Very Interesting Regional SHORT FILMS Showcased at Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival

Spent the whole day at Gateway Mall Cinemas to see Shorts set C and a few full length films. 

Regional films were in Shorts C. First one was called Pulis Dunggab. It is about street games, family, and the choices we make in life. Set in rural Cebu, it was all fine and dandy til something happened that would change their lives forever. Good overall, especially since it tackled social issues.

The second film was called The Sound of K. It was about being differently abled and the struggles they go through everyday life. Speech, which normally would be just mimicked by any person becomes a huge difficult task for  the character, among other things. A bit tragic to see but, I saw how people could learn from these scenes. It was excellently executed.

Third film NAKABINBIN talks about the pains people go through to get public service. The red tape, the difficulties we face just to bury a loved one, something that happens everyday... to ordinary people, and still happens today. It looked and felt painful, As always, Soliman Cruz showed depth, and carried this shirt film from start to end. Grabe!

The 4th one is called NANG MATAKASAN ANG TAGAY, a family drama of an OFW father and his son. His love was shown raw, and the film had pretty good premise. You might cry with the touching end. Heartwarming, and has an LGBT story line. 

I like the variety seen in Short Films seen at the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival, you should watch them in Gateway and Ayala Malls. They've got the list of nominees out on the Puregold FB page. I'll post later! 

The Importance of SHORT FILMS Showcased on Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival

While there was a GREAT choice of full films in the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival this year, they got the short films into a package so you could watch several of it in one go. I got to see SHORTS A, and it was so good because the choices were awesome, from horror, sci Fi, documentary type, family, regional, they got the best ones in every story!

Here's a Quick Review:

Starfish - Man named Boyet does adult work in the city, but went home to the province after getting fired. His life is hard, even his sister, both brought up in an abusive home.It also talks about politics, boys love, gore, and pain. Much of it is symbolic, mirrors society.

Kung Hain Bisan Din - Main character is about to get married, story is about severed relationships with family. It is also deeply rooted in Waraynon dialect, She gets showcased in different camera angles, and wanting to become part of one of the most important events in her life. Felt bittersweet.

KANIBAL - This talks about politics, the family, set in a busy market. I like how they did it in Ilonggo/Hiligaynon. A bit weird. Character was for progress, until she personally gets affected. This is more on societal and political problems, and the hardships that most middle class go through.I liked the super unusual ending.

Sa mga Nagdaan at Lumipas - The film talks about LGBT struggles, the leftist groups, poor and underprivileged. It also talks about youth, music, and women. It has lengthy dialogue, needed to establish their view and a sense of being activists. It's also about Lesbians, and their colorful world. Sensible talk about love and relationships. Actress did so good on slow subtle scenes. 

LIMLIM - The movie talks about child abuse and early pregnancy. Scary to discuss something like it in cinema.so that alone is brave. It's a slow burn, and very quietly told. Actors were also good. Child should get recognition. My personal favorite. 

Shorts would be hard to reach especially because of their length and production value. Puregold took a RISK and chose a lot and have them be seen in a theater, it as worth it. Congratulations to Sir Chris Cahilig, the Festival Director who took these wonderfully made short films and have them connected to the audience. I hope this becomes a great start for these young creators, production, who wants to be seen. They did their job and I'm so happy to have seen all their work, I felt the future looks bright for Philippine cinema. 

They're still showing in theaters and they are being filled to the brim as we speak, make sure you do your part by seeing them in Gateway Mall or Ayala Malls, you would be impressed and I'm not joking. 

Worthy Cause Showcased at TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival

You're in for a treat this weekend as the TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival goes on full swing. This is organized by Amber Studios as they partnered with organizations like Metro Manila Film Festival, HealthJustice Philippines, Parents Against Vape, Action for Economic Reforms, Social Watch, Philippine Smoke Free Movement and government sectors Philippine Legislators Committee on Pop Dev. The event was done to host young creators to use storytelling as a medium for social change. 

Participating individuals have undergone workshops under industry experts Jacque Manabat, Chiara Zambrano, Tops Brugada and Jobert Moteras. They created short films with themes involving tobacco, nicotine and vape. It's going to be raw, unique, full of emotions, especially from the POV of the youth. The festival will start on December 13. The shorts will be primarily shown digitally (by next year) but there will be screenings in Cebu, Sorsogon, and other provinces.

Ms. Jacque Manabat says "It's hard to quit, but what I've learned is that you can do it for others, for your loved ones. It's about giving them a better future, the best gift for Christmas. I am leveraging TikTok, to make sure the young ones won't get hitched with the small hints they've done in previous years. We organized this but you are the leaders of your generation, and from the looks of it, the young ones have a bright future, a smoke free future."

This will also be shown in other spots in Manila, Quezon City Film Festival screenings on the 11th and 12th. Updates will be posted on Amber Studios FB page, and the main screening will be done at the MMFF Auditorium at MMDA grounds in Pasig City. From what we've seen during the screening, they're absolutely right in telling us how bright the future of new generation of filmmakers are. All they wish for is a smoke free future, why don't we give them that!