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The Missing [Iti Mapukpukaw] (18*) {UK Premiere} + Q&A

Queer East Festival 2024

,Cinema 1
Two young people stand in a lift looking directly forward.

When an alien tries to kidnap him, a mouthless young animator must face up to his traumatic memories. Followed by an online Q&A with the director Carl Joseph E. Papa.

Eric works as an animator in the Philippines. He has a fairly normal life: a well-paying job; a nice, albeit messy, apartment; and he’s attracted to a colleague, Carlo, who seems to like him as well. One unusual thing about Eric, however, is that he does not have a mouth – literally – so communicates via a tablet and sign language. 

One day, his mother asks him to check on his uncle, who has been missing for a while. Agreeing to help, Eric unwittingly provokes the appearance of a familiar, sinister UFO, and the untangling of traumatic memories. 

Drawing on themes associated with the New Queer Cinema, Carl Joseph Papa’s outstanding animation portrays the psychological journey of a mouthless character who must face up to that which cannot be spoken. 

Tagged with: Cinema Queer East Festival 2024

dir. Carl Joseph E. Papa, Philippines, Thailand, 90 mins

Please note this film includes some scenes viewers may find disturbing, including references to sexual abuse.

About the director

Carl Joseph Papa is a software engineer by profession, but filmmaking has always been his passion. He first dabbled in film by making experimental and animated short films, which have been showcased locally and internationally. 

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.