For the past eleven years, as a cinephile in the Philippines, going to Cinemalaya is like going to Pilgrimage. You get to watch films that rarely make it to the chopping block of mainstream media; films that enrich the mind (in my perspective, at least), inform the public of the existential matters, to entertain them through original cinematic works by Filipino Filmmakers.
READ MORE: Complete screening schedule of Cinemalaya 2015
In the absence of the full-length features, a retrospective section opens on August 9th featuring several acclaimed Cinemalaya films from the festival’s ten-year event. Here are a few things you need to know about the selected films.
YEAR ONE (2005)
Pepot Artista / Pepot Superstar
Best Film, 2005 New Breed Category
August 9, Sunday 3:30 PM at the CCP Studio Theatre, (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
It took thirty years for Clodualdo ‘Doy’ del Mundo Jr. to finish the script for his debut film as a director. This comedy-musical centers on a young boy who dreamt of becoming a movie star in the 70s, despite everyone else’s interpretation of success. Starring Elijah Castillo, Nonie Buencamino, Rio Locsin, Cris Villanueva, and Tado Jimenez.
Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros / The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros
Special Jury, 2005 New Breed Category
August 14, 9PM at the CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Need I say more about this? Aureus Solito’s debut film stars Nathan Lopez as Maximo Oliveros or ‘Maxi’, a 12 year old who is infatuated with a cop who soon investigates his family’s illegal business. Michiko Yamamoto (Erik Matti’s collaborator on OTJ, kids) writes the screenplay for this neo-realist coming-of-age film which bagged the Special Jury prize, as well as Special Citation for Nathan Lopez, and Best Production Design for Clint Cantalan. The film campaigned through international film festival circuits and was the official Philippine submission to the 79th Academy Awards.
YEAR TWO (2006)
Tulad ng Dati / Just Like Before
Best Film, 2006 New Breed Category
August 9, 6:15 PM at the CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Mike Sandejas’ musical drama, which can also be accounted as a documentary features a fictionalized version of pinoy rock icons The Dawn. Post- Teddy Diaz, Jett Pangan along with the rest of the band plays themselves in the years after Diaz’s death. The film won Best Film, Best Editing for Mikael Pestaño and Best Sound Design for Ronald de Asis.
BATAD: Sa Paang Palay
Special Jury Prize, 2006 New Breed Category
August 15, Saturday 12:45PM at the CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Western modernization in Banawe has influenced a young Batad/Igorot boy to own a pair of shoes, and perhaps to pursue big city dreams. His father on the other is on a mission to help save the rice terraces. This simple narrative on the generational conflict won the Special Jury Prize for Benji Garcia, Best Screenplay for Vic Acedillo, and Best Performance by an Actor for Alchris Galura. The film also stars Gina Alajar and Nonie Buencamino.
YEAR THREE (2007)
Tribu
Best Film, New Breed Category
August 11, Tuesday 6:15 PM, CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
The film’s has won several accolades in both local and international festivals, including the 2008 Pari de l’Avenir award at the Festival Paris Cinema which was the only non-European film to do so. This neo-realist film depicts the lives of the children of Tondo realizing their identity by becoming members of neighborhood gangs. You’re in for a twisted, self-antagonizing yet downbeat portrayal of Manila’s very own tribes. Jim Libiran hires real-life gangs as actors for the film. The film won Best Actor Ensemble, Best Film, as well as Best Sound for Mark Laccay.
Endo / Love on a Budget
Special Jury Prize, New Breed Category
August 15, Saturday at 3:30 PM at the CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Jade Castro has been a festival regular ever since his first independent feature, Endo. Leo has been jumping from one job to another once his contract ends as a result of poverty and a lack of complete educational attainment to pursue a better career, he soon finds love when he meets a co-worker named Tanya. The uncertainties of their employment as well as their relationship is explored in this simple indie-drama. Jason Abalos stars as Leo while Ina Feleo won Best Actress for her portrayal of Tanya.
YEAR FOUR (2008)
Jay
Best Film, New Breed Category
August 12, Wednesday at 12:45 PM, CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Shot in Bacolor, Pampanga Jay refers to the film’s two protagonists: the homosexual teacher whose death is documented — and later investigated by the television producer, Jay Santiago. Baron Geisler plays Santiago, whose performance won the Best Actor trophy. The film tackles exploitation evident in Philippine mass media in which television producers would go as far as sensationalize stories to capture the attention of the masses. This is Francis Xavier Pasion first feature film as a filmmaker which won him several accolades in both local and international film circles including the Venice Film Festival, as well as the Pusan International Film Festival – Korea.
