Finally Indie films are being recognized by the MMFF, though it should have been recognized ages ago. Thanks for sharing DANGER PAULE.
BTW lol Elvis is part Filipino? I must say I’m a fan but I never really took note of his roots. That reminds me I’m looking for his movie where he played a singer in the circus… I didn’t get the title when I watched it on cinemax, hope I find it here in MUBI
@JP: What you’ve wrote was truly and eye opener. Its rather disheartening to know that MMFF belittles “indie film” and how mainstream cinema claims glory for Filipino Indie directors having won foreign recognition. I always thought indie was in harmony with the mainstream films after Brillante Mendoza’s Kinatay won.
@Danger P.: Is that for real, that the Catholic Church is involved in film censorship? I could only imagine MTRCB being made up of film professionals and critics to come up with their grounds for ‘censorship’, I have to be enlightened regarding this.
@Doinel: We’re on the same boat here, and I am also looking for Filipino Films on DVD. Sadly its quite a rarity in our local record bars. However I do remember finding a couple of indie film titles (sorry, I can’t remember which ones- but I can remember one which was filmed by a indie cinematographer named Jeyow Evangelista and starred by Coco Martin) in a obscure CD shop in Isetan Recto. I just can’t vouch for it being a legit copy. You could also try Powerbooks, they sell DVD Trilogies of Lino Brocka and other films from 70s-80s. Its usually found next to the cashiers (It’s usually placed in unnoticed corners).
The last few posts from you guys all made me realize that I’m an absolute foreigner to Philippine film. I haven’t been this enthused to find out more about what made Philippine cinema the way it is now.
I finally saw Kinatay- Now that’s an indie film! I’m currently reviewing the points you’ve discussed but its seems that I got emotionally swayed by the film. I was thinking about it while I was at the grocery while at the meat section, I really found the climax graphic.
The only criticism I had throughout the film was to have a self debate on whether it was shot on film or digitally. I think its the latter because of it’s grainy shots in the dark unless I stand corrected of course. I wasn’t too happy with shaky the cinematography but I can live with it, it won an award in the Cannes anyway.
- Moriones masks are pretty cool I’m guessing that the movie setting is based somewhere in the Visayas region, could it be Cebu? I could use another hint. I liked that scene with the butterflies (cinematography-wise) I thought it was digitally enhanced though.
- I have to commend the writer for being very concise and subtle in incorporating religious culture in the film. Pretty much the reason why I liked this film
- I’m not sure if my understanding Carol’s is indifference to Martha is because she’s jealous of her, what do you guys think?
The only downside I found in it would be the cinematography. I caught some glitches in the film, I could list it down but I’m not up for nitpicking on Lav’s film or spoil the movie- I don’t know if its a part of his directing style.
@Alexander: how long is the directors cut version? The one I watched was from Visitors. I jumped the two short films to see BHNM first, I’ll get around to watching the rest later. I also think it’s a masterpiece however in my humble opinion, he could have done better with the cinematography.
@ Adrian: this is also the first of his works which I’ve seen. I didn’t notice the way they delivered their lines… well maybe except for Willy. He’s so, monotonous.
True, I failed to notice that if that were the setting but that seems to be trend among borrowed cultures for film. (e.g. Wasabi- French in Japan) but yeah, this is Philippine cinema we’re talking about after all.
Just want to share Mowelfund (I was told, they help raise awareness for Philippine indie film makers?) came to my university yesterday and screened Botelya. A bronze winner of the Cannes Lion awards, worth watching. It is although a movie-ad quite the first of it’s kind which I’ve seen here’s the trailer
I haven’t finished watching Perfumed Nightmare yet but I just want to share this.
We had a conference in my university today, writer-director Sigfried Sanchez was one of our guest speakers YEY for meeting Philippine film personalities in the flesh. Honestly I’ve only learned of him today. He introduced himself as a music video director but I did some googling and found out that he’s also an indie film director.
In his talk, he shared with us how foreigners stereotype our film themes to poverty, poor image of the Filipino people (being unkempt, terrorist, etc.). I confirmed his opinion with an article written by Mark Meily What are your thoughts on that?
He mentioned his latest movie Tsardyer (2010) because one of the forum participants asked what his inspiration was for writing that film. He also mentioned a new film by Brillante Mendoza entitled Pray, thought that might be something to look forward to, Direk Sanchez seemed very eager about it.
Enkwentro director Pepe Diokno was supposed to be a guest speaker too but he didn’t turn up.
