Inspiration goes astray

   December – a month that seems lack of drive to do my various activities. I do not know why I am not motivated to do the things I usually do. Am I am too exhausted in this year’s demand?

   The year 2014 offers lots of opportunities that are too overwhelming to refuse. From being a delegate of the 6th Cinema Rehiyon held in Cagayan de Oro City to being an Executive Director in a consulting firm. With these opportunities I am able to learn new experiences and meet new people. 

   In this month, I cannot think of a good concept for a project. My brain is not functioning well. It cannot formulate a viable idea. It seems that I am tired and only wanted to lie down in my bed. The only thing that I want to do is to read and watch movies or observe people passing in front of me. 

   I pause for a while. I do not have income for this month. I have bills to pay. But I do not care. I think I just wanted to rest for a while and gather inspiration. I write this blog to express my condition. To express how desperate I am to be inspired again. I am not complaining about this year. In fact, I am thankful of it. It’s just that I am become stagnant this month. I feel lethargic to move. 

   To avoid the bitterness, I look into the bright side of this condition. I use this case to reflect and analyze the year 2014. As I review the year, I get amaze because I did things that I really wanted to do. For example I made my second short film, two music videos and interview influential personalities in SOCSKSARGEN. I feel blessed, honored and lucky that I did all of those things. 

   How am I going to solve this predicament? Well, I guess I just have to go with flow and discover the answer along the way of this endless journey. I think it’s just the part of what they called the artists process. Maybe it’s just a typical case for a human being. Nevertheless, I just need a break.

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Winners of SalaMindanaw IFF bared

A scene from End of War by Joe Bacus 

General Santos City, PH - A film about IDPs (internally displaced peoples) won the Golden Durian Prize for best Mindanao short film at the recently concluded second Salamindanaw International Film Festival.

The End of War, directed by Cagayan de Oro filmmaker Joe Bacus, is a story of a family in Maguindanao province caught in the crossfire of a war between Philippine military and Moro rebel forces in 2008.

The jury, composed of film writer Jay Rosas and producer Liryc dela Cruz, cited the film for it “exhibits a clear vision that is matched by the courage and skill of its director. There is power to its silences and chaos, giving us an immersive and compelling experience. Despite its familiar subject matter, it doesn't descend into a mere attempt at relevance. Rather, it reminds us of the fragility of our lives and the difficulty of our quest toward a lasting peace.”

Abakada ni Nanay (Nanay's Aphabet), a documentary about a 78-year-old grandmother who returns to elementary school by Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay native Joni Sarina Mejico, won the jury prize.

Meanwhile, a Singapore, Taiwan and France co-production bagged the Golden Durian Prize for best Asian short film. Jow Zhi Wei’s After The Winter bested ten other films “for its deliberate, subtle, and clearly cinematic exploration of stark and sublime generational and geographical gaps that separate families in modern Taiwan, which is also representative of a prevalent conflict that is evident in fastly Westernizing and modernizing Asian territories.”

Filipino film critic Francis Cruz, filmmaker John Torres and South Korean film programmer Ji-hoon Jo composed the Asian short film jury.

A special mention was awarded to the Indonesian film Sepatu Baru (On Stopping The Rain) by Aditya Ahmad. The jury lauded the film “that charmed us with its voice and humor that is so flavorfully rooted in its community. For combining a more alive Southeast Asian storytelling with enough energy so as not to feel too deliberate and safe. For blending poetry in motion with just the right hint of its politics that rings loudly where it is set.” Ahmad's film won a Special Mention earlier this year at Berlinale. 

Carl Joseph Papa became the first recipient of PH Next Cinema Filmmaker of the Future Prize for his brave and inventive approach to cinematic storytelling in his film Ang 'Di Paglimot Sa Mga Alaala (The Unforgetting).

A press release from SIFF 

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Caera and the story behind her photography

   Caera Grace Lastimosa Agduma or simply Caera is a survivor in her own right. In her 24 years of existence she managed to overcome her dark past and became a messenger of the words of God. She is one of the rising photographers in SOCCSKSARGEN. She is improving and evolving as a photographer and nothing can stop her in expressing her ideas in a positive way. 

