Annual indie fest breaks tradition

O’HARA.

Cinemalaya broke tradition by not opening with a new movie. Shown instead was Mario O’Hara’s “Ang Babae sa Breakwater.” It was the festival’s tribute to the late director, writer and actor.

“It was screened at the Director’s Fortnight of the [2004] Cannes International Film Festival,” said Laurice Guillen, Cinemalaya competition chair.

O’Hara died on June 26 due to complications caused by acute leukemia at age 66.

In her opening-night speech, Guillen said, “Mario shared his admiration for the new breed of filmmakers with fellow director Joel Lamangan. He said the young directors were all good, ‘laos na tayo.’ But why do they seem to make films that aren’t meant for Filipinos? This is the reason we should keep making films.”

After “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio,” O’Hara’s last film and an entry to the 2010 Cinemalaya, Guillen said the director wanted to do films based on historical events and characters, including Ilocano heroine Gabriela Silang.

Cinemalaya organizers issued a certificate of recognition for O’Hara. “I want to thank all those who loved and supported my uncle throughout his career,” said Heber O’Hara, who received the citation. “Cinemalaya to him was a beautiful thing. It was one of his fervent wishes for this country to have more young and talented filmmakers.”

The festival culminates with an awards ceremony on July 29 at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). Marinel R. Cruz