@ASTRO-TOFU: thanks for sharing Mga Lugar Kung Saan Tayo Nagkita: Cubao in the thread, It confirmed what I learned in the forum I attended.
@Adrian: Everything I’m reading here is coherent to what I’ve learned from Sig Sanchez. That we don’t have a ‘film culture’ or style, well we did have one but it’s not alive now. I’m limited by my knowledge of Lino Brocka films. We’re lacking in middle-class conflict themed films.
There was a film awareness forum lately organized by SM lately. Has anyone heard of this? If I hadn’t heard of it I wouldn’t have know that Robinson’s has cinema dedicated to indie films, is this still around?
Not a lot of action going down here lately. Just wanted to say that the last film we reviewed Perfumed Nightmare gave me an idea of what Philippine cinema should be about which is promoting love of country.
@ASTRO-TOFU: It is pretty hard keeping track of everyone. Let me start with the re-introduction.
Hi I’m YEOP! my previous screen name was Marz and is what my friends call me. I’m a complete noob to Philippine cinema and working my way around to discovering what it is and how to identify with it. I’ve been active in this thread since (if you backtrack) everyone started talking about Brillante Mendoza’s Kinatay.
Speaking of sharing movies, especially indie. I’ve shown Kinatay to my friends and they also appreciate it. One of them even took a keen interest in watching more indie films and the other is taking internship in the indie film production house- Sinehan Digitales this summer.
In all honesty, I haven’t heard of any of the movies you’ve mention that you’ve mentioned except for Batang Westside I believe I’ve read about it in this thread. I’ll look into Death in the Land of Encantos by Lav Diaz. and Mike de Leon’s Bayaning Third World, I might check that one out first.
@ADRIANMEDIZABAL: welcome to the thread, It’s been pretty dead for a while. I guess its safe to say we all got busy. Have you seen any good Filipino films lately?
I’ve been trying to watch all of Akira Kurosawa’s films although after seeing Yojimbo, Stray Dog and a little bit into- The Bad Sleep Well (in that order) my motivation to complete his works went down.
Hi guys, I’ve come across the late Alexis Tioseco’s post addresses to the Film Development council of the Philippines [http://alexistioseco.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/dear-film-development-council-of-the-philippines/]
I have yet to be enlightened on the process of preserving our old films. From what I’ve read a lot our old films could use restoration but the problem is the original copies have been lost in time. Feel free to correct me if my assumptions have some truth. I think there is a lack of a cataloging system with FDCP of old films dating back to 1930’s onwards because of missing ( lack knowledge of who has them) or deteriorating master copies of old films. Wikipedia seems to have a list of film titles from those years but that leaves me guessing where I can actually watch those films.
@I.L.: Thanks for this wonderful suggestion and yes, link please ^^. I’ve managed to squeeze in Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang (1974) in my “to watch” list before I read your suggestion.
Also I’d like to invite you guys to a film conference I’ve been working on this is why I haven’t been able to watch as much). YouThink2012 Film Literacy towards National Development . Our very own Adrian Mendizabal will be there as one of our speakers ^^ Hope you guys can make time.
Film Database Submission April 2010 about 2 years ago
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Dir: William Castle
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051744/
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2010 World Cup almost 2 years ago
S. Korea definitely shook things up for me awhile ago even if I was just reading the Matchcasts. Argentina’s game is getting interesting by the minute
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FILM DATABASE SUBMISSION OCTOBER 2010 over 1 year ago
Runaway 2010
Kanye West
“http://www.ifc.com/news/2010/10/watch-kanye-wests-short-film-r.php”
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Post a song you are currently listening to over 1 year ago
2NE1 – Go Away (vs. Armin Van Buuren) [ah.REX Club Mashup Edit]
I’m into remixed music lately.. Its kinda a seasonal thing for me to like this kind of music.
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GUESS THE FILM over 1 year ago
A wild guess- Laurence of Arabia?
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GUESS THE FILM over 1 year ago
A wild guess- Laurence of Arabia?… sorry for the double post
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FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
Finally Indie films are being recognized by the MMFF, though it should have been recognized ages ago. Thanks for sharing DANGER PAULE.
BTW lol Elvis is part Filipino? I must say I’m a fan but I never really took note of his roots. That reminds me I’m looking for his movie where he played a singer in the circus… I didn’t get the title when I watched it on cinemax, hope I find it here in MUBI
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
@JP: What you’ve wrote was truly and eye opener. Its rather disheartening to know that MMFF belittles “indie film” and how mainstream cinema claims glory for Filipino Indie directors having won foreign recognition. I always thought indie was in harmony with the mainstream films after Brillante Mendoza’s Kinatay won.