   Caera recounts the days when she lost herself. As I describe her, she is a good girl gone badly because of what she experienced in her family. “I rebelled to my parents before,” Caera said. “I neglected my studies, I smoked marijuana, I partied a lot and did many other things that a rebel youngster would do.”

   When I heard all of these, I was a bit surprised because I can’t imagine how she was able to overcome all of it. “That time, Harry Potter and witchcraft were my form of escapism,” as she remembered. “Before, I cannot face the reality so I secluded myself and went into my world.” 

   It’s a spiral of negativity that’s hard to untangle. But thru God’s help, she excluded them out. “All of the said negativities in my life were all gone when I reconnected with God,” she pointed out. "It was a life changing opportunity when I joined the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) last year in Antipolo City."

   “YWAM is a miraculous experience. I thought I could not make it because I did not have money for my (daily) expenses. God helped me through channeling it to my friends and acquaintances.” 

   One of the things that she cannot forget in her YWAM experience was the Mangyan child named Alvin. Alvin inspired her in so many ways. “His innocence really amazed me. When we were in their community, he asked so many questions, he was curious of so many things and he’s fun to be with. His innocence made me realized so many things not just for myself but also for other people.” Through that experience she learned how to face the reality and her creativity started to evolve which eventually lead her to photography. 

   She started in photography using only her camera phone. She fondly took photos and posted it online. Luckily, it gained popularity and became an inspiration. Until one day, her mom got a Canon 600D camera because of work related tasks. She took the opportunity to use it and learn the art of photography. Her first mentor was her boyfriend, Edward James Sinforoso who taught her the basics of photography and the rest were history. 

   What’s remarkable about Caera as photographer is that she is more into actual practice than theory. She knows the basic in photography but she’s not really dwelling into its theory. “It hinder creativity,” as she said. Kitty Gallannaugh, Fade Longboy, Edward (her bf) and his father are her inspirations. 

   Caera’s photography is more into Bohemian/Gypsy style with a touch of vintage and a little twist of eccentricity. “I see things in a different way. In little things I can create a story.”

   She only started photography last February but continuously gaining a lot of followers. Her Facebook page now has thousands of likes (and still counting). Caera was also the brainchild of the first “shoot out” in Koronadal City which gathered many participants. Because of its popularity, some photographers replicated this idea. 

   At first, Caera only borrowed camera from her friends until she was able to buy her own. It was when she saw a post (online) by one of her friends who sells his camera (Nikon D700). Out of frustration, she made a shout out (on Facebook) pertaining to it which was noticed by one of her clients who helped her acquire the camera. “God is really great,” she said. “I prayed to Him and asked for it, and He gave it.”

   Her works is based on creations of God. She uses photography to share the words of God. “I live by faith and I express it through photography”. Furthermore, most of her works have the touch of nature with lovely colors.

   “Photography is part of my life. If you’re observant, it reflects my life, my mood and my state of mind.”

   There was a time Caera experienced being bullied because of her photography, but she made that experiences as her motivation to improve her works. Instead of dwelling into it she focused on its positive side. “Through this experience, I discovered who really my friends are. I also learned to forgive,”she said.

   “I really admire individuals who only competes with himself/herself and not with others,” she said. Caera admires those who only do their best and not joining the rat race. 

   “Don’t mind the camera,” as she said.“Try to find your (inner) creativity. Your eyes serves as your lens to the beauty of the world. Share your vision and be an inspiration.”

originally posted in southcotabatonews.com 

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8 Things About Salamindanaw

The second edition of SalaMindanaw International Film Festival starts tomorrow, November 27. Here are eight things you need to know about the Festival.

1. The redesigned Festival logo features the durian –an enduring cultural symbol in Southeast Asia— with eleven protruding spikes representing the countries of the region. SalaMindanaw envisions to be an important platform in the development of regional cinema in Southeast Asia.

2. For its sophomore edition, the Festival theme shall be ‘Deconstructing Cinematic Space.’ As it continues to celebrate the development of regional cinemas across Southeast Asia, the Festival attempts to veer away from the traditional space of film screening, that is the movie house, and explore alternative and non-traditional screening venues like buses, parks, markets, and barangay centers to bring films closer to the people. The Festival’s main screening venue is in a university because SalaMindanaw recognizes the educational and cultural value of cinema. 

