Mindanao Film Festival a SUCCESS!

Here's some PROOF that the Mindanao Film Festival was a success unlike what OTHERS have said. It was held at The Venue last December 21, 2008.



Trophies up for grabs for the filmmakers. Despite working without funds, we were able to come up with decent trophies and a reasonable cash prize for the Best Film. (My team received 7 of those back then.)


The Father of Independent Filmmaking in the Philippines - Kidlat Tahimik showing his Bamboo Camera as a Special Award for the filmmaker/s who found their "Sariling Duwende".

Film Convention in Davao

Oh my, it's been a while since my last post. But its good to at least post once in a while. Ive been busy with a lot of things. Anyways, I just want to invite you guys about a Film Convention that will be held here in Davao. If you want to attend, contact me or send an email to mindanaofilmconvention@gmail.com.

(100th Post!) Workshop with Director Peque Gallaga

Its my 100th post! And I would like to share a portion of what happened last Saturday. I hurried and took a taxi to Durian Owl where the workshop would be held. When I arrived, there were already some participants comfortably sitting on the sofas.

After a while the director of the movie "Oro, Plata, Mata, Batang X, Scorpion Nights, Magic Kingdom, etc.", director Peque Gallaga arrived. I can tell that the participants were already excited after seeing him by looking at their faces. We settled at the comfortable sofas, and he started talking.

After the whole day talking, we had a nice fellowship after the workshop. Dish Avenue prepared the cocktails, Durian Owl hosted the place. Good place, good food, good peeps!

Direk Peque explaining "Mise En Scene" to the participants
The people behind Mindanao Film Festival - Guerilla Filmmaking strikes a pose with Direk Peque.
Direk Peque doing the "owl" pose.

Guerilla Filmmaking 6 - Day 1 Kicks Off

I hurried to go to school since our group project that will be shown in the class on that very same day is not yet finished. I still have to get some parts of the presentation from my classmate.

We immediately assembled the parts of the presentation and was able to make it on time.

After the class, I decided to go to the 1st day of the Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop that is being held at Durian Oowl Bar.

The director of the film "Huling Balyan ng Buhi", Sherad Anthony Sanchez, is already listening to the participants as they develop a story out of the picture on the newspaper.

A participant tells his story based on the newspaper while Huling Balyan ng Buhi director Sherad Anthony Sanchez listens.
Story Development Class.

MinFiTel (Mindanao Film and Television Development Foundation Inc.) president Arjay Sta. Teresa D.M.M., giving last minute instructions to the participants before the Day 1 of the workshop ends.

Kontra Agos Film Festival Experience

I just want to share the photos when our films had its world premiere last December in Manila at Robinsons Galleria. My film premiered in the Kontra-Agos International Film Festival.

Mindanao Filmmakers Unite.. wehehe

and here's another one..

Lastly, me! Talking in front of the crowd.. that was scary. Thanks Teng!

Cinemalaya 2008

It's past 5 in the afternoon. I was bored and waiting for my class to start. I was browsing the net that time when my phone rang. I have no idea who owns the number but still, i answered the call.

"Hello? Good afternoon.." I greeted. "Hi, 'to po ba yung number ni Mona?" answered the person on the other end. "Hindi po, kaibigan ko po sya. Pwede po bang malaman kung anong kailangan mo sa kanya?"

"Ah hindi, this is Ruth from Cinemalaya. Gusto ko lang sana syang iinform na pumasok yung film nya sa kids section". After hearing this, my heart jumped! And she asked.. "Meron ba kayong DVD playable copy nung film nya? Kasi avi yung pinadala nyang DVD eh."


"Ahhmm, ipapadala na lang po namin. Kelan nyo po ba kailangan?"

"Sa sabado na kasi ang screening nung film nya sa CCP so kung pwede mapadala nyo bukas."

"Ok po.. sige po salamat! Bye!"



Yipee! My good friend Mona's film "A Step for My Dream" just got through the Cinemalaya International Film Festival 2008! I was shooting my short film in Ampatuan while she was shooting hers in Paglat. We're both members of the Micromedia Productions! My kudos to her! I'm happy for you Monay! I hope they'll have refinance mortgage service for her.. lol!

Double Date

We had a double date last night! Me, Cheng², Earl and Mam Flordy watched the "Incredible Hulk" at SM City. The movie was better than the previous Hulk Movie. I think there will be a "The Avengers" movie. good eh? :D

With Mr. Auraeus Solito

Finally! We’ve found my long lost brother! Here he is (hehe)..

