MANILA, July 14 ------ In the last two decades, Cinemalaya has led the charge in Philippine independent filmmaking, inspiring new generations of bolder and braver filmmakers to push the boundaries of local cinema. According to Cinemalaya president Laurice Guillen, the annual showcase of 10 “distinct” full-length films and 10 short films have been instrumental in shaping the vibrant indie film scene, which she believes is now making its mark on mainstream media. “I can say indie paved way for it. Every year from the hundreds that apply for the grant, we always set it at 10 because we can set a wave. If just one you can have something outstanding but it is not enough to carry the wave of the independent movement,” she said in an interview during the press conference of the film festival’s 20th edition in Manila City. “Indie has a big influence. It tackled subject matters that are not tackled by commercial films, that was the difference before. We have the influence of independent cinemas in commercial films now in the sense it has an individual voice. It does not rely on a formula. They are able to tackle films you normally won’t see on television,” she further explained.
Cinemalaya is celebrated as a platform for cinematic voices championing the diverse plights of the Filipino people, who are often underrepresented, to be heard. “We discover the filmmakers who have something to say other than what we have seen before. The film is what is the kalooban of the director. So, it means, a segment of our society or culture is seeking it out if it is shown. It means it is something that needs to be addressed,” the Cinemalaya president explained. “Indie is not for all. It looks for an audience. If that is their sentiment thought, what they wanted to say, there are like minded people,” she added.
For instance, among the entries seeking to start conversations in Cinemalaya 20, which has the theme of is “Loob, Lalim, Lakas,” is Kip Oebanda’s “Balota.” The title top-billed by Kapuso star Marian Rivera will take moviegoers on the harrowing experience of victims of electoral violence. “Sa kaka-research ko ng kaka-research lumawak understanding ko gaano katago 'yung violence. Sa teaser namin, there are hundreds of comments saying how violent elections are in their small towns. Ba't natin hindi ito masyado pinag-uusapan? Nabubulag tayo sa spectacle, sa horse race ng mga kandidato. Nasaan 'yung ordinaryong tao sa discussion natin?” Oebanda admonished. “Sa kwento na ginawa at ginampanan ko, napakahirap. Saludo talaga kami sa lahat ng nga teacher na nag priprisinta,” Rivera chimed in.
Meanwhile, a title also aiming for resonance beyond the silver screen, albeit more personal, is JL Burgos’ “Alipato at Muog.” The film, which is the sole documentary in the 20th edition of the festival, hopes Cinemalaya screenings from Aug 2-11 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, will open more avenues in the search for Jonas Burgos — the filmmaker’s brother and a farmer activist suspected to have been abducted by military agents while he was eating in a mall in Quezon City in 2007. “We started shooting 2 days after he went missing. It is 17 years of material. Ito ay document process nang paghahanap kay Jonas,” he said in an interview. “This is not just a film for Cinemalaya; this is a search for justice,” he added.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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