3. The Festival will launch a film magazine, The New Durian Cinema, which is devoted to the discussion of regional cinema in Southeast Asia. It is not enough that we show films, cinema must also become part of a critical consciousness. The magazine hopes to help in the formation of such consciousness.

4. The Festival boasts of the quality and integrity of its film programming. This year, more than 30 films of various lengths, genres and genres will be presented in the Festival. Films will vie for the Golden Durian Award in the Asian shorts and Mindanao shorts category. A Festival prize shall be bestowed to the breakthrough film in the new Philippine Next Cinema section. 

During its inaugural run, the Singaporean film Sayang Disayang (dir. Sanif Olek) had its world premiere in the Festival. It won the jury prize in the Festival. The film is Singapore’s official entry to the Oscars in 2015. Other notable films in the Festival last year include By The River (dir. Nontawat Numbenchapol) which won a special mention at Locarno, Liberta (dir. Kan Lumé) which bagged a special mention in CINDI (Seoul) while War is a Tender Thing (dir. Adjani Arumpac) took home a special mention from Yamagata.

5. Relying on its vision and integrity, the second edition of SalaMindanaw is crowdfunded which means that much of its funding is in the form of donations from its supporters all over the world. 

6. The Festival is a cultural investment for the development of the people of Gensan and the region. The aim is expose more people to diverse cinema as well as educate and provide them the opportunity to better understand the world they inhabit. For this reason, all screenings and parallel activities are free to the public.

7. It is helmed by one of the most important filmmakers in Southeast Asia – Teng Mangansakan. The Festival’s respectability and integrity partly come from who is running it. The vision of the Festival is built upon clear goals and objectives borne out of the Festival Director's instinct, experience and foresight, and the trust and confidence of the Festival Team.

8. The Festival is advised by some of the most distinguished personalities and brilliant minds in world cinema such as Philip Cheah, vice president of NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) and past consultant of the Dubai International Film Festival and Directors Fortnight at Cannes; Paolo Bertolin, Venice International Film Festival delegate for Southeast Asia and consultant of the Doha Film Institute; and Sherad Anthony Sanchez, creative consultant of Cinema One Originals.

This blog post is originally posted in Morofilm by Teng Mangansakan 

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Pepe Diokno visits GenSan

   The GenSan Tourism Council in partnership with the Local Government of General Santos and the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted a filmmaking lesson last November 25, 2014 to the aspiring filmmakers in the city. The tourism council invited Pepe Diokno, an award winning film Director, to share his knowledge and experience in making films. 

   The said activity is part of Visit GenSan, Learn in GenSan campaign of the Tourism Council. It is a Mayor’s Lecture series that aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the ‘Generals’. “The series of lessons that we have conducted is part of ‘Learn in GenSan’ activities,” said Phillip Pabelic, the Vice President of GenSan Tourism Council. “GenSan aims to be the learning hub of Region XII.”

   “This lesson helps cultivate the talents and skills of the ‘Generals’,” Mayor Ronnel Rivera said. “It helps to discover new talents or artists from GenSan. This will able to produce great filmmakers in GenSan.”

   Most of the participants of the said activity are students who want to learn more about filmmaking. 

   During the lesson, Pepe Diokno shared about his latest film ‘Above the clouds’ to the young aspiring filmmakers of GenSan. He also talked about his first film ‘Engkwentro'and his experience in Venice Film Festival. “It’s not about the budget or the equipment,” said Diokno. “It’s the story that matters.”

   Most of the Filipino audiences today have this notion that Filipino movies are “baduy” or “not good” in their taste, that’s why they are not watching and patronizing it. “Is Philippine Cinema dead?” as he asked the participants. The film industry is struggling due to lack of support of the Filipino audience. 

   In the past years, there’s a significant decline of Filipino films being produced in the country. As Diokno explained, its primary reason is more on the economic side of making films. “Before, our government charged 30% amusement tax for movies plus 12% VAT, so the remaining 58% will be divided between the Producer and the Theater owner(s). Fortunately, in 2009, our government lowered it into 10%. In the following years, it slowly gained the confidence of the Filipino Producers and Filmmakers to make films.”

