A Faraway Land

Behind the Scenes of A Faraway Land (2021): A Filipino Film’s Remote Journey

A Faraway Land (2021), directed by Veronica Velasco, is a Filipino drama that took its cast and crew to one of the world’s most breathtaking—and remote—locations: the Faroe Islands. The film stars Paolo Contis, Yen Santos, Ruby Ruiz, Hans Tórgarð, and Maricor Canlas, blending a story of love and separation with the stark beauty of its Nordic setting. latestnetflix.com's take is that while details about the production remain scarce, glimpses from behind-the-scenes footage and reviews offer a tantalizing look at the challenges and allure of filming in such an isolated landscape.

Shooting in the Faroe Islands: A Logistical Marvel

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago between Iceland and Norway, are known for their dramatic cliffs, windswept landscapes, and unpredictable weather. For A Faraway Land, the crew chose Gásadalur, a tiny village on the island of Vágar, as a key filming location . Behind-the-scenes footage shows the cast braving the elements, with Contis and Santos navigating rugged terrain while delivering emotional performances . The isolation of the setting likely amplified the film’s themes of distance and longing, but it also posed logistical hurdles—transport, equipment, and even basic amenities would have been harder to secure in such a remote area.

Hans Tórgarð, the only Faroese actor in the cast, may have served as a cultural bridge, though the evidence doesn’t confirm his exact role in production . His presence suggests an effort to ground the film in local authenticity, even if the story itself is distinctly Filipino.

Cast Chemistry and Off-Screen Drama

Paolo Contis and Yen Santos play central roles in A Faraway Land, and their on-screen dynamic has drawn attention—particularly given Contis’ real-life relationship with actress LJ Reyes . While the film’s plot revolves around separation, rumors swirled about tension between the two leads, fueled by tabloid speculation about Contis’ personal life . However, no concrete evidence from the set confirms any off-screen friction. Behind-the-scenes clips instead show a professional, if not warm, working relationship, with the actors focused on their roles amid the Faroe Islands’ demanding conditions .

Ruby Ruiz and Maricor Canlas, veterans of Filipino cinema, round out the cast, though their contributions to the production remain largely undocumented in available sources.

Reception and Themes: A Quiet Release

A Faraway Land premiered in 2021, but critical reception appears limited. Rotten Tomatoes lists the film under its 2020 page, though the correct release year is 2021 . Reviews on YouTube are mixed, with some praising the cinematography and emotional weight, while others critique the pacing or narrative depth . The film’s trailer and official clips highlight its visual grandeur, emphasizing the contrast between the characters’ emotional turmoil and the serene, almost otherworldly landscapes .

Thematically, the movie explores separation—whether by distance, circumstance, or choice—and the Faroe Islands serve as a metaphorical backdrop for that isolation. Whether the film fully delivers on its promise remains a matter of debate, but its ambition is undeniable.

The Verdict: A Film Worth Remembering?

A Faraway Land stands out for its bold choice of location and its attempt to merge Filipino storytelling with a Nordic setting. However, coverage of the production is thin, leaving many questions unanswered. Was the shoot as grueling as the setting suggests? Did the cast form lasting bonds, or was the experience purely professional? For now, the film remains a curiosity—a rare Filipino project that ventured far from home, both geographically and thematically.