Cinemalaya 18 Breaking Through the Noise III

IKA-34 GAWAD CCP
PARA SA ALTERNATIBONG
PELIKULA AT VIDEO

ANIMATION DOCUMENTARY

Animation Program A (TRT: 39 minutes) Documentary Program A (TRT: 67 minutes)
7 Aug/Sun, 12:45 PM | 6 Aug/Sat, 12:45 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
12 Aug/Fri, 3:30 PM | 13 Aug/Sat, 10 AM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)

BLACK & WHITE ROAD by Jericho Cedric ANG PINANGGANG ANAK NI JULIETA (JULIETA’S
Nepomuceno Maravilla • ANG LIWANAG NG BELOVED CHILD) by Marco Romas • ON HANDS
BAKUNAWA by Alvin Joshua A. Gasga and Elisha AND KNEES by Nico Antonio Bagsic • LINGKIS by
Shem E. Domingo • DALIGMATA DELIVERS ONE Yvonne Elizabeth G. Salazar and Isabel Margarita P.
LAST TIME by Minnesota S. Flores • I, LABYRINTH Valenzuela • PALENGKE DAY by Mervine Aquino
by Jag Garcia • SOMEWHERE I BELONG by Jyrah G.
Dotarot and Shamy Rasma C. Jailani Documentary Program B (TRT: 68 minutes)
6 Aug/Sat, 3:30 PM |
Animation Program B (TRT: 38 minutes) Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
7 Aug/Sun, 12:45 PM | 13 Aug/Sat, 3:30 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
12 Aug/Fri, 3:30 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) DIVA, DIVINE? by Francisco Tavas • SEE US COME
TOGETHER by Alyssa Suico • PASILONG by Toni
HAZMAT by Noli Agbayani Manaig • ANG MGA Cañete • ROCKS IN A WINDLESS WADI by EJ Gagui
SISIW SA KAGUBATAN by Vahn Leinard C. Pascual
• ANG AMOMONGGO SA ATON by VinJo Entuna • Documentary Program C (TRT: 36 minutes)
WETSITALES: APONIBONILAYEN AND THE SUN by 6 Aug/Sat, 6:15 PM |
Jade Dandan Evangelista • MARIS by John Gabriel Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
Gantala 13 Aug/Sat, 3:30 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
Animation Curated Program
(TRT: 35 minutes) BAYI: STORIES OF WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS
7 Aug/Sun, 10 AM | DEFENDERS by Chantal Eco • RIVER OF TEARS AND
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) RAGE by Maricon Montajes

CON AMBRE by Ma. Sofia Carro D. Falcasantos • IN Documentary Curated Program A
PASSING by Joseph Dominic Cruz • SI BIBOY KAG (TRT: 60 minutes)
ANG SIGBIN SA SIUDAD by Hannah Britanico • 6 Aug/Sat, 10 AM |
WETSITALES: HOW THE MOON AND STARS CAME Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
TO BE by Jade Dandan Evangelista • WETSITALES
: THE FLOOD STORY by Jade Dandan Evangelista • IN PAGLAYAG by Rhadem Musawah • LIKE PEOPLE,
SPACEBOUND by Stephanie Gwen C. Toribio THEY CHANGE TOO by John Thomas Trinidad

