As if Cinemalaya wasn’t enough…
It’s been a long way down the road since Alexis Tioseco’s Wishful Thinking for Philippine Cinema in which he relays what Philippine Cinema has been missing out on in the last half century. But what I followed more closely in that long list was what he said of us non-filmmakers:
I wish more non-filmmakers from the Philippines would get to travel to festivals.
But with the trends of a sold-out opening and closing films at the recently concluded Cinemalaya Film Festival 2015 , or with people spending their time reading this just to find out how film ninjas do their work, it makes me happy that perhaps producers and festival goers have read that list and have now grown tired of the same formulaic story the big studios have been producing lately. This month alone people are gearing up for QCinema/ Quezon City International Film Festival, QC International Pink Cinema, Korean International Film Festival, Korean Film Festival, Spanish Film Festival, Cinema Rehiyon Reloaded, Science Film Festival (yes there is one, to celebrate International Year of Light), and then there’s Cinema One Originals and coming this November and of course everyone’s favorite, the Metro Manila Film Festival in December (which also happens to be screening international films for free).
I know. I’ve had a migraine compiling this list alone and typing all the film festivals I could think of and heard of in the past few days. So, I’ve crafted six tips (which you may or may not take seriously) on how to survive this festive film season:
1.) Bring your own twin.
“We’re so glad you made it — but how did you manage to catch two movies in two different venues?“. We tried this before but I was nice enough to remind them of my twin sister, Queen. However! In this instance, if you can find someone who looks like you or even talks the same way that you do, ask them nicely if they can spare their time and catch one of the films for you. If your other half is a great storyteller, the better.
2. Compile all the film festival schedules on a spreadsheet, like a pro.
Pretty much self-explanatory. There’s nothing like a prepared film ninja. This one’s a schedule for QC International Pink Film Festival last year. Pretty right? Since this is one festival schedule and there’s loads up there, it’s about time you learned a few tricks from Excel, or one that’s been taught by our parents: MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY. This is essential because some of the festivals are free to the public, but are on first come, first serve basis. So be to whip up an effective schedule plan for yourself for an easy-breezy film festival experience.
3.) Know the perfect route to the cinema/mall where the festival is held.
You don’t have to be friends with a jeepney/cab driver (that sounds like a pretty good idea though!) to know the perfect route to TriNoma, Greenbelt, SM Megamall, etc. As soon as you step out of the house to catch that screening, make sure you’ve got an idea of what seems efficient to take. Is the MRT usually the fastest at this hour? How about taking that three-hour bus to Megamall via Edsa? If you’ve got your own driver (Uber, Grabcar, Manong driver who’s worked for your family for years) then good for you. But for most of us, we don’t have any of these so it’ll be best if you include a route plan to the venue.
4.) Prepare at least XXXX amount of money for the tickets…
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…and for popcorn! Luckily, some of the festivals offer free screenings, but on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some that don’t offer it for free are for films that will have their premieres at these film festivals or are part of the festival’s competition so get your act together and support local cinema by either buying the tickets beforehand (to avoid long lines) or at least buy your tickets all in one go for the films you want to watch. Not only does this earn you bragging rights on instagram (not really), it is time efficient, too. Managing your schedule will make you aware which of the films you’ll be wanting to see. Some festivals offer a day pass which can save you up to 10% of the ticket sales if you plan to see almost all of them. Also, make sure to include your meal post movie-watching. I assure you, you’ll get hungry right after you watch some experimental short, or perhaps if you’d like to try watching a Lav Diaz film. Popcorn will only be enough for the first hour.
5.) Go to the movies…IN STYLE!
Because you’ll never know who you’ll bump into before and after the screening. Oh hey look, it’s Alex Medina!!! KUYAAAAA PWEDENG SUMELFIE??????
6.) Go with a friend — or friend(s).
You can always go on your own, should you not enjoy other people’s company. But oftentimes it’s always fun watching it with someone else. On your first or third date with someone, or at least with someone whom you know will never tell you what happens next to that Spanish film. Go with someone you know will kick the hell out of that other audience who likes to text during the movie. Now that, my friends, is one heck of a true friend if he or she does that for you.
BONUS!: 7.) Pick your poison.
If you can’t transport yourself easily from one event to another, don’t. Where’s the fun in that? But if you can, then go! With the number of film events lined up for October, it’ll be an incredulous reason for you to say that the local film industry has done nothing to promote both local and foreign films that are definitely worth your time and taste.
ANOTHER ONE FOR THE BOOKS: 8.) Spare your time for the Q&As
As suggested by a cinephile friend (Thanks Macky Macarayan!), when attending film festivals, it is always an essential fact that staying after the credits for the Q&As gives you more than you’ve paid for. This exercises an experience that goes beyond the fourth wall.