Nah! Just kidding! After waiting for a couple of weeks, we’ve finally met him.. Mr. Aureus Solito. Director of the award-winning film “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” (The blossoming of Maximo Oliveros), “Pisay”, the Music Video of E-heads “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and many other award-winning films that were screened internationally.

Dinner with THE Mr. Auraeus Solito and THE Teng Mangansakan II

We’re so lucky to have him with us and speak about his documentary film “Basal Banar”. I wasn’t able to be with them in the forum because I had a shoot but I promised myself to watch it and hopefully give you a review of what is it all about. I’ll post it here.

..at the forum

We went out later that evening.

It was a pleasure to have you with us sir Auraeus! Hopefully you can visit us next time. Yes guys! He promised to come back (kung may time).. Hehe.

DoKYu part 1

I was excited when we started the 2nd day of the workshop. Everybody was "into it"! participated in every activity we made that day.. The faces of the participants were like full of ideas ready to burst!

See....
But of course.. there are times when you get really sleepy and you can't take it anymore you'll close your eyes and start to...






zzZzz.. and Teng was patient. Hehe..

Documentary Filmmaking - Dominic Morrissette Style!

Even if I was still sleepy because we watched the documentary Afghan Chronicles the night before, I forced myself to get up and try to make myself awake by taking a bath. I shook Sha and My Cheng² to wake them up also. We ate a quick breakfast and went to the IIPE.

There were a few early birds. Still looking sleepy because some of them came from Kidapawan and some came from Tagum.

While waiting for the guest. Teng let them watch the movie.

After the long wait, the Canadian director of the Afghan Chronicles - Dominic Morrissette arrived!

He explain how was it doing the documentary.
Tried to answer all of our questions.
And of course, posed with all of us!

And do you think ill let this moment pass? Though it was kinda like a stolen shot,took a picture of me with him of course! Thanks to Arnel B.!

MarsoKwatro

Before I forget, I'd like to share the trailer of our short film back in 2006 titled "MarsoKwatro" (Fourth of March).

Its a fictional thriller-drama story inspired by the March 4, 2003 Davao airport bombing which have killed 21 people and injured more than a hundred. The story evolved on the lives of three young bloods who struggled in their battles with life and their individual rage against who they believed was their enemy.

We bagged most of the major awards in the annual Mindanao Film Festival that time. Enjoy! :D



Marso Kwatro Trailer - The best home videos are here

Another Film Documentary workshop

INVITATION TO A WORKSHOP

CENTER FOR NEW CINEMA

A new center for the study, production and promotion of cinema is here – the Center for New Cinema!

With a view to improve on the historical developments achieved by motion pictures in the country and explore the potentials cinema faces in the age of digital technology, CNC offers workshops, events and production possibilities.

For its inaugural program, the newly-formed Center offers THE DOCUMENTARY WORKSHOP. Held for ten days from 21 April till 2 May, this workshop takes up one of the most difficult forms of filmmaking which is the documentary – a form of cinema that has yet to be brought to full appreciation as a cinematic expression in this country.

Conducted by the country’s prizewinning documentary filmmaker with 15 documentaries to his credit, Nick Deocampo, the workshop has devised a syllabus that takes a serious look at the history, theory and practice of documentary filmmaking. Trained in Paris and New York through French-Government Fellowship and Fulbright Scholarship, Deocampo’s track-record as a documentary filmmaker and film teacher assures a highly enriching workshop experience. Responsible for renewing vigor in the documentary since the Eighties with films depicting life under the Marcos dictatorship (OLIVER, REVOLUTIONS HAPPEN LIKE REFRAINS IN A SONG) to his later films dealing with gay themes (THE SEX WARRIORS AND THE SAMURAI) to modernism in painting (EDADES), Deocampo’s films offer classic examples of the genre. For his life-work in the documentary, he has been invited as international film jury in prestigious festivals in Prague, Yamagata, Berlin, New York, Brussels, New Delhi, Singapore, Rotterdam, Brisbane, and many other festivals.

If you have a burning idea that seeks fulfillment, explore the world of the documentary and find out how cinema can become a potent instrument in your quest to deal with life’s realities!

Details of the workshop, including how to apply, may be found at our website: cnc.net.ph

You may send your inquiries to: center4newcinema@yahoo.com or nick@cnc.net.ph

Or you may text or call: 4347400; 09215546942

CENTER FOR NEW CINEMA

Unit 601, Sterten Place Condominium, #116 Maginhawa St., U.P. Teacher’s Village – East, Quezon City (near BayanTel Building along Maginhawa St.)

