QUEZON City, Philippines (September 1) – With the theme “Break the Surface”, the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film pulled crowds of film enthusiasts and indie film fanatics towards the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Held yearly around July, the Cinemalaya aims to develop and promote Filipino independent films. Each year, the festival committee provides seed investments of P500, 000 to independent film makers. The finalists are selected from hundred of submission from all over the Philippines.
Now on its twelfth year, the Cinemalaya has produced numerous directors, actors and actresses and others whose work relates to cinematography many of which went to attain international acclaim.
This year, there were nine feature-length entries:
- Pamilya ordinaryo – directed by Eduardo Roy Jr., – a Mass Communications alumni of New Era University – the film was about the teen couple Jane (Hasmin Kilip)were a and Aries (Ronwaldo Martin) who live as pickpockets in the streets of Metro Manila. Their lives suddenly changed after they became parents and took a turn for the worse after their child was taken away from them.
- Tuos – Directed by Derick Cabrido, it follows the life of Pinalog (Nora Aunor) – an old “binukot” Nora Aunor as Pinalog, an old antique binukot, kept in solitary confinement by her tribe to serve as the gatekeeper of its oral traditions. When she was abot too pass the tradition on her granddagughter Duwokan (Barbie Fonteza), Duwokan refused because she had fallen in lover and her piousness was threatened. Pinalog decided to fight for Duwokan’s right to her ownl life and is confronted by the tradition that has kept her alone.
- Mercury is Mine- Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, Carmen (Pokwang) is about to close her unpopular eatery at the foot of Mt. Arayat, when a mysterious American, Mercury (Bret Jackson) asks her for work in exchange for his shelter. The Mercury’s blonde hair attracted the curiosity of the townsfolk and made her eatery an instant success. Carmen becomes possessive of the boy and wouldn’t allow her to leave.
- Lando at Bugoy- directed by Vic Acedillo Jr., the film is about Lando (Allen Dizon), a 40-years old high school dropout who is abhorred by his 15-years old son, Bugoy (Gold Azeron). Bugoy asks his father to finish his studies and if his father finishes his studies, he’ll also strive to finish his. Both father and son strive to graduate and keep their relationship from falling apart.
- Kusina- diected by Cenon Palomares and David Corpuz, it narrates the tale of Juanita (Judy Ann Santos) who loves to cook, with her kitchen as her refuge and silent witness, Juanita learns more about the world and the people around her as she creates dishes for those who stop by.
- Hiblang Abo- directed by Ralstone Jolver, chronicles the twilight years of Huse (Lou Veloso) and his friends and their time in a hospice facility. After his friends all leave the home for tragic reasons, Huse finds comfort in a femme fatale and relives memories of him and his friends’ fleeting past.
- I America- directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, Erica (Bela Padilla) is working to complete her American visa requirements so she can travel to meet her father for the first time. However, she encounters problems with her identity and becomes all the more troubled when her father visits her in Olongapo.
- Dagsin- directed by Atom Magadia, Justino (Tommy Abuel) is a World War II survivor. Despite multiple suicide attempts, he managed to outlive his wife and is now confronted by his conscience.
- “Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching,” directed by Inna Miren Salazar and Dos Ocampo, Ponching (Janus Del Prado) a text scammer who unintentionally convinces a rich family that he is the estranged son of a rich relative.
Cinemalaya 2016 had already come to an end and many of the entries are now making the rounds in various international film festivals. Here’s the full list of winners:
Special Jury Prize, Full length: Mercury is Mine
NETPAC Prize, Full length: Pamilya Ordinaryo
Best Full-Length Feature Film: Pamilya Ordinaryo – Eduardo Roy Jr.
Best Actor, Full length Film: Tommy Abuel – Dagsin
Best Actress, Full length Film: Hasmin Kilip- Pamilya Ordinaryo
Best Performance from a Supporting Actor, Full length: Lou Veloso, Jun Urbano, Leo Rialp, Nanding Josef – Hiblang Abo
Best Perfomance from a supporting Actress, Full length: Elizabeth Oropeza – I, America; Lollie Mara – Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching
Best Sound, Full length feature film: Monoxide Works- Tuos
Best Original Music, Full length: Jema Pamintuan- Tuos
Best Editing, Full length: Carlo Francisco Manatad, Pamilya Ordinaryo
Best Production Design, Full length:Steff Dereja- Tuos
Best Cinematography: Mycko David- Tuos
Best Screenplay, Full length: Jason Paul Laxaman- Mercury is Mine.
(written by Allysa Ruiz, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)