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 63

Documentary Curated Program B SHORT FEATURE
(TRT: 51 minutes)
6 Aug/Sat, 10 AM | Short Feature Program A (TRT: 63 minutes)
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) 8 Aug/Mon, 6:15 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
BUDJANG by Rhadem Musawah • BENTE QUATRO 11 Aug/Thu, 6:15 PM |
by Alyssa Suico • THINGS I’LL TELL YOU by Demie Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
Dangla • BALON by Maki Liwanag
SAYAW SANG BUHI by Rikki Lyn S. De la Cruz •
EXPERIMENTAL CLAIRVOYANT by John Luke Miraflor • DOSENA by
Kyla Romero • MYDAY by Kevin Van Sulitas • REPLAY
Experimental Program A (TRT: 54 minutes) by Franky Arrocena
7 Aug/Sun, 3:30 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) Short Feature Program B (TRT: 82 minutes)
12 Aug/Fri, 6:15 PM | 8 Aug/Mon, 3:30 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
11 Aug/Thu, 6:15 PM |
I WANNA BE A TUTUBI by James Benedict Calleja Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
• KASIKAS SA GANIHA UG UNYA by Eric Bico and
Kuda Bux • BUWAL NA MGA IMAHE by Gerard ARCANGHEL by Theophany Dionisio • ITOM NGA
Bernardo • PHOTOCOPIED DISTANCE by Andre BUGAS KANARYO NGA UGAT by Leonard Ian
Joachim Red • MEMORIA PANDEMIA by Mark G. Blancada Billones • TIEMPO SUERTE by Jonathan
Mirabuenos • BEDTIME STORY #14 by Kristine Joy A. Jurilla • ANG PANGUNGUMPISAL by Minnesota S.
De Leon • THE BODY by Justine Borlagdan Flores • A SABBATH ON THE LONGEST DAY OF THE
YEAR by Edmund M. Telmo
Experimental Program B (TRT: 34 minutes)
7 Aug/Sun, 3:30 PM | Short Feature Program C (TRT: 73 minutes)
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) 8 Aug/Mon, 12:45 PM |
12 Aug/Fri, 6:15 PM | Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) 11 Aug/Thu, 3:30 PM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
LUMALABAS by Mico Bondoy Tagulalac • UNTI-UNTI
by Aliyah Balderama • LETTERS TO OUR LITTLE DON’T TOUCH THE BAY-AGS by Allyssa Marielle S.
BROWN BROTHERS by Noli Agbayani Manaig • Garcia • CUT/OFF by Von Victor Rivera Viernes and
READ-ONLY MEMORY by David R. Corpuz and Sean Russel Romero • THIS IS NOT A COMING OUT
Kristine Camille Sulit • PAGTATAPOS by Jhonny M. STORY by Mark Felix Ebreo • ANG BUNGA SA TIYAN
Bobier II NI ADAM by Ella Louise Salomon • PAGBILANG
KONG TATLO by Xzy Dumabok

64 CINEMALAYA18

Short Feature Curated Program A Documentary (TRT: 52 minutes)
(TRT: 46 minutes) 9 Aug/Tue, 10 AM |
6 Aug/Sat, 9 PM | Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
DAGAMI DAYTOY (This Is Our Land) By Nonilon Abao
KABUHI KANG MAARAM by Elaine Joy M. Obsina • PANAGHOY SA SELDA By Ruth Camacho • STILL
• IN CASE YOU FORGOT TO RETURN by John HERE, STILL WALKING By Katrina Isabelle G. Catalan •
Thomas Trinidad • ANG SAKRAMENTO by Andrea R. TEATRO NG PAGTANGIS By Glenn Atanacio
Valenzuela • LORNA by Emmanuel Escondo

Short Feature Curated Program B Experimental (TRT: 15 minutes)
(TRT: 46 minutes) 10 Aug/Wed, 10 AM |
6 Aug/Sat, 9 PM | Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
HOLLOW BLOCKS By Jonathan Jose Zamora Olarte
BLACK SHEEP by Julius Renzo P. Pagtalunan (Jay Ruiz) • POWER VIOLENCE By Tron Victoriano and Chino
• MARIA MAKINANG by Gian Arre • HINDI KITA de Vera • LAUGH AND DIE By Jonathan Jose Zamora
MALILIMUTAN by Vahn Leinard C. Pascual • MGA Olarte • BLINKERS By JP Bonoan
BOSES SA PADER by Chic Cruz Mirano
Short Feature (TRT: 97 minutes)
SPECIAL SCREENING 10 Aug/Wed, 10 AM |
IKA-32 GAWAD CCP PARA SA Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
ALTERNATIBONG PELIKULA AT
VIDEO WINNERS VICTORIANA By Cecil Chloe L. Capatoy • SORRY By
Kristian A. Cruz • SA HUNASAN MAY SANTERMO (At
Animation (TRT: 25 minutes) the Shoreline there’s Santermo) By Niño B. Maldecir
9 Aug/Tue, 10 AM | • TAMBAY By Zyril Bundoc • MAUPAY NGA AGA,
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) PUNITI KITA (Good Morning, Let’s Fight) by Ligaya
Villablanca • ANNE’S TALKSHOW By Gian Andre
SARUNG BANGGI By Dominic James Barrios • BIGAS Rembrandt Arre
By Bryan Almoneda • MEOWBOT3000 VS FISHZILLA
By Mio Dagsaan • PAUWI KA NA BA? By Angel Tomas

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 65

IKA-33 GAWAD CCP PARA SA Short Feature (TRT: 73 minutes)
ALTERNATIBONG PELIKULA AT 12 Aug/Fri, 10 AM |
VIDEO WINNERS Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)