   Pepe Diokno compared the film industry of South Korea to the Philippines. “South Korea invests on their film industry. Their government created Korean Film Council because they know that film is an important cultural and economic resource of their country,” Diokno explained. “They use films to sell their country.” 

   He also emphasized the bad effects of patronizing foreign films. “If you watch too much foreign films, it's slowly changing our sense of identity.” He pointed out that if we watch too much foreign films, we tend to forget who we are as Filipinos. For example, we desire to be white because that’s standard of beauty based on what we see in the movies (or in the media in general). 

   He also talked about the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema. He also shared that the Philippine film industry is considered one of the oldest in the world. “Films are not only for entertainment. It’s a record of our history. It’s a record on who we are,” Diokno asserted. 

   “Please watch Filipino films. Please make Filipino films. Please tell Filipino stories,” as he pleaded. It is important to support our own filmmakers because they are the cultural worker of our country. 

   “Read, Travel and Get Hurt,” as he advised. “The best way to learn how to make film is to make a film.” 

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The Official Trailer of SalaMindanaw International Film Festival 2014

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SalaMindanaw IFF to commemorate Maguindanao Massacre

   General Santos City, PH –The second edition of SalaMindanaw International Film Festival shall present a special section called Cinema and Remembrance to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre.

   The films to be presented in this section are Lav Diaz's 'Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon' (From What is Before), set in a village during the time leading up to the declaration of Martial Law by President Marcos, Rob Jara's 'Maliw' (Soliloquies) about three stories that feature love, idealism, and the politics of memories and melancholia, and how fragments of these are lost and found, Zig Dulay's 'Missing' which recounts the story of Makuy who is one of the increasing numbers of victims of enforced disappearances (desaparecidos) in the country and Herwin Cabasal's 'Pieta' about the lament and struggle of a mother whose son is one of the disappeared.

   The films will be shown on November 28 at 9 in the morning at the Mindanao State University – Graduate School AVR. A forum follows the screening to discuss the role of art and media in the ongoing conversations on the issues of impunity, authoritarianism and democratic rights and principles.

   “We need to confront and reflect on the democratic rights that we are enjoying right now. Rights that are constantly endangered from the ambition of powers that be. Rights that we enjoy because people have sacrificed their lives so that we may have them,” festival director Teng Mangansakan noted. SalaMindanaw is anchored on a vision that includes engaging the public in both popular and critical discourse on art, media and cinema and their transformative power to shape ideas about society.

   On the morning of November 23, 2009, in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province, a convoy was on its way to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town, when they were stopped at a checkpoint, kidnapped and brutally killed. Mangudadatu was challenging Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr., son of the incumbent Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. and member of one of Mindanao's leading Muslim political clans, in the 2010 gubernatorial election. The people killed included Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters, journalists, lawyers, aides, and motorists who were witnesses or were mistakenly identified as part of the convoy.

   The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called the Maguindanao massacre the single deadliest event for journalists in history. At least 34 journalists are known to have died in the massacre.

   One of the chilling effects of the Massacre was the signing of Proclamation No. 1959 on December 4, 2009, by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo which officially placed Maguindanao province under a state of Martial Law, thereby suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and other rights.

   “We are in a generation that has a very flimsy idea about Martial Law, its atrocities, its effects on people. This should be be part of a continuing discussion that even young people need to be part of,” Mangansakan said.

   SalaMindanaw International Film Festival shall take place from November 26 to 29 in General Santos City.

Contact

Teng Mangansakan 

Festival Director

SalaMindanaw IFF

0917 7620396

SIFF Facebook Page

SIFF website 

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Mindanao Shorts of the 2014 Salamindanaw International Film Festival

These are the SIFF official entries for Mindanao shorts category

- - -

APASOL by Ryanne Murcia (Zamboanga) 

An afternoon of love and farewell as Mark and El, a gay couple, spend their last afternoon together wishing on a tree and waiting to fade with the sun.

KENA (Dream) by Anjeilee Pacuin (Gensan)

A T'boli girl in Lake Sebu sells vegetable to earn her keep. Everyday she only dreams of one thing. To get an education.