@Danger P.: Is that for real, that the Catholic Church is involved in film censorship? I could only imagine MTRCB being made up of film professionals and critics to come up with their grounds for ‘censorship’, I have to be enlightened regarding this.
@Doinel: We’re on the same boat here, and I am also looking for Filipino Films on DVD. Sadly its quite a rarity in our local record bars. However I do remember finding a couple of indie film titles (sorry, I can’t remember which ones- but I can remember one which was filmed by a indie cinematographer named Jeyow Evangelista and starred by Coco Martin) in a obscure CD shop in Isetan Recto. I just can’t vouch for it being a legit copy. You could also try Powerbooks, they sell DVD Trilogies of Lino Brocka and other films from 70s-80s. Its usually found next to the cashiers (It’s usually placed in unnoticed corners).
The last few posts from you guys all made me realize that I’m an absolute foreigner to Philippine film. I haven’t been this enthused to find out more about what made Philippine cinema the way it is now.
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
@I.L: why torn over Kinatay? I haven’t seen it though so- no spoilers please haha
Has anyone seen any of the indie film entries for MMFF or Rosario? Is it any good?
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Film Databse Submission December 2010 over 1 year ago
Postman To Heaven (2009)
Korea
Dir: Lee Hyeong-min
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FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
I finally saw Kinatay- Now that’s an indie film! I’m currently reviewing the points you’ve discussed but its seems that I got emotionally swayed by the film. I was thinking about it while I was at the grocery while at the meat section, I really found the climax graphic.
The only criticism I had throughout the film was to have a self debate on whether it was shot on film or digitally. I think its the latter because of it’s grainy shots in the dark unless I stand corrected of course. I wasn’t too happy with shaky the cinematography but I can live with it, it won an award in the Cannes anyway.
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
Happy New Year to everyone! I hope we’ll have lots of great movies to see this year. Cheers!
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FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
Noy was terrible and got in the Oscars? Whew however did that happen.
@I.L. & Danger: so which film to see next? Butterflies have no Memories or Weng Weng? I’m up for both
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
- Moriones masks are pretty cool I’m guessing that the movie setting is based somewhere in the Visayas region, could it be Cebu? I could use another hint. I liked that scene with the butterflies (cinematography-wise) I thought it was digitally enhanced though.
- I have to commend the writer for being very concise and subtle in incorporating religious culture in the film. Pretty much the reason why I liked this film
- I’m not sure if my understanding Carol’s is indifference to Martha is because she’s jealous of her, what do you guys think?
The only downside I found in it would be the cinematography. I caught some glitches in the film, I could list it down but I’m not up for nitpicking on Lav’s film or spoil the movie- I don’t know if its a part of his directing style.
@Alexander: how long is the directors cut version? The one I watched was from Visitors. I jumped the two short films to see BHNM first, I’ll get around to watching the rest later. I also think it’s a masterpiece however in my humble opinion, he could have done better with the cinematography.
@ Adrian: this is also the first of his works which I’ve seen. I didn’t notice the way they delivered their lines… well maybe except for Willy. He’s so, monotonous.
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
True, I failed to notice that if that were the setting but that seems to be trend among borrowed cultures for film. (e.g. Wasabi- French in Japan) but yeah, this is Philippine cinema we’re talking about after all.
Just want to share Mowelfund (I was told, they help raise awareness for Philippine indie film makers?) came to my university yesterday and screened Botelya. A bronze winner of the Cannes Lion awards, worth watching. It is although a movie-ad quite the first of it’s kind which I’ve seen here’s the trailer
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
@Mikilav: is Manila Skies airing locally?
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
Any suggestions for a good Filipino flick to critic for the week? Its been a while since Lav Diaz’s Butterflies have no memories.
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! over 1 year ago
I haven’t finished watching Perfumed Nightmare yet but I just want to share this.
We had a conference in my university today, writer-director Sigfried Sanchez was one of our guest speakers YEY for meeting Philippine film personalities in the flesh. Honestly I’ve only learned of him today. He introduced himself as a music video director but I did some googling and found out that he’s also an indie film director.
In his talk, he shared with us how foreigners stereotype our film themes to poverty, poor image of the Filipino people (being unkempt, terrorist, etc.). I confirmed his opinion with an article written by Mark Meily What are your thoughts on that?