Brutus: Ang Paglalakbay / Brutus: The Journey
Special Jury Prize, 2008 New Breed Category
August 12, Wednesday 12:45 PM, CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Written and directed by Tara Illenberger, this coming-of-age film about two Mangyan boys hired by illegal loggers to smuggle wood from the mountains discovering a world consumed by greed. The film also features the beauty that is Mindoro. Starring Yul Servo, Ronnie Lazaro, Rhea Medina, and Timothy Mabalaot.
YEAR FIVE (2009)
Last Supper No. 3
Best Film, New Breed
August 12, Wednesday at 3:30PM, Studio Theatre (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Based on a true story, Joey Paras stars as Wilson Nañawa, an assistant production designer tasked to find three “Last Supper”s to use for a TV commercial. The third gets lost and soon he gets entangled in several law suits including serious physical damages. Veronica B. Velasco’s (who co-directs this with Jinky Laurel)comic attack on the Filipino Justice system also stars cameo appearances from Maricel Soriano, Ricky Davao and Liza Lorena.
Colorum
Special Jury Prize, New Breed
August 12, Wednesday at 12:45 PM, CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Jon Steffan Ballesteros’ Colorum refers to undocumented vehicles roaming across the metro. Alfred Vargas stars as Simon Madriga, a young cop who works part-time as an fx drive along with Lou Veloso who won Best Actor for his portrayal of an ex-convict who coincides with Simon as they embark on a road trip across the Philippine East Coast. This was nominated for the Asian Film Award at the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe / The Rapture of Fe
Special Jury Prize, New Breed
August 12, Wednesday at 3:30 PM at the CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe stars Irma Adlawan in one of her finest, most memorable roles. This is Alvin Yapan‘s first full-length film and one of his and producer Alemberg Ang‘s earliest collaborations. The film is a mix of fantasy and realism and stars Nonie Buencamino as Fe’s estranged husband, and TJ Trinidad as the young Arturo whom Fe gets infatuated with.
Engkwentro / Clash
Special Jury Citation, 2009 New Breed Category
August 12, Wednesday 6:15 PM, CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Pepe Diokno’s first feature film puts the focus on state-sponsored vigilante killings in Mindanao and was the only Filipino film to compete at the prestigious 66th Venice International Film Festival. The VIFF is one of the oldest film festivals and part of the “Big Three” along with Cannes and the Berlinale. Two brothers get into a gang rivalry while one of them gets hunted by the city’s Death Squad. The film is said to have been inspired by real brothers Diokno met at a detention facility. Starring Felix Roco as Richard and Daniel Medrana as Raymond.
YEAR SIX (2010)
Halaw / Ways of the Sea
Best Film, 2010 New Breed Category
August 12, Wednesday 6:15 PM CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Sheron Dayoc is a Mindanaoan filmmaker. He puts the focus of the film on an illiterate Badjao and his 9-year-old daughter as they illegally cross the border of the Philippines and Malaysia to reunite with his wife.
Donor
Best Film, Director’s Showcase
August 12, Wednesday 9:00 PM CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Donor tells the familiar tale of a Filipina, Lizette, in her desire to work abroad she decides to sell her kidney to a wealthy Arabian kidney patient. She strives to achieve her goal — to the point of agreeing to marry the Arab (one who she’s never met) — when a law bans organ transplants between Filipinos and foreignors. Meryl Soriano plays Lizette in an effervescent style that is both refreshing and haunting. The film won five awards including Best Performance of an Actress for Soriano, Best Perfomance of an Actor for Baron Geisler, Best Supporting Actress for Karla Pambid and Best Production Design for Aped Santos.
Sampaguita, National Flower
Special Jury Prize, New Breed Category
August 12, Wednesday 9:00 PM CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
From exposing sensationalized media in Jay, Francis Xavier Pasion features an unusual, but solitary protagonist. Sampaguita chronicles the journey of the flower from its beginnings as a bud in the province, until it is sold in the city as told in the voice of young sampaguita vendors.