END OF WAR by Joe Bacus (Cagayan de Oro)

Set in 2008 at the height of armed conflict between Philippine military and Moro rebel forces, The End of War is a story of a family in Maguindanao caught in the crossfire of a war they never wanted to be a part of.

SAP'NG (Covering) by Rahil Maningcara (Gensan)

This is a story about a Shyree, a Maranao girl who only does what she loves to do to the extent of breaking the laws of Islam. Will she be able to realize her wrongdoings?

MGA PATAY NGA BITOON (Dead Stars) by Amaya Han (Gensan) 

A radio interview starts, welcoming the renowned actress Ash back in Cebu for their latest promotional tour. A question triggers her to recall her former lover, a French college student named Adrian, during her stay in the city years ago.

INUKBAN by Jamir Mallari (Davao)

A story of a man who covered his dreams because of the misfortunes in his life and how he opened it up again and succeeded.

JAMIR by Genory Vanz Alfasain (Alabel, Sarangani) 

A boy is torn between his familial obligation and his dream of having an education. What will he choose?

CRISELDA by Art Orillanida (Gensan)

A documentary that investigates the mythical story of Princess Criselda Simbara Ybarra of Spain, also known as the white lady of Lagao, General Santos City. Despite historians’ attempt to uncover the truth, there had been no solid leads until a woman named Jenny Lopez surfaced claiming to be possessed by the royal spirit. 

ABAKADA NI NANAY (Nanay's Alphabet) 

by Joni Sarina Mejico (Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay) 

A 78-year old lady enrolls herself to school to learn how to read and write.

GOOD MORNING, JOEY by Monalyn Labado (Davao) 

19-year old college girl Joey mirrors the dilemma of most college students. To survive the life away from family and the everyday challenges to get through college.

Source: Salamindanaw International Film Festival Facebook Page 

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Sekreto: The Secret Behind the Music Video

The concept 

   Making music video helps widen my horizon as a filmmaker. ‘Sekreto’, the second music video that I directed aids me in experimentation of different techniques. My passion and their enthusiasm push me to be more creative in conceptualizing it. 

   ‘Sekreto’ is quite different from ‘Pegasus’ music video in many ways. The first one which is ‘Pegasus’ shows more symbolism compare to ‘Sekreto’. Besides the lyrics, genre and its message is not the same. ‘Pegasus’ is more into social commentary while ‘Sekreto’ deals with the internal struggle of a person. Moreover, the first one has a dark humor element embedded on its lyrics while the latter has this melodramic atmosphere that can be easily comprehend by a typical audience. 

   The second music video helps me experiment of the “masa” taste in terms of entertainment. If you notice, ‘Sekreto’ has a simple storyline that can be easily grasped by the broad audience. ‘Sekreto’ is more of a teenage buffer kind of music video that many youngsters today can relate to. 

   Of course, I based its concept to the story of Jamcelle Alorro (the actor) and Jodi Anne Gaquit (the actress) and their unusual relationship as friends. The song was written primarily for Jodi on her 18th birthday (November 5). Jamcelle asked Axl Grico to write a song that is based on their story. The song is intended to be a surprise to Jodi. But since I want the two of them to be the actors for the music video, Jamcelle was forced to admit his plan to Jodi.

Meeting Axl Grico and the gang 

   Axl Grico is quite famous in his own right. ‘Sekreto’ is his third song that has a music video. The first two music videos (and the other video that he acted on it) were all directed by Ariel Lalisan. Ariel was supposed to be directing ‘Sekreto’. Since he is busy on his work and other related activities, Axl asked me thru Facebook if I am willing to direct it. At first, I was hesitant because I did not know him well and I want him to tell Ariel that he wants me to direct the music video. I am thankful that Ariel is supportive to Axl and look forward to see it. 

   When Axl and I got the chance to meet in person, I admit to him that I am different to Ariel. I shared to him that I do not easily make a music video especially if I do not know the artist or if the song is not “cool” for me. I also said to him that it takes days to shoot a music video (case to case basis). I explained to him that there is Pre-production, Production and Post-production stage. Furthermore, I explained to him that I screened actors and rehearse them so that it could not be a burden during the shoot. I also asked him if his lyrics and its music/beat are original. In short, I told him that my background is in filmmaking, and not the typical videography shooting. When he absorbed all of this information and experienced shooting with me, he was shocked because he did not expect that I would be that meticulous in terms of output. Thanks to his interest in music that he still pursue it. 

