Cannes winner, film distributor spearhead new fest to help indie filmmakers

ROCCO Nacino (left) and director Paul Sta. Ana on the set of “Balut Country”

Another film festival steps up to help independent filmmakers. Sinag Maynila, spearheaded by 2009 Cannes Film Festival best director Brillante Ma. Mendoza and Solar Entertainment, will present five new works: Paul Sta. Ana’s “Balut Country,” Zig Dulay’s “Bambanti,” Lawrence Fajardo’s “Imbisibol,” Jim Libiran’s “Ninja Party” and Remton Siega Zuasola’s “Swap.”

Mendoza said each filmmaker received a grant of P2 million from Sinag Maynila to shoot their entries.

Accurate timing

The timing of Sinag Maynila, set March 18 to 24 in seven SM malls, couldn’t be more accurate, especially since Cinemalaya’s full-length competition was scrapped this year. (Cinemanila and Cine Filipino had no 2014 editions, either.)

Mendoza told the Inquirer that it is vital to hold film festivals like Sinag Manila, as much in a time of glut as scarcity.

“The more festivals, the better for filmmakers. There are a lot of talented directors in the Philippines,” Mendoza said. “This is the right time to support Filipino artists, now that we are recognized internationally.”

That is precisely Sinag Maynila’s “ultimate goal,” he said: “To go beyond film festivals and secure distribution deals with foreign companies. It’s not going to be easy. But it’s best to aim high.”

Wilson Tieng, Solar CEO and fest cofounder, told the Inquirer, “Our support will not end with sending our films to festivals abroad. We will help filmmakers all the way. Apart from cinemas, other platforms can be tapped—online, DVD, mobile, cable, free TV.”

CAST of “Imbisibol,” with director Lawrence Fajardo (right, foreground). INQSnap this page to view the video! FACEBOOK PHOTO

Tieng, who has been attending A-list festivals like Cannes for years, is keenly aware that “distribution” is the next hurdle to make indie filmmaking a sustainable enterprise.

Same wave length

“Brillante and I are on the same wavelength on account of our exposure to the international film festival circuit,” Tieng explained. “Definitely, he is the perfect partner for me.”

For Sinag Maynila, Solar and Mendoza have likewise teamed up with SM cineplexes. SM opens the doors of seven of its malls to the weeklong fest—Mall of Asia, Aura, Fairview, North Edsa, Megamall, Southmall and Manila.

Millie Dizon, SM senior vice president for publicity and marketing, assured the organizers that the films will not be pulled out even if they fail to draw in crowds. “The movies are assured a weeklong run,” she promised. No first day-last day for Sinag Maynila.

Big risk

Mendoza acknowledged that Tieng and SM are taking a big risk supporting alternative films. “We need to create an audience for nonformula films,” the filmmaker said. “We hope students will flock to the theaters. At the same time, we want the films to have a life beyond Sinag Maynila. We’re planning school screenings—and the directors have the option to hold a theatrical run after the fest.”

Mendoza is encouraging the filmmakers to actively promote and market their films. “I’ve asked them to take responsibility for their works,” he related.

Dynamic interaction

He recalled having a dynamic working relationship with the five directors. “I am familiar with their styles because I’ve worked with them previously. Instead of just mentoring them… the process was more collaborative.”

FEST founders Wilson Tieng (left) and Brillante Mendoza

Tieng said he was impressed with this year’s batch. “I was moved to tears by the screenplays. The stories are personal and heartfelt.”

Mendoza described the five entries as diverse. “The films tackle different Filipino stories. Three are set in the regions, with Cebuano (“Swap”), Ilocano (“Bambanti”) and Kapampangan (“Balut Country”) lines of dialogue. The other two were shot in Manila (“Ninja Party”) and in Fukuoka and Asahikawa, Japan, (“Imbisibol”).

Real-life story

“Swap” is based on a real-life kidnapping incident. “Balut Country” focuses on a dying poultry industry in Candaba. “Bambanti” tells the story of a boy accused of theft. “Ninja Party” exposes teenagers’ sexual escapades. “Imbisibol” sheds light on the struggles of undocumented Filipino workers in Japan.

Sinag Maynila will be an annual event, Tieng vowed. “On our first year, we are taking baby steps. Next year, we hope to increase the number of films.”

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