22 young Asean filmmakers in Davao workshop
ADOLFO Alix Jr. wants to discuss solutions to shared problems with the region’s young directors. jim guiao punzalan
A unique film experiment is ongoing in Davao.
Dubbed the Asean-ROK Film Leaders Incubator: Fly Program, this film workshop gathers 22 young artists from all over the region.
Two representatives from each Asean nation (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) and two from Korea have been undergoing rigorous training in Davao since Nov. 12.
The project is spearheaded by the Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet), the Busan Film Commission, and the Asean-ROK, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Japan Film Commission as co-producers.
The workshop, which culminates on November 25, aims “to discover talented young filmmakers” from the region and “create the infrastructure where various film genres can be made.”
Oh Seok Geun, AFCNet president and prime convenor for Fly, said that the project will allow “gifted youths to come together, bridging cultures and sharing ideas.” (AFCNet is an organization of professional film commissions in Asia; while Asean-ROK is a partnership between the Asean and the Republic of Korea.)
Briccio Santos, FDCP chairman, pointed out that the program provides “a conducive atmosphere where Asia’s young filmmakers can work and create together using the universal language of film.”
Students will take part in intensive workshops under the tutelage of Adolfo Alix Jr. of the Philippines and Lee Moo Young of Korea. Master classes will also be conducted by renowned filmmakers Lee Junik of Korea, Hirayama Hideyuki of Japan and Tikoy Aguiluz of the Philippines.
The trainees include Filipinos John Raymund Macahilas (of Iloilo) and Erleen Bendisula (of Davao).
They will likewise participate in International Film Expo events at SMX Lanang Davao.
Alix explained that “the interaction among Asian filmmakers will enable them to get acquainted with the current state of the film industry. At the same time, they will be able to discuss solutions to the problems confronting the region.”
Aguiluz agreed: “The sharing of stories is the most important part of this experience, this experiment.”
Participants in the program are tasked to create two digital short films that will be premiered during the closing ceremony and will be toured all over Southeast Asia later.
