Cinemalaya Day 6. Was able to screen 2 films in exhibition: the world premiere of "Lukaret" and the digital film of our National Artist for Film, Eddie Romero's "Teach Me To Love".
I'll talk about Eddie Romero's film in a separate blog. So in this entry, I'll be finishing my reviews by featuring the last batch of short films in competition.
ANG IBANG MGA PAMILYA (by Joel Ruiz) is about a woman who overcomes the grief of losing her adopted son.
Ang Ibang Mga Pamilya displayed excellence in film making technicals. Colors were saturated, but muted in a way...reflecting the somber mood of the funeral. Framing was perfect, especially in the scene where the mom saw the child sleeping in the pews. Pace was perfectly slow. The only problem I have with the film is the clarity of the story. I personally didn't get the ending. But after Sine Taktakan awhile ago, Joel Ruiz explained that there is another film in tandem with this, which takes on the perspective of the dad and the child. If that was approved by the Cinemalaya Screening Commitee, this film would have made more sense.
DIAMANTE SA LANGIT (by Vic Acedillo Jr.) is about two brothers' journey to compete in a kite flying contest. But getting there takes some time.
I like this short. The plot was simple and straight forward. There were no pretensions in the film, but impactful. The kite flying scenes may be a bit too long, but I see the importance of it in the story. This film is all about letting your dreams soar in the sky, no matter how small and crap it appears relative to others. During the Sine Taktakam, Vic Acedillo Jr said that the overall budget for the film was "nothing". They just had a trip and saw the kite festival...there and then they decided to make this film. Diamante Sa Langit is a wild card for best short this year.
ANGAN-ANGAN (by Sheron Dayoc) centers on a mute nine-year-old girl named Satra. whose determination to secure a good education reverberates clearly amid the strictness of her Yakan culture. Angan-angan means "dreams".
Brilliant material for a short film. Angan-Angan was an opener on how culture can hinder to relevant, basic and important things like education. The problem with the film was the editing. Transitions were an irritant. I like the ending as well...you felt the freedom of the lead character.
GOD ONLY KNOWS (by Mark Reyes) focuses on the disturbing and gut wretching tale about the realities of life in the sprawling metropolis of Manila.
The film with a jaw dropping ending, according to Joel Ruiz. I agree. The ending was a shocker. It was also a wise decision to just cut it there. The cliffhanger made the audience utter moans of "inis" making them more engaged to the film. The cinematography was perfect. Acting was fantastic as well (congrats to Angel Aquino). The story line was simple yet powerful. Good decision for the filmaker to focus on the relationship of the mother and the child. That placed the heart into the movie.
ANDONG (by Milo Tolentino) is a story about a six-year-old boy's obsession, family dynamics, and the real value of a hard-fought twenty pesos.
Andong is the audience's favourite. The child's addiction to television was cleverly exploded by Milo to something very hilarious, yet dramatic and serious. I commend the director casting the perfect talents and leading these non-actors to act. Very natural. I also admire the screenplay for this film...it was fantastic! Very, very funny! I wouldn't be surprised if tihs film gets the top prize for shorts this sunday.
Photos from Sine Taktakan (Day 2), where you could ask anything to the directors.
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