SCENE from Joel Ruiz’s “Mansyon,” one of the short films featured in Cinemalaya Campus
The aim of this year’s two-day “Cinemalaya Campus” forum was to “shed light on the art of reading films,” according to its codirector Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo Jr.
Also a professor and award-winning filmmaker, Del Mundo reported that during the event, participants were made to “watch short films, listen to the views of peer reviewers and were exposed to examples of scholarly critiques from guest speakers.”
The forum was held from Aug. 11 to 12 at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City. It coincided with the annual Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, which concludes tomorrow.
The featured films at the forum were Milo Tolentino’s “Andong,” Emerson Reyes’ “Walang Katapusang Kwarto,” Paolo O’Hara’s “The Houseband’s Wife,” Joel Ruiz’s “Mansyon,” Borgy Torre’s “Bonsai” and Cole Stramm’s “Jane’s Wedding.”
Among the speakers were filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes, movie critic Mario Hernando, academicians Patrick Campos, Miguel Rapatan, Anne Frances Sangil and Ronald Baytan.
“In past congresses, the discussion was focused on issues confronting independent filmmakers and filmmaking. The topics were mostly technical matters—from the nitty-gritty of production to the complicated realities of distribution. This time, we shift the focus on the films themselves… on film as text, as subject of scrutiny,” said Del Mundo, who was also the keynote presenter on the first day.
He added: “We go beyond liking or disliking a film. We verbalize our reaction to a film and see where our initial reaction leads us. Hopefully, our exploration leads us to the real text that matters.”
Growing interest
The Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, considered the longest-running independent short film competition of its kind in the Asean region, likewise held its awards ceremony at the CCP Dream Theater on Aug. 11.
Chris Millado, CCP artistic director and Cinemalaya festival director, observed that more people are watching shorts, specifically those shown during the Cinemalaya fest. “We want to believe that this is because there’s a growing interest not only from those who want to make films but also from those who want to hear specific and unique stories.”
The 27th CCP Independent Film & Video Festival was held on Aug. 8, 9 and 11 at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde.
“Short filmmaking is a training ground for full-length movies, which are short-film moments that are pieced together,” Millado said.
The winners in the Animation category are: Izaac Niccol L.V. Chiong’s “Contra Vini (To Stand Against)” and Reynald T. Balmes’ “Singit” (honorable mention); Ryan Cuatrona’s “Tacay” (third place); and Jaypril R. Batalier’s “Halimaw” (second place). There is no first place winner.
The following won in the Experimental category: Hiyas Baldemor Bagabaldo’s “Ambahan 246” and Glenmark C. Doromal’s “Gravity” (honorable mention); James Robin Mayo’s “Fib” (third place); Jan Patrick Pineda’s “Memorial of an Inquiry” (second place); Kyle Nieva’s “Cinematique” (first place).
The winners in the Documentary category are: Joamar-John D. Canosa and Myo Min Htwe’s “Bobo: A Young Man’s Life” (honorable mention); Aleia Garcia’s “Yanbu” (third place); Jae-Re Louise S. Liwanag’s “Sukat” (second place) and Jethro Jamon’s “Gloria” (first place).
Among 60 entries, the following were chosen as winners in the Short Feature category: Anya Zulueta’s “Ang Kapitbahay Ko sa 2014” (best short film for children, honorable mention); Cheska Salangsang’s “Susukdul King Banua (High as the Sky)” (best regional entry); Jose Ibarra Guballa’s “Umuuga ang Ngipin ni Clarissa (third place); and Jose Ibarra Guballa’s “Ang Maangas, ang Marikit at ang Makata” (first place). There is no second place winner.
(mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)