The ‘rights’ stuff
RAYMOND Red’s “Bangin”
THE ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) marks its 15th anniversary by unveiling 15 short features by different filmmakers, espousing a common cause: to end all forms of human rights abuses in the country.
The filmmakers were given total freedom to pick their subjects, said Patricia Evangelista, who spearheaded the omnibus project, a follow-up to last year’s “amBisyon 2010.”
Three films tackle the rights of indigenous peoples (Ray Gibraltar’s “Manilyn’s Dress and the Pekeng Duck”; Auraeus Solito’s “Indigenous Pelikula”; and Kidlat de Guia’s “ANC 19”).
Three others delve into women’s rights (Carlos Siguion-Reyna’s “Choices”; Raymund Amonoy’s “Liham Para Kay Marco”; and Nico Puertollano’s “Labinlima”).
Media’s role
Two touch on children’s rights (Richard Somes’ “1942” and Jon Red’s “Absent”). One film each dissects gay rights (Paolo Villaluna’s “Intolerance”) and workers’ rights (Raymond Red’s “Bangin”).
Several of these shed light on the role that media plays in safeguarding human rights.
Mark Meily’s “Kaninong Boses” is on freedom of speech; Jim Libiran’s “Batch 2011,” on the right to information.
PG rating
Ato Bautista’s “Pilay” discusses “freedom from violence,” while Kiri Dalena’s “Memorial for Filipino Journalists” is a tribute to press freedom.
Erik Matti’s “Nang Tumambad ang Hubad na Katotohanan” has a humorous take on the issue. It tells the story of a young actress (played by Anne Curtis) who must defend her “right to strip in a movie” in front of conservative parents (Gina Alajar and Rez Cortez).
Unlike last year’s “amBisyon 2010,” which encountered problems with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the “Kinse” films all passed with a rating of Parental Guidance (which means all can be aired on television.)
“I feel strongly about this year’s theme,” Meily said.
Bautista said he “missed making shorts [and this is] for a good cause.”
CCP premiere
“Kinse” will premiere at the Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines today. ANC will air a six-part TV special on “Kinse,” hosted by Angel Aquino, starting May 23, 9:30 p.m.