   Axl collaborated with Joycel Tubao, a young model and singer whom he met in Brigada (TV) Station. Though Joycel has some attitude problem (in terms of professionalism), I am still thankful that the video was finished. On the other hand, I incorporate the talent of Tatz because I can see his potential as a Rap artist. I discovered him when I was a judge in their class presentation. While Raev Yap, the Cinematographer for ‘Sekreto’, is not really into videography. He is the son of Steven Rae Banares (a.k.a Batang Polomolok) and a photographer. He devoted his self to this project because he wants to try and experiment with it. 

The shooting 

   I simplify the production requirement needed for the video. Since it has a limited budget and resources, I try to be more resourceful and creative. We shot it for only two days in their neighborhood. As I have expected, not all of the sequences I conceptualized put into reality. That’s why I device a plan to cover up its lapses. 

The learning experience 

   “Learning is a continuous process”, as the popular adage says. In every film or music video project that I made, I learn new things that can be used in the upcoming project(s). Collaborating with different artists help me grow as an artist. Furthermore, making a music video is a liberating experience because I got the opportunity to experiment and express my ideas freely. I look forward for the next one.


check the music video (below)

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'Jamir' teaser pt1

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ArtVid 1: Steve McRae

This is the first experimental short video created by G.V. Alfasain. ArtVid is a series of experimental videos in collaboration with different artists in SOCCSKSARGEN.

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SalaMindanaw unveils 2014 line up, shifts focus on SEA regional cinema

   SalaMindanaw International Film Festival has announced the official line up of their second edition from November 26 to 29, 2014 in General Santos City.

   The Festival will open with The Sermon of the Contemplative Sinner, a dance film produced by SalaMindanaw in collaboration with Teatro Ambahanon.

   Eleven films will vie in the Asian shorts competition. The films are After The Winter (Jow Zhi Wei, (Singapore-Taiwan-France), Auntie Ma’am Has Never Had a Passport (Sorayos Prapapan, Thailand), Chicken Curry (Lwin Ko Ko Oo, Myanmar), Cita (Andi Burhamzah, Indonesia), Dindo (Martika Escobar Ramirez, Philippines), Geography Lessons (Petersen Vargas, Philippines), Qafas (Prateek Srivastava, India), Somewhere Only We Know (Wichanon Somumjarn, Thailand), Stopping The Rain (Aditya Ahmad, Indonesia), Talking To My Best Friend (Le Nguyen, Vietnam) and Wan An (Yandy Laurens, Indonesia). With the exception of India, all films in the line up are from Southeast Asia.

   “Our programming this year reflects the vision of SalaMindanaw, which is to make the Festival a platform for Southeast Asian cinema,” festival director Teng Mangansakan revealed. SalaMindanaw is the first and only international film festival in Mindanao, the southernmost region of the Philippines closest to Malaysia, East Timor, Brunei, and east Indonesia.

   Mangansakan added that Southeast Asian cinema is particularly thrilling now because of the development of film movements outside of the capital. Indonesia is represented in the Festival by three films made in the Sulawesi city of Makassar east of Jakarta while one of the Filipino entries is a film from the northern province of Pampanga. “It is an exciting time to be Southeast Asian and a regional filmmaker at the same time,” Mangansakan noted.

   Meanwhile, the Mindanao shorts competition line up comprise of Abakada ni Nanay (Joni Mejico, Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay), Apasol (Ryanne Murcia, Zamboanga), Cresilda (Art Orillanida, Gensan), Dead Stars (Amaya Han, Gensan), End of War (Joe Bacus, Cagayan de Oro), Good Morning, Joey (Monalyn Labado, Davao), Inukban (Lew Avila, Davao), Jamir (Genory Vanz Alfasain, Sarangani), K’na (Anjeilee Pacuin, Gensan) and Sap’ng (Rahil Maningcara, Gensan).

