old age, and the struggles of living in a world stimulated by social media. As it entertains, it also makes the viewer reflect. By telling the tale of the oldest woman in the world longing for a peaceful death, it subtly urges the audience to reassess their perspective on life, fame, and the noise of the digital age. Lola Igna is not just a film, but an introspective journey wrapped in humor, nostalgia, and bittersweet realities of life.