Film Documentary Workshop

My good friend Teng Mangansakan II will be conducting a Film Documentary Workshop starting April 12 in Davao City. The Workshop will hold classes and lectures during the weekend of April (April 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27). Documentary projects will be produced in May. These documentaries will be screened during the 1st Salam Mindanao International Film Festival later this year.

Canadian filmmaker Dominic Morrissette (Afghan Chronicles) will be the guest speaker of the Workshop.

Regular registration is PhP1,800 but early birds will have a discounted registration of PhP1,500. Students will enjoy a further reduced PhP1,200 registration.

For more information, please email morofilm@yahoo.com.

How to get to IIPE:

Biniton

Biniton is a story depicting the process of preparation and cooking of a dish called Biniton that is particular to the community of Saniag, Ampatuan. The process of cooking, in the eyes of an old woman, brings to life the hardships they experienced amidst armed conflict at the same time the process of preparation, through the experience of Amel, her grandson walks us through the current situation of their community. How amidst the hardships and diversity in culture they had all managed to bounce back and become united.


These are the people behind the film (including Sharon who took this shot).


And this is Me giving instructions to the child actors.

The FOUR kids of Saniag


We are still shooting till midnight because we have to! argh!


And we left the place thanking the people of Saniag, Ampatuan who helped us during the shoot.


It was shown in Kontra-Agos Film Festival at Indie Sine, Robinsons Galleria from December 5-11,2007



The Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Robert Desjardins looking at the tarpaulin of my film.


And... tada!! I got the 3rd Place! And the Best Community Story! Congratas to all the winners!

Indeed it was a journey for me and my teammates. Thanks to all who have been with us through thick and thin! Thanks Teng and to the LGSPA peeps! I hope, we hope that it would not stop and more shoots and film to come. Full-length film before 2009 hopefully!

Tungo sa Arakan...

Nagising ako sa tunog ng aking celfone. isinet ko ang alarm nito sa ikaapat na oras ng madaling araw. Agad kong kinuha ang listahan ng mga gamit na ginawa ko bago pa ako natulog ng gabing iyon. Sipilyo, towel, tsinelas, iilang pares ng t-shirt at shorts, pantalon, sabong pampaligo, pangginaw, plato, baso, kutsara at tinidor.


Nirolyo ko ang pagkatupi ng mga damit at towel para magkasya sa bag na hiniram ko sa isang matalik na kaibigan. Naligo, nagbihis.. pagkatapos kinuha ko yung bag ko tsaka ako umalis papunta don sa tagpuan ng lahat ng crew.

Habang papalapit ako, nakikita ko na yung mga magiging kasama ko sa buong panahon na gagawin ang pelikula. Yung iba kumakain ng agahan, yung iba naman ay nagkukwentuhan lang habang hinihintay ang hudyat para sumakay sa van na magdadala sa amin papuntang arakan valley.

“coicoi sa van no. 2 ka” sabi ni drei. Sa harap ng van ako sumakay kasama ng isa pang asst. camera na si victor, habang ang iba naman ay nasa likod.



Tanghali na nang dumating kami sa bahay na tutuluyan namin. Nanunuot ang lamig sa katawan ko pagbaba ko ng van. Makikita mo ang hamog sa unahan. Tulong tulong kami sa pagbaba ng lahat ng mga gamit. Bags, tripod, JIB, mga camera, at mga iba pang kakailanganin namin. Naghanap ng kani-kaniyang pwesto para matulugan ang lahat. yung iba nakahagilap ng matt, yung iba nagsetup ng hammock.. me nakuntento na lang sa sahig pero me carpet naman.. at para sakin.. sa bangko na pinagdugtong ko lang.. masubukan nga ang ganitong setup sa unang gabi.

Walang shoot sa unang araw. kelangang maipwesto ang lahat eh. Syempre ibaba pa yung napakagaang na Generator Set na kailangan buhatin ng walong tao mailipat lang mula sa dump truck hanggang sa kakalagyan nito. Yung mga electrical wirings ng bahay (pano na lang ichacharge ang mga pinakamamahal na celfones dba?), tsaka computer.

Nakapag hapunan na lahat, at naghanda na para matulog ang iilan sa amin.Tinago ko pa nga yung mga goma na pantali ng kutsara at tinidor para di humiwalay sa lunchpack eh, souvenir kumbaga! Inihanda ko lahat ng kakailanganin ni Myk para sa unang sequence na gagawin kinabukasan. Ichinarge ang mga Batirya, isinilid sa bag ang camera at akoy pumwesto na sa aking tutulugan(tulugan nga bang maituturing ang isang silya? hehe).Magiging isang mahabang araw pa kinabukasan alam ko.. call time?? alas sais ng umaga.. whew!! magandang gabi arakan..