   A new section called Philippine Next Cinema seeks to introduce new voices and visions in the host country’s cinema. The line up is composed of Bastes, May Anne M (Bebe Go), Magdalena (Anna Isabelle Estein), Sonata Maria (Bagane Fiola) and The Unforgetting (Carl Joseph Papa). A fifth title shall be announced in the coming days.

   The Gensan Screen Lab, an intensive workshop intended to develop and cultivate new filmmakers in Mindanao, will culminate with the screening of six short films.

   In commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre and the little know Martial Law that followed, the Festival will present a special non-competitive section Cinema and Remembrance. The films include Maliw (Rob Jara), Missing (Zig Dulay), Pieta (Herwin Benedictos Cabasal) and the recipient of this year’s Golden Leopard at Locarno Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon (Lav Diaz).

   The four-day Festival will close with Little Azkals, a documentary by Babyruth Villarama-Gutierrez whose film Jazz in Love won the NETPAC Prize for Best Asian Film in the inaugural edition of SalaMindanaw.

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'Sekreto'

This is the official music video of SEKRETO by Axl Grico feat. Joycel and introducing Tatz. The music video is Directed by G.V. Alfasain. Enjoy!

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The Official Entries of the 2014 SalaMindanaw International Film Festival

These are the official entries in the 2nd SalaMindanaw International Film Festival 

There is a special section to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre and the little known Martial Law that followed.

For more updates check the Facebook Page of SalaMindanaw IFF & its website 

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Sekreto Music Video Teaser

Here are the teasers for the Music video entitled SEKRETO by Axl Grico feat. Joycel

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13 participants attend film workshop in GenSan

   The Mindanao Center for Moving Image (MCMI) with the support of GenSan Tourism Council conducted a two day film workshop to the 13 aspiring filmmakers last October 18-19 at Veranza Conference Room. The said workshop aims to teach the fundamentals of feature/narrative filmmaking as well as to raise the consciousness of the people of its importance for cultural regeneration.

    “Film is about feeling it,” as Teng Mangansakan, the workshop director said. “There are lots of individuals who can make a video or short film because of the democratization of technology today. You can watch and upload videos in Youtube and other video related sites. What will make you set apart is how you tell your story.” 

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SalaMindanaw IFF 2014 to be held in two cities

The second edition of SalaMindanaw International Film Festival (SIFF) will be held simultaneously in the cities of General Santos and Cotabato.

“SalaMindanaw is expanding this year to cater to more artists, peace advocates and film lovers in the region,” Festival Director Teng Mangansakan announced.

The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in General Santos and Cotabato respectively, in recognition of the importance of the two cities in the educational and commercial development of SOCCSKSARGEN region. 

“For its sophomore edition, the Festival theme shall be ‘Deconstructing Cinematic Space.’ As we continue to celebrate the development of regional cinemas across Asia, we also attempt to veer away from the traditional space of film screening, that is the movie house, and explore alternative and non-traditional screening venues like buses, parks, markets, and barangay centers to bring films closer to the people,” Mangansakan added. 

SIFF features competitive sections for Asian full-length films, Asian short films, and Mindanao short films, as well as exhibition sections that present the richness and diversity of form and expression in Asian cinema. Submission of entries is open to narrative, documentary and experimental films made in the last two years. Deadline of entries is on October 25.

As the first and only international film festival in Mindanao, SIFF remains strongly committed on its mission to raise awareness and promote international cinema with emphasis on strengthening the cultural ties between Mindanao and its Southeast Asian neighbors, to support the nascent film movement in SOCSKSARGEN and its neighboring regions, and to engage the public in both popular and critical discourse on art and cinema and their transformative power to shape ideas about society, thus encouraging cultural diversity and the plurality of creative expressions.

The second SalaMindanaw International Film Festival will take place from November 26 to 29, 2014. 

For updates, go to the Festival’s Facebook page http://facebook.com/salamindanaw

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If I have him

   He is rare. He is one of a kind. He is one in a million. It seems that his kind is becoming extinct. His philosophy is worth practicing. His eyes have a similar vision of the Creator. His photos are timeless. He is George Tapan.

