Ekstra is a 2013 Filipino socio-realist drama-comedy film by Jeffrey Jeturian. The film stars Vilma Santos as Loida Malabanan, who spends her days dreaming of her big break while working with the country’s best small-screen actors.
The film follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra. As the shoot goes on, we get a glimpse of the truth in the ruling system of production as well as the exploitation of marginalized laborers like her.
Ekstra is a tribute to the bit players and scoffs at the “system” in the local showbiz industry wherein “star” talents are treated like royalty, while bit players (including those working off-camera such as technicians, custodians, etc) are exploited to the hilt
The film also features cameo appearances by some industry stalwarts such as Cherie Gil, Cherry Pie Picache, Pilar Pilapil, Marian Rivera, Piolo Pascual, Tom Rodriguez, Eula Valdes, and Richard Yap.
The film won several awards, including Special Jury Prize, Audience Choice, NETPAC Award, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress at the 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It also had its international premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and won Best Feature Film – Bronze at the 2015 New York Festivals.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ye_1wLjcvk]