Cinemalaya Saturday

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Yesterday, in a span of approximately 10 hours, I was able to see 13 films. That's 2 documentaries, 10 shorts, and 1 full length film.


This was my schedule:
12:45 PM – MY REVOLUTIONARY MOTHER by Jethro Patalinghug (Documentary) and SAYAW by Cecilio Asuncion (Documentary)
3:30 PM – SHORTS B — LISYUN QNG GEOGRAFIA (Lessons of Geography) by Petersen Vargas; WAWA by Anj Macalanda; MATER by Annemikami Pablo; PUSONG BATO by Martika Ramirez Escobar; PAPETIR by Darwin Novicio
6:15 PM – SHORTS A – APASOL by Ryanne Murcia; GATILYO NG BARIL by Glenmark Doromal and Eero Yves Francisco; SANCTISSIMA by Kenneth Dagatan; KYEL by Arvin “Kadiboy” Belarmino; NENOK by Milo Tolentino
9:00 PM – BALUT COUNTRY by Paul Sta. Ana

And these are the most memorable ones:

1. My Revolutionary Mother

Although not competition film, this made an impression on me because of its purity. The short of it may be seen in this Twitter exchange:
My Revolutionary Mother is a documentary on how the filmmaker struggled with a having a sense of abandonment by his own mother because of her decision to be an activist. It reminds you that unresolved personal issues will hinder you from being whole.

Trailer:


After the Cinemalaya screening, My Revolutionary Mother received applause from the viewers. Fortunately, this documentary is available on Viddsee:


2. Lisyun qng Geografia (Geography Lessons)

This is the must-see film this year!
This short recalls the apparent confusion and mishandling of the closeness of high school friends Tric and Tib. You could see the passion of the director in every aspect of the film. I loved the use of tension and how it is appropriate all-throughout.

Trailer:

This would be the main reason you would want to catch Cinemalaya Shorts B!

3. Mater

Mater is sort of a mixed bag. It is reminiscent of Lav Diaz' works and has a refined kind of roughness. Cinematography, editing, and sound are satisfying plus the script allows the viewers to think. For me, Mater is that kind of film that would need a bit of time to settle in your system for you to appreciate it more.

Trailer:

Postscript: I think the actress needs to learn how smokers actually smoke.

4. Apasol

Reflective and visual. These are two words that describe the films I love the most. These are also two words that Apasol left in me. The film explores, as mentioned by Director Ryanne Murcia, how one can be selfless yet selfish at the same time when in love. Witness how El and Mark spends their last afternoon together. It would be hard to describe the film further and give justice to it. It's best if you see it for yourselves.

Trailer:

You may also want to view Director Ryanne Murcia's Love Me Not (No Ama Conmigo) on Viddsee:

5. Sanctissima

I've never experienced a film that was this effective in making me cringe. I'm not a fan of the theme and the opening title reminds me of Insidious but the creativity and excellence of the film makes it worth watching. Caution though, it's not for the fainthearted. It is extremely graphic.

Trailer:


Thank you, Leo, for accompanying me this year! Watch out for his picks and for the OhOhLeoAwards by going to his blog!


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