Jamir (Behind the scenes)

Day1 (April 7, 2014) - Datu Abdullah Tondog Elementary School 
photo by Rachel Hernandez

It’s a fulfillment that I made my second film entitled Jamir. The bad experience that I have encountered in my first short film motivates me to shoot it. The lessons that I gained from it helps me do this film better. 

Jamir is a story of a boy who is torn between his dreams and his “responsibility”. Jamir represents young Muslims in Mindanao that choose school over being a rebel. The story is based on real events happened in 70s and 80s. 

Jamir is supposed to be my fist short film. That time, I was busy that I cannot concentrate writing it properly. The script went a lot of revisions (under the supervision of Teng Mangansakan). So I decided to rest it for a while and pursue Bé. 

The original (time) setting of the film is in the late 70s. Direk Teng advises me that it would be better if the setting is in the late 90s. He said that it would be difficult for me to pursue the late 70s setting because of its demand in production materials. 

I am really thankful that Andrei Karoly Hernandez (Amaya Han) and Meika Vieve Catog (Lady M Chua) extend their support for this film project. When I offer them the role as my Assistant Director and Cinematographer, they eagerly say yes. I felt blessed because I collaborated with my filmmaker friends. I cannot help but compare them to my previous crew because both of them were really good. I have learned so much from them in filmmaking. 

We shot Jamir only for two days. Unlike my first film, the shoot was fast yet suave. My staff and crew were quick, smart and practical in terms of decision making. Furthermore, Jamir was special because my family was involved in the filmmaking process. My Ate was the Producer of the film. My parents help cook the food for the staff and crew. My siblings also act as Production Assistants. And my Uncle and Aunt were actors in the film. 

We entirely shot the film in our place – in Baluntay Alabel, Sarangani Province. The school scene was shot in Datu Abdullah Tondog Elementary School (formerly Baluntay Elementary School). My sister and I asked permission to the school principal before we shoot the film. That time it was end of the school year, so most of the students were all in vacation. Luckily, there were some Grade VI students who were still present because of their school requirements. 

Though there were problems during post production stage, I still manage to fix it smoothly. Problems and challenges are all part in filmmaking. That’s why I make contingency plan to fix it.

Whether Jamir will win in the film festivals or not, I’m still happy and lucky that I was able to shoot this film project. I hope this film will spark discussion on what really happened on the Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). I hope it will help the audience to be critical thinkers in the current peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). I do not mean to be a killjoy here but let just hope that this is not another false agreement engineered by the Philippine government and other parties involve in the peace accord.

STAFF & CREW OF 'JAMIR'

Written & Directed By – G.V. Alfasain 

Producer – Vanessa Alfasain 

Assistant Director – Amaya Han 

Directors of Photography – Lady M Chua & Amaya Han 

2nd Camera Operator – Ariel Lalisan 

Film Editor - Amaya Han

Sound Recordist – Ariel Lalisan & Jason Alfasain 

Production Designers – G.V. Alfasain & Vanessa Alfasain 

Production Assistants – Cristy Laila Alfasain, 

                            Jason Alfasain, 

                           Rashid Yusop 

                          Nash Layson 

CAST

Michael Josh Angelo Ramos as Jamir 

Nur Aida Taha as Aya (mother) 

Orlando Layamon as Abdullah 

Annabel Distor as Teacher 

Classmates 

Vincent Sardido as Ryan 

Aladin Taha as Leonard 

Moasar Amell as Rashid 

Cherry Mae Ulgasan 

Fatima Ingkong 

Ma. Ilaica Albarida 

Julayla Pontuan 

Jessie Mae Padivas

Jenny Alomia 

Mariton Cueme 

Marzella Mae Radin 

Norhima Tondog 

Phil Patrick Largadas 

Tomy Yusop as father of Rashid

plese like Jamir Facebook page

end of part 1

UPDATE: 'Jamir' is in "coma". It needs rest. (08-19-14)