Who Killed Philippine Cinema?: Pepe Diokno at TEDxADMU

photo by Excuse my French

Repost: "How open is the window by which we view the world? Pepe Diokno is a motion picture director, producer and screenwriter. He was awarded in the Venice Film Festival a Lion of the future award for his debut film, Engkwentro. Let's take a peek through his lens"

"He grows the nation by showing us what we need to see"

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Mindanao Shorts of the 2014 Salamindanaw International Film Festival

These are the SIFF official entries for Mindanao shorts category

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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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'Jamir' teaser pt1

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Kanulo: A conversation with Joel Aquino

photo by Joel Aquino 

   I first met Joel Aquino last year at the GenSan Summer Film Camp. If I describe him, he is silent but when you got the chance to talk to him, he speaks sensible and sometimes philosophical topics. This guy is a “sleeping giant”, waiting for the right moment to strike with his unique vision as a filmmaker. In an interview, Joel shares about his film Kanulo (Betrayal) and how he overcomes the challenges in making his first (short) film.

What’s your history as a filmmaker? 

First, let me thank you for this chance to speak about my first ever venture in filmmaking. I will say Titanic is the film that let me aspire to become a great director. I was in high school then and my classmates fell in love with it. I saw that several times already but I fell in love with the film as a whole and became interested in making one. I hope I will also have the chance to make big impact on many people as possible. 

My first exposure on how to make a film was when I joined DV8 (Deviate) filmmaking workshop. It was a project sponsored by the National Youth Commission (NYC) which aimed to promote the millennium goals. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish it. But I continued dreaming. 

It took several years before I got the chance to attend a directing workshop. I was in my late 20s already, the time that I already had the financial resource to support this dream. I attended IIFA’s (International Institute for Film and Arts now known as International Institute for Film, Broadcast and Arts) directing, basic cinematography and production management workshops as facilitated by international commercial director Crispo Mojica. Then, I was still perplexed in the process and still quite intimidated. 

Then through Facebook I discovered Film Gym and met the people who supported me on my first attempt. We were taught by commercial and legendary director Serafin Reyes (he founded Mowelfund Film Institute) whom we fondly call Surf. He taught us about visual language. There, we explored creativity and the importance of basics in filmmaking. 

While attending Film Gym, a classmate told me about GenSan Summer Film Workshop which was headed by director Teng Mangansakan. I got excited. Then, there I met you guys and I found you all to be awesome. Salamindanaw was running in my mind. The agreement that we will do a short film was exciting and at the same time, frightening. What marked in my mind was the creation of story. That was developed in me in that workshop. 

A film exercise during the GenSan Summer Film Camp last year 

After Gensan, I also attended TGT (Talento Galing Tondo) Filmmaking Workshop. It was director Tony Reyes (director of many films that made us laugh), who headed this workshop. I joined in teacher/director Gerry Jumawan’s “Luha ng Kahapon” as an Assistant Director (AD). I also supported a friend’s mini-projects as supporting actor, gaffer and producer. 

Right now, I am attending director Armando Bing Lao’s Found Writing Workshop. 

Where did your idea for Kanulo’s plot come from? 

It was sir Borgy who suggested me to do a horror film project. He said that it’s not common in film festivals. I related that to my past experience of a friend getting possessed. While developing the story I picked up a lot of cues from online resources. Pretty much it is a real life story with spices. 

A scene from Kanulo (Betrayal) 

Can you tell me the challenges that you and your crew encountered during the shooting of the film. 

This is hard to tell but I will be honest that we had encountered a great one. During the shoot we encountered heavy rains, a typhoon was ravaging Luzon. Financial constraint was also a big hindrance. I thought that it will just be a breeze filming Kanulo but it was not the case. We had to re-shoot everything because we’re changing locations. Our budget was just for 2 days but the shoot extended to 5 days and we ran out of cash. Luckily, our Production Designer Icx lent his house so we can complete the said project. Thanks Icx. 

What did you learn from this project? 

As the director of the project I had learned a lot especially dealing with people. There were personal concerns that are until now not yet resolved but I am hoping for the wounds to heal in due time. 

Kanulo is supposed to be screened last year in the 1st Salamindanaw International Film festival. Can you tell me what happened? 

