THE EDUCATION OF MASSIMO OLIVEROS ( Philipino )

Massimo hasn't even reached puberty yet, but for as long as anyone can remember, he's played the feminine roll: cooking and cleaning for his all male family. This might seem odd to western sensibilities, but no-one in this tight-packed Manila slum bats an eye-lid. It's a convenient set-up for his father, who is also relieved that this gentle son isn't risking his life in the not-so-legal family business. Local police are in on all sorts of nefarious behaviour, until a hunky new officer shows up on the beat. There's something about a man in a tight uniform that even the young Massimo can't resist! Pretty soon he's following he object of his affection around like a puppy. To the amusement of the rest of the station, the boy wants to cook and clean for his mentor, just as he does for the men that he loves at home. Instead of abusing the situation, the concerned cop uses his influence over Massimo to help the youngster. Shot in only a few weeks on location, with the real inhabitants and on a g-string budget, this is an exceptional piece of work. The untrained young actor carries the film with brilliance and humour, and the director gives great dignity to his people.