The most anticipated film festival in Region VI opens with the country’s Oscar entry. “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan (Norte, the End of History) which was screened first at the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2013, is one of the most awarded films in recent memory and one that has even pushed filmmaker Lav Diaz’s reputation as one of the country’s top filmmakers. In Norte, loves of three people (Sid Lucero, Archie Alemania, Angeli Bayani) take an interesting turn when one of them commits a crime and someone else gets accused for it.
CineKasimanwa Festival Director and Programmer (also a filmmaker) Elvert de la Cruz Bañares explained that the selection of Norte was more than just the fact that Lav’s parents were from Iloilo: “When we open festivals, we set the tone and mood for the audiences. Norte narrates a humble story that gets complicated and emotionally challenging as it progresses. It is told through visually haunting images that forebodes. How can you ignore something like this one?”
Apart from Norte, there are ten other full-length films that are part of the festival: “Dapya Sang Paglaum”, the new documentary by TM Malones (Salvi: Ang Pagpadayon); “My Fake American Accent”, a funny take on the lives of call center agents directed by Ned Trespeces who is from Arevalo, Iloilo City; “Wanted: Boarder”, a horror film with kick by Ray Gibraltar from Guimbal whose other film “Brod” explores sensitive themes of brotherhood, sexuality, fraternity and more; “Namets!” by Bacolod filmmaker Jay Abello (Pureza) which is a charming story about two lovebirds using Bacolod food as its theme; “Tumbang Preso” a film by Ilonggo filmmaker Kip Oebanda about human trafficking; “Trabaho” by Ned Trespeces; “T’yanak” by master filmmakers Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes; “Little Azkals” about the path to glory of the little soccer kid players by Baby Ruth Villarama and produced by Ilonggo film producer Albert Almendralejo (who also produced Tumbang Preso); and “Dagyang” a mystical tour of the Iloilo culture and heritage through the eyes of the child by Joenar Pueblo.
CineKasimanwa’s main aim is to support and promote films and filmmakers from the Western Visayas region. Now that the local filmmakers have an annual festival wherein they can showcase their works, a lot of the filmmakers from Iloilo were able to produce new films which shall be making its World Premiere: “Gaid”, the new film by Tara Illenberger (Durog, Guni-Guni) is about a crime of passion; “Gamhanan” by Joenar Pueblo; “Bantay Salakay” by Reymundo Salao; and Malones’ Dapya Sang Paglaum.
This year, CineKasimanwa programming has paired the full-lengths with short films (mostly making their World Premiere or Film Festival Premiere) at the SM City Iloilo Cinema 1: Wowa by Joebert Casas (the Best Short Film winner of 2014’s Bantayan Film Festival in Guimbal) which will be the Opening Short Film; Yuhom by Blessel Toledo; Sino Si Mel Carreon? by Mia Reyes (with Mr. Carreon making his film fest debut appearance); Silong by Steven Asaph Reasol (named Best Director of the Summer at the 2014 Bakunawa Film Festival); Ang Paranublion by Eden Gilpo; and Bakunawa Film Fest winner Reverie by Angelica Pavillar.
The curated Short Film Programs this year boasts of 60+ short films all divided into six programs: “Relasyon, Bala, Kulo, Dugo” collects films with domestic relationships, revenge and more; “Bagito Ang Panahon” is a collection of light films – both dramatic and comedy; “Sin-o Gid Bala Sila?” features four documentaries and three narratives about caring for loved ones; “Liwat Liwat” a free screening of twelve films by different student-filmmakers interpreting the same script; “The Best of CineKasimanwa 1” with a selection of some of the best shorts last year; and the annual “Moo-Moo-An Kag Fantasmagoria” the horror, adventure and fantasy program which will give 50% discount to people who will watch the films in costume and make-up.
The film festival closes with the horror drama “Asin” which was beautifully shot in San Joaquin and finely directed by Aimee Apostol Escasa. The film which has a wonderfully-framed cinematography is about motherhood, local folklore and the secrets of the mountains.
This year, the festival will also bring in actors and film directors who are part of the films programmed in the festival: Sid Lucero who is a main cast in both “Norte” and “T’yanak”‘; Alessandra De Rossi who makes a cameo in “T’yanak”; Albert Almendralejo, the Ilonggo producer of “Tumbang Preso” and “Little Azkals”; actress Tanya Lopez who will be featured in the red carpet launch of Robertine Films during the special screening of Little Azkals; Ned Trespeces, director of Trabaho and My Fake American Accent; Juan Carlo Rosales of OLX, our online festival partner; and Raymond Lee, producer of Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan.
Like last year, the festival donates 25% of each ticket to the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center and Rebuild Project while the rest are equally divided into filmmaker’s and/or producer’s share; cinema rentals with SM City Iloilo Cinema 1; and the film festival operations. Tickets are priced at P120.00 for SM Cinema 1 (except for Norte at P200.00); P50,00 for UPV Cinematheque and FDCP Cinematheque.
CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival is presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Tourism – Region VI, OLX, The Negros Museum and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It is supported by University of the Philippines in the Visayas Cinematheque, FDCP Iloilo Cinematheque, Globe Telecom, Epson, SM Supermalls, SM Cinema, E Unlimited and MTRCB. Our media partners: Business World, Iloilo Metropolitan Times, High Life, The Philippine Star, INQUIRER.net, Business Mirror, Click the City and the Iloilo Media. advt