It was an unfortunate situation that Kanulo did not make it for the Salamindanaw International Film Festival. I felt devastated. We had a hard time getting that edited. I just had that project edited early this year. I studied editing for the sake of getting that done but eventually I outsourced the service. Perhaps, it is really not meant to be. 

The suicide scene (photo by Joel Aquino)

I notice your film has good make up and prosthetic. How did you prepare for it? 

I would like to give the credit to Icx Icay, this guy is really talented. He was our Production Designer and special effects master in that project. He’s also part of Lav Diaz’s Norte. It surprised me that he is into Philippine mythology. It helped me channel the feel of Kanulo. Also, my Director of Photography Oliver Cruz, he contributed a lot to the Kanulo project visually. 

Describe Kanulo in one word. 

Choice. 

What’s your dream film project? 

I love to make a film as lavish as Game of Thrones and the likes of Cameron and Bay’s films. l look forward to creating an Asian film similar to Avatar. That’s my visual preference. I understand Filipinos delve more into real life stories, I think I will veer away from that. For now, I can’t really tell and I am about to discover more. 

After Kanulo, what’s next? 

I am looking forward to getting into Cinemalaya and Cannes but much more I love my works to be seen by as many people as possible around the world. I love my name to ring in the ears of many people. I dream to capture the heart of the people through film and the like. That will be my dream. I plan to go mainstream but I am still building my portfolio. 

What advice would give to those who want to pursue filmmaking? 

It is never too late to achieve your dreams. At the age of 30, I am just getting started. Just do it. Rock on!

-KANULO (BETRAYAL)-

Synopsis: 

In life we are always posed with two choices: to gain or to lose. The story revolves around the lives of two friends who were left with a choice that matters a life and death. 

This started when a group of friends dared to call a spirit. They didn’t know that what they called was a fallen angel. This incident caused a breakup in their friendship and family. Jonas was sent to province and got renewed while Job had a hell-like life. Those who cared for him during his struggle died. This forced him to revenge on his birthday.

CAST & CREW 

Director

Joel Aquino

Producers 

Joel Aquino

Henry Iporac

Writers

Joel Aquino

Jane Mariel Andes

Asst. Director

Jennifer Dabu

Cinematographer

Oliver Cruz

1st Asst. Camera

Julienne Rei Sabiniano

Gaffer 

Eugene Adalia

Production Design

Jose Francis “Icx” Icay

Special Effects

Jose Francis “Icx” Icay

Audio

Henry Iporac

Editors 

Jillene Martin Baniqued

Regina Navarrete

Direk Teng Mangansakan

Script Consultant

Storyboard Artists 

Eugene Adalia

Jason Daño

Production Manager 

Jennifer Dabu

Location Manager 

Jose Francis “Icx” Icay

Leo Dilay

Jennifer Dabu

Behind the scenes 

Francis Lumahan

Henry Iporac

Eugene Adalia

Yul Roque

Leo Dilay

Support Staff 

Sherwin Ferrer

-Cast of Characters-

Jonas - Danilo V. Hernandez Jr. 

Job - Leonard Tabigue 

Luna - Julienne Rei Sabiniano 

Bal/Devil - Arthur P. Padillo 

Flagellant #1 - Joseph O. Moslares Jr. 

Flagellant #2 - Manny ‘Macky’ Peñaredondo 

Nona - Roan Kate Villalon 

Grandma - Rosalina Royo 

Dark entity - Jose Francis “Icx” Icay 

Pastor - Joel Aquino 

Friends - Jennifer Dabu & Rex ‘Noy’ Villadares 

-Special Thanks to: 

Jeffrey Sonora & Roxanne Roman 

FPJ Studios 

Icay Family 

Royo Family 

Dilay Family 

Meika Catog 

Chairman and Barangay Council, Barangay Onse, San Juan City 

Natividad Subd. Homeowners Association, Deparo, Caloocan City

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Pegasus: The Behind the Scenes

   Making a music video is a dream come true. Collaborating with smart and talented artist like Making Bianca inspires me in many ways. Our busy schedules are not a hindrance to shoot the music video. I am thankful that I collaborated with smart and cool artists who prefer to spend their time creatively for the love of art. 