   I did not hesitate to attend his mini seminar last September 11, 2014 at Sydney Hotel, GenSan. I want to hear his thoughts about photography and the art behind it. Although I did not attend his three day photography workshop (organized by Louie Pacardo), I am still thankful to attend his first activity. 

   In his seminar, he talked about the brief history of photography. How camera invented and how photographs changed the history of humanity. He shared about his winning photograph in the National Geographic photo contest. He also discussed the elements of a good photograph. The (mini) seminar also has an open forum where the participants asked freely their questions regarding photography.

One of his travel photography books

   “Let’s capture the Philippines in a beautiful way, “as he said, pointing out the importance of photography in capturing the beauty of the Philippines. And because he is a travel photographer, he believes in the power of photography in promoting the Philippines as a paradise to the foreign and local tourists. His collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippine Airlines and his five travel photography books prove his dedication in helping the Philippines to be the top tourist destination in the world. 

   “A great photographer has a passion, dedication as well as patience in capturing a moment,” he said. “It is not like a fast food (restaurant) where you can order your food in a minute. Photography is patience. Wait for the right moment to capture a great photo. Don’t stop if you don’t get the right angle.”

Mr. Tapan's first camera

   His father is also a photographer. He got his first camera in 1965 while he took his first photo in 1969. He is self-taught photographer. He learned photography from reading/scanning his collection of National Geographic Magazines. He also learned thru research, travel and experimentation. “You have to research if you want a great photo,” as he explained. “You have to travel to have an inspiration. Learn the culture of the place you visited. Plan your shots and be creative”. 

Mr. Tapan's first photograph 

   I really admire his photographs. If you look at it, it seems so alive. It’s like I’m in the photo with him when he took it. His photos stimulate your mind. It’s magic. “All photos must have soul. Try to capture the soul of the picture. Photography has a purpose, it should be shared.”

   This man is not a brand conscious. If he likes to use a Nikon or any camera just to have his desired photo, he will use it. “Try to experiment with your equipment,” as he suggested. “Thru experimentation you will learn a lot from it.” 

Mr. Tapan discussed about different camera lenses.

   He is not fond of using flash and (adobe) photoshop. He is more into natural looking photographs. If it is dark, he uses flash light instead of camera flash. Moreover, he thinks and analyzes his subject before he photographed it. “You should consider whether your subject is appropriate in a situation or moment you want to shoot,” he said. “For example, if you want to capture a woman who wears a bikini in the beautiful waterfalls, you should think whether the woman in bikini could be a distraction to the beautiful waterfalls. In short, think the right concept for your photo.” 

   “Dream big,” as he advised. “Your photographs are not intended for Facebook only.” Mr. Tapan pointed out that photographers should not depend on uploading their works on Facebook. “Photography is not all about yes and likes on Facebook. If you dream that your works will be published on the National Geographic magazine or in the Mabuhay Miles magazine, then you should work on it. Dream big.” He also said that mistake is normal for a photographer. “By taking photos, you will learn from it. You will learn from your mistakes.”

   Mr. Tapan also emphasized the importance of etiquette in taking photos. A photographer should ask permission and research about the place he/she visited. A photographer should be respectful and culture-sensitive. A photographer must conceptualize before he/she take photos. 

   When one of the participants asked Mr. Tapan on what’s his secret to have great eyes in taking photos, he said, “I always pray to God to have good eyes in taking photos. I also pray for a good weather.” 

   His body of works speaks a lot about him as an artist. Despite his success and recognition, he remains humble and open for learning. It is sad to observe that most of the photographers today have this “huge ego”. It keeps them blinded on the reality of life. It weakens their artistic expression and creative mind. They are more into flaunting their gadgets and equipment not to capture the beauty of life but to intimidate others. They are busy profiting their so called “masterpiece” that they tend to forget their responsibilities as photographers. 

   How I wish I have George Tapan-type of Cinematographer in my film production team. I don’t mean to be a delusional dork here but his eyes as a photographer are truly amazing. Well, I look forward to meet that kind of teammate in the near future. As of this writing, I am still intoxicated with his works. I’m on this wishful thinking-mindset that if I have him on my team, our art work would be as great as other great art works in the world……if I have him.

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