Two Funerals
Special Jury Prize, Director’s Showcase
August 13, Thursday, 12:45 PM, CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Gio Potes’ black comedy about a grieving mother, played by Tessie Tomas, who’s daughter’s body is switched with a stranger’s corpse takes her on a journey from Tuguegarrao, Cagayan (north of the Philippines) to Matnog, Sorsogon during the Holy Week. The film is quite an adventure with laughs and of course a wonderful performance from Tomas. Xian Lim stars in this film, too.
YEAR SEVEN (2011)
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank / The Woman in the Septic Tank
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August 13, Thursday 12:45 PM, CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
I don’t think this film needs any brief synopsis. Marlon Rivera and Eugene Domingo is a match made in Independent Cinema. Eugene plays herself… how do I put this, an extravagant version of what the audiences perceive actors to be in real life.
Bisperas / Eve
Best Film, Director’s Showcase
August 13, Thursday 3:30 PM CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
On Christmas Eve, a family finds their house burglarized causing each members of the household to identify each items stolen. Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, the film won the FIPRESCI prize in the Eurasia International Film Festival in 2011.
Niño
Special Jury Prize, New Breed Category
August 13, Thursday 3:30 PM, CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
The film covers religion, sex, politics, and love. In veteran theatre director Loy Arcenas’ first feature film, Fides Cuyugan Asensio, Tony Mabesa, Art Acuña, Shamaine Buencamino are all embroiled in a story about a family in ruins. The film wins Best Actor for Art Acuña; Best Supporting Actress for Shamaine Buencamino; and Best Production Design for Laida Lim.
YEAR EIGHT (2012)
Diablo
In an post in Interaksyon, Mes de Guzman describes the film as a drama. “In a cultural context when you say Diablo, it’s evil, Satan, demon, etcetera,” she noted. “But the film simply unravels the story of a mother’s love and her family’s journey to overcoming the demons in their lives. It’s just a metaphor and does not literally represent anything.” Oftentimes hailed as one of the best films to come out of the of the festival, Ama Quiambao plays Nanang Lusing who struggles to keep her family afloat while a dark figure haunts her at night, which may or may not be a manifestation of her late husband. The film won Best Cinematography, Best Film, Best Actress for Quiambao, and the NETPAC award for the Full-length Feature category.
Requieme!
Special Jury Award, New Breed
August 13, Thursday 6:15 PM CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Loy Arceñas tackles death once again, but this time uses it as a plot device for this humorous look at Filipino culture, as well as an emotional path towards mother and son. Shamaine Buencamino stars as Swanie, the mother whose goal for popularity goes a little twisted, and Anthony Falcon as Swanie’s son Joanna who’s endearing mission to help their neighbor’s burial goes a long way by lending his “breast-implant” savings. Arceñas teams up once again with Rody Vera, who wins Best Screenplay for the film.
Kamera Obskura
Special Jury Prize, Director’s Showcase
August 13, Thursday 9:00 PM CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
If you aren’t fond of black and white films, then it’s about time you saw Raymond Red’s Kamera Obskura. The film is a direct homage to Filipino cinema, its inception from the silent era to the dilemmas of film preservation. Winning Special Jury Prize as well as Best Original Music Score to Diwa de Leon.
POSAS / Shackled
Best Film, Director’s Showcase
August 14, Friday 12:45 PM, CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
Lawrence Fajardo’s drama about a notorious snatcher held captive for the first time under the jarring criminal justice system in the Philippines. The film details something we’ve always seen in the news: how far can we go for “justice”? Art Acuña wins Best Supporting actor as Inspector Domingo. Nico Antonio plays Jestoni Biag, and Bangs Garcia plays the call-center agent, Grace.
YEAR NINE (2013)
Transit
Best Film, New Breed Category
August 14, Friday 3:30 PM, CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
One of the best breakthrough films to come out in 2013, Hannah Espia’s first feature film bags nine (9) awards including Best Film, Audience Award, Best Director, Best Actress for Irma Adlawan; Best Supporting Actress for Jasmine Curtis- Smith; Special Jury Citation for Best Acting Ensemble; Best Cinematography for Ber Cruz and Lyle Nemenzo Sacris; Best Editing for Benjamin Tolentino and Hannah Espia; and Best Score for Mon Espia. The film is set in Tel-Aviv, where a single father tries to hide is children from immigration police after the Israeli government enacts a law that deports children of immigrant workers. The entire ensemble cast of Adlawan, Curtis-Smith, Mercedes Cabral, and Ping Medina shines in this film that was “almost” an entry to the Foreign Language film award at the 86th Academy Awards.