   I do not expect that my first music video would be as spectacular as what we have seen in MTV. As the resources dictates, I need to be resourceful and creative to have desired output. Luckily, the cast and crew was really good to work with despite some problems arise during the shoot. 

   During the shoot of the video, it is expected that problems may rise. So the challenge is how you will solve it in a creative way. For example, the lead actress was not present during the second day of the shooting. We did not know what motivates her to act that way. Before we separate ways in the first day of shoot, it was clear to all of us that we still have second day shoot and we should come early. With that incident, I prepared my Plan B to cover up the “damage”. 

-Behind the scenes photos of PEGASUS-

   Given that I do not have equipment like DSLR camera, I have concepts and ideas that are worth sharing. As of now, equipment is not my priority. I am more concern on finding the right team to collaborate with. If you have solid, smart, creative, fun and easy to work teammates, for me it’s like winning in a lottery. Camera and other equipment are easy to find if you have money, but a great team is not.

   I am really blessed that J.Leonida was there and lend not only her camera but also her time and skills to be my Cinematographer in the music video. “It is my first time to make a music video”, as she said. She does not have an experience for shooting a video. Throughout the process of making a music video, we are all learning from each other. No overlapping of tasks. We work harmoniously for the anticipated outcome. I am also thankful that the Political Science students of MSU-GenSan were really supportive of Making Bianca. To show their support, most of them starred in the music video. 

Meeting the Band

   I first met Andrew Yatar and Arjay Lim (of Making Bianca) at the Mindanao State University (GenSan) campus. Harlem Jude Ferolino (The Voice of the Youth-GenSan) and Ronnie Barrientos (GenSan Youth Network) introduced me to them. I get interested of primarily because I am motivated to do a music video and finding the right artist to be featured in it. It is a good thing that the band has original compositions that have great lyrics. Since they are Political Science students, some of their songs reflect the social flaws of the Philippine society. Their themes and subjects really inspire me to pursue directing their video. 

   Before we shoot the video, I first consulted them about the concept. I interviewed them and asked some questions related to their band and their songs. As a director, I make a point that I consulted the artist what he/she would like to incorporate in the video. After that, I conceptualize and interpret it visually to the have desired output. I am honored that they loved the concept. 

The Lesson

   I have learned a lot from shooting this video. I do not spend my time and energy to those wannabes whose job is to pretend that they are passionate about their craft. Whether photography, modeling or any other art medium, a true artist transcends despite all the odds. He/she is not concerned whether he/she gets paid or become famous after the shoot. In short, passion speaks for itself.

The Video

   Here's the music video that we have created. I hope that you will enjoy it and reflect on its message. 

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Laag (Stroll)

A tour around SOCCSKSARGEN. This is my 2013 year-end short film. 

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Cinema Rehiyon 6: Resiliency through films

I cannot believe that I am one of the delegates in the 6th Cinema Rehiyon that will be held in Cagayan de Oro City this coming February 19-22, 2014. My short film Bé is one of the films that will be presented in one of the much anticipated film events in the country. 

This year’s theme is Filming the Frontiers. The theme defines the social responsibilities of the filmmakers and their films complementary with the socio-cultural realities of our country. Cinema Rehiyon 6 will feature films that could give positive impact and transforms lives for the better. These films will educate the community about disaster risk reduction and management, climate change, environmental protection and preservation, rebuilding lives and communities and cultural solidarity and understanding. The said event will have activities such as CINETALAKAYAN – a forum on filmmaking and socio-cultural responsibilities and CINEBARANGAY – reaches the Sendong Survivors by screening inspirational films and animated films from the regions and by giving the communities multi-media forum on disaster risk management, climate change resiliency and mitigation.

The said topics that will be discussed in the event are really interesting and timely for our country. Educating our kababayans through films is one of the unique ways in propagating the message of climate change. I am very sure that I will learn a lot not only about films but also in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. 

Cinema Rehiyon is a non-competition film festival that complements the film making frontiers of the various regions of the Philippines outside Metro Manila. Cinema Rehiyon is a flagship project of NCCA's National Committee on Cinema. The venues for Cinema Rehiyon 6 are Xavier University Little Theater and SM City Cagayan de Oro Cinema 3 and 4.

For more info please visit cinemarehiyon.com and like their facebook page

originally posted in Yadu Karu's Blog

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