He mentioned his latest movie Tsardyer (2010) because one of the forum participants asked what his inspiration was for writing that film. He also mentioned a new film by Brillante Mendoza entitled Pray, thought that might be something to look forward to, Direk Sanchez seemed very eager about it.
Enkwentro director Pepe Diokno was supposed to be a guest speaker too but he didn’t turn up.
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! about 1 year ago
@ASTRO-TOFU: thanks for sharing Mga Lugar Kung Saan Tayo Nagkita: Cubao in the thread, It confirmed what I learned in the forum I attended.
@Adrian: Everything I’m reading here is coherent to what I’ve learned from Sig Sanchez. That we don’t have a ‘film culture’ or style, well we did have one but it’s not alive now. I’m limited by my knowledge of Lino Brocka films. We’re lacking in middle-class conflict themed films.
There was a film awareness forum lately organized by SM lately. Has anyone heard of this? If I hadn’t heard of it I wouldn’t have know that Robinson’s has cinema dedicated to indie films, is this still around?
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! about 1 year ago
Not a lot of action going down here lately. Just wanted to say that the last film we reviewed Perfumed Nightmare gave me an idea of what Philippine cinema should be about which is promoting love of country.
Any suggestions on the next flick to watch?
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! about 1 year ago
Oops double post…
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Film Database Submission April 2011 about 1 year ago
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Sing Lek Lek Thee Riak Wa … Ruk)
Thailand, 2010
Director: Putthiphong Promsakha na Sakon Nakhon
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FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! about 1 year ago
@ASTRO-TOFU: It is pretty hard keeping track of everyone. Let me start with the re-introduction.
Hi I’m YEOP! my previous screen name was Marz and is what my friends call me. I’m a complete noob to Philippine cinema and working my way around to discovering what it is and how to identify with it. I’ve been active in this thread since (if you backtrack) everyone started talking about Brillante Mendoza’s Kinatay.
Speaking of sharing movies, especially indie. I’ve shown Kinatay to my friends and they also appreciate it. One of them even took a keen interest in watching more indie films and the other is taking internship in the indie film production house- Sinehan Digitales this summer.
In all honesty, I haven’t heard of any of the movies you’ve mention that you’ve mentioned except for Batang Westside I believe I’ve read about it in this thread. I’ll look into Death in the Land of Encantos by Lav Diaz. and Mike de Leon’s Bayaning Third World, I might check that one out first.
Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! 10 months ago
@ADRIANMEDIZABAL: welcome to the thread, It’s been pretty dead for a while. I guess its safe to say we all got busy. Have you seen any good Filipino films lately?
Go to Comment
Ok, admit you dozed off or slept while watching.... 10 months ago
Porcile
Life Is Beautiful
Yojimbo
Stray Dog
I’ve been trying to watch all of Akira Kurosawa’s films although after seeing Yojimbo, Stray Dog and a little bit into- The Bad Sleep Well (in that order) my motivation to complete his works went down.
Go to Comment
Last movie you saw and rate it 9 months ago
Men who stare at goats – 6/10 the cast being jail bait
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FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! 5 months ago
BUMP. Happy New Year everyone!
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FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! 5 months ago
Hi guys, I’ve come across the late Alexis Tioseco’s post addresses to the Film Development council of the Philippines [http://alexistioseco.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/dear-film-development-council-of-the-philippines/]
I have yet to be enlightened on the process of preserving our old films. From what I’ve read a lot our old films could use restoration but the problem is the original copies have been lost in time. Feel free to correct me if my assumptions have some truth. I think there is a lack of a cataloging system with FDCP of old films dating back to 1930’s onwards because of missing ( lack knowledge of who has them) or deteriorating master copies of old films. Wikipedia seems to have a list of film titles from those years but that leaves me guessing where I can actually watch those films.Go to Comment
FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! 4 months ago
If I have free time this weekend I’d want to watch an old (90’s and older at that) Filipino surrealist film (is there even any?). Any suggestions?
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FILIPINOS COME TOGETHER!!! 4 months ago
@I.L.: Thanks for this wonderful suggestion and yes, link please ^^. I’ve managed to squeeze in Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang (1974) in my “to watch” list before I read your suggestion.
Also I’d like to invite you guys to a film conference I’ve been working on
this is why I haven’t been able to watch as much). YouThink2012 Film Literacy towards National Development . Our very own Adrian Mendizabal will be there as one of our speakers ^^ Hope you guys can make time.Go to Comment