Sana Dati/ If Only
Best Film, Director’s Showcase
August 14, Friday 6:15 PM, CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
If “hugot” is what you want then that’s what you’ll get in Jerrold Tarog’s Sana Dati. This final instalment in Tarog’s Camera Trilogy features breath taking performances from Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, TJ Trinidad, and Benjamin Alves. Jerrold Tarog’s love for music allures in the “Indak” scene. The film wins a total of five technical awards including Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Director.
Quick Change
Special Jury Prize, New Breed Category
August 14, Friday 12:45 PM, CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Illegal cosmetic trade gets its spotlight on Eduardo Roy Jr.’s film starring Mimi Juareza as Dorina, a real-life transgender. She gets the world on her shoulders: a wonderful career albeit the illegal trade; an established mother-son relationship to her nephew; and a wonderful love life through Uno (played by Jun-Jun Quitana) up until he falls in love with another transgender.
Ekstra / The Bit Player
Special Jury Prize, Director’s Showcase
August 14, Friday 3:30 PM, CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Jeffrey Jeturian is back at Cinemalaya, this time he brings in the Star for All Seasons and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos as Loida Malabanan. Breaking free from high profile roles, Vilma’s Loida is on the sidelines of every soap opera, film, or commercials which may or may not need bit players to fill in. Like most of us, she dreams of getting her break, one that she feels she’s worked hard for these years. The film won over seven (7) awards including Audience Choice, NETPAC Award, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress for Ruby Ruiz, Best Screenplay, and a nomination for Best Film. The film fared well internationally, winning a Best Feature Film-Bronze at the 2015 New York Film Festival.
YEAR TEN (2014)
Kasal / The Wedding
Best Film, Director’s Showcase
August 8, Saturday 9:00 PM CCP Little Theater (Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino)
Joselito Altajero’s Kasal discusses the impossibilities of gay marriage in the country. To borrow a few words from Jonell’s review
“Kasal veers away from the borders of being preachy and stereotyped. It stands as a slice-of-life drama that explores the fragile human capacity to love with such admirable honesty and boldness, and in its fullness, an exploration of feelings: that punch inside one’s soul, that tinge of desire ultimately overpowered by affection, that irrefutable torment of getting hurt, most especially by someone you deeply love.”
With performances from Oliver Aquino and Arnold Reyes, the film wins Best Film, Best Musical Score for Richard Gonzales, Best Production Design for Harley Alcasid, and Best Cinematography for Mycko David.
Bwaya
Best Film, New Breed Category
August 13, Thursday 12:45 PM CCP Little Theater (Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino)
The film’s title means ‘Crocodile’ in Tagalog and is often used for corrupt politicians. Angeli Bayani stars in this film, about a 2009 incident in which a crocodile allegedly attacked a 12-year old girl in the mashlands of Agusan del Norte. The film wins Best Film for Francis Xavier Pasion; Best Cinematography for Neil Daza; Best Musical Score for Erwin Fajardo; and the NETPAC Award under the New Breed Category. For a more detailed description of the film, read: BWAYA 2014 Review
K’na, The Dreamweaver
Special Jury Prize, New Breed Category
August 14, Friday 6:15 PM CCP Dream Theater (Tanghalang Manuel Conde)
Ida del Mundo’s definition of fairy tales rest solely on the beauty of our very own indigenous tribes. K’na is a princess of the T’boli tribe faces trials on her own as she is chosen to become the next Dreamweaver. Vibrant is one way to describe the film as it brings us to picturesque images of the south, and the way it introduces a culture that seems unknown to contemporary audiences is refreshing. Staring Mara Lopez and RK Bagatsing, the film won the Special Jury Prize as well as Best Production Design for Toym Imao. READ: Our review of K’na the Dreamweaver
Hari ng Tondo / Where I Am King
Special Jury Prize, Director’s Showcase
A comedy-drama musical about the lives of a family living in Tondo, director Carlos Siguion-Reyna along with a script from his frequent collaborator, Bibeth Orteza. It stars Robert Arevalo, Cris Villongco, Rafa Siguion-Reyna. The film won Special Jury Prize, Best Actor for Robert Arevalo, and Best Supporting Actress for Cris Villongco. READ: ‘Hari ng Tondo’ Review
Cinemalaya screens its retrospective films from August 9 to 15.
