Arnel Mardoquio helms silent film

MARDOQUIO. “We can tell stories even without dialogue.”

“Riddles of My Homecoming,” the sixth feature of Davao-based filmmaker Arnel Mardoquio, is competing in the Currents category of the Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival, from Nov. 11-19 at Trinoma, Glorietta 4 and Robinsons Galleria. It’s a silent film, beautifully shot on Samal Island, and at the foot of Mount Apo, and Compostela Valley.

The 45-year-old director worked in marketing for 12 years before deciding to put an end to his corporate life. He hasn’t had a formal film education, but his films, “Sheika” and “Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim,” have won awards from Cinemalaya and Urian.

Magical

The filmmaker shares: “I was inspired by the culture of the Lumads in Mindanao—it’s so magical! They believe in the spirits. If one of them dies, he doesn’t go to heaven, but stays in the rivers, forests and fields to watch over his property.”

The filmmaker believes in fighting for an autonomous Mindanao. He explains, “I believe that the people of Mindanao can solve the conflict by ourselves and help make it economically progressive. As far as filmmaking is concerned, we have so many beautiful stories that need to be told!”

“Homecoming” features homegrown Mindanao talents. Mardoquio further shares, “I want my film to convey the silent rage of the people. Film is a visual medium—we can tell stories even without dialogue!”