Hugo - A Necessary Exploration

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In a time of fake news and alternative facts, it is refreshing to have a film such as Hugo. In pursuit of the truth, this documentary digs deep on the misconception of what a Bul-Ul is and searches wide on its significance from when its first conception to today.
Bul-ul exhibit from the collection of the producer, Mark Koojiman
I have to admit that I never was a fan of the Bul-ul, or originally known as the Hugo, as the documentary teaches. It has always given me some sort of feeling of spiritual disturbance. I'm no guru but seeing the carvings would always make me uneasy. Don't get me wrong, I completely respect the culture, it simply is not for me. All this time, it has been told that it is a rice god. Hearing about this documentary immediately got me curious on how right the history books were.
The filmmaker, Rhadem Morados, introducing the documentary during its screening at U-View Theater
I would not go into detail but I am completely satisfied on how multi-faceted this documentary is. Hugo first brings you to an interview with a Mumbaki, a local shaman, to know firsthand how the first carving came to be. It also tours you to where the Bul-ul trade happened, to where it still happens today, and how locals and current historians would view its importance and function. The correspondent's urgency in finding the truth and the different breathtaking views keep you glued to the film. I appreciate how it does not give any bias but rather presents you different views, leaving the conclusion to the the audience.
Hugo should be part of your viewing list. It is a necessary film for anyone who has heard of the Bul-ul or Baguio. We've always heard that history is written by victors, and by all means, Hugo is the true victor.

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