Animation (TRT: 40 minutes) MANYAOK by Kate Villanueva • GUTAB by Mary
11 Aug/Thu, 10 AM | Andrea Palmares • BANGUNGOT by Moses Webb •
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) HERE NOT HERE by Mariah Vianca Quinesio • LAOT
by John Lester Rimorin • NANAY, NANAY, GUSTO KO
MY MAMILY by Cha Roque • HOME by Bryan Kent SIYA by Nicca Patricia D. Marcelino • CAMILLE ALONE
Abias • HARAYA by Kem Jaspher D. Abayon • LANGIT by Kaya Guillen
LUPA by Cha Roque • BASURAHAN by Maki Liwanag

Documentary (TRT: 61 minutes) IKA-32-33 GAWAD CCP PARA SA
11 Aug/Thu, 10 AM | ALTERNATIBONG PELIKULA
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC) AT VIDEO BEST FILMS

PANAMBI by Jane Mariane Biyo, Katya Marie Corazon 14 Aug/Sun, 12:45 PM | (TRT: 45 minutes)
Puertollano, Myra Angeline Soriaso • KAMBALINGAN Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
by Terence Giourdan Gonzalves • MGA GIPAAMBIT
GIKAN SA TUBIG (WHISPERS FROM THE WATERS SARUNG BANGGI By Dominic James Barrios •
OF MINDANAO) by Anna Miguel Cervantes • DAGAMI DAYTOY (This Is Our Land) By Nonilon Abao
IYALLATIW by Melver Ritz L. Gomez • MALILIIT NA • VICTORIANA By Cecil Chloe L. Capatoy • POWER
HAKBANG by Richard Soriano Legaspi VIOLENCE By Tron Victoriano & Chino de Vera •
HOLLOW BLOCKS By Jonathan Jose Zamora Olarte

Experimental (TRT: 53 minutes)
12 Aug/Fri, 10 AM |
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)

TRANSIT TYRANNY by Jonathan Jose Zamora Olarte
• MGA BAG-ONG NAWONG SANG DAMGO KAG
KATINGALAHAN by Mark Raymund L. Garcia • LET
OUR RESPONSE BE by Ruka Azuma • HUGAS KAMAY
(WASHING OF HANDS) by Vahn Leinard C. Pascual
• SOMEWHERE A DESTINATION by Celeste Lapida
• PEKYU by Kristine Cerva • ATMOSPHERE by Yuki
Okazawa

66 CINEMALAYA18

Talkback with Documentary
Filmmakers

6 Aug/Sat, 6:15 PM
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)

Talkback with Experimental and
Animation Filmmakers

7 Aug/Sun, 6:15 PM
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)

Talkback with Short Feature
Filmmakers

8 Aug/Mon, 6:15 PM
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)

Awards Night

13 Aug/Sat, 6:15 PM
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)
Admission is FREE! First-come, first-served.

Ika-34 Gawad CCP Para Sa
Alternatibong Pelikula
at Video Best Films

14 Aug/Sun, 3:30 PM
Tanghalang Manuel Conde (TMC)

For more information, kindly call CCP Media Arts
at 8832 1125 locals 1705, 1712.

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 67

File Photo

Retrospective
Shorts

MTRCB Classification Horror This section has Gender And Development (GAD)-oriented films
Drugs which tackle themes on gender equality.
Strong Language PRIDE (LGBTQ+)
Nudity BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 69
Sex
Violence

Retrospective
Shorts
2020

Photo credits: Rodel Valiente

70 CINEMALAYA18

Set A

ANG GASGAS FATIGUED
NA PLAKA NI
LOLO BERT by JAMES ROBIN
The Broken Vinyl MAYO
Record
11:06 minutes |
by JANINA GACOSTA PG |
and CHESKA
MARFORI Fatigued is an
interactive short
19:07 minutes | film where audience
Drama, Romance | G participation is
important. It is about
A closeted gay man an employee who Retrospective Shorts
in his 60s has been overslept and must 2020
living with HIV for 10 wake-up from a
years. His monotonous life takes a sudden turn when nightmare. Today,
he receives an old vinyl record from his dead ex-lover. movies can be watched online through different
streaming sites. The idea behind this short film is to
CAST engage the audience exclusively to feel the cinematic
Dido De La Paz, Soliman Cruz and Jacques June experience and explore the difference in space and
Borlaza time between watching inside the cinema and in the
comfort of one’s home. The live participation of the
PRODUCTION audience is a unique experience to witness much like
DIRECTOR Janina Gacosta and Cheska Marfori watching with a group of people inside the cinema.
SCREENWRITER Janina Gacosta
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Philip Vargas CAST
PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Sherina Inza-Cruz Matthew Lorenzo, Yayo Aguila, Putol the dog
and Jake Hiraya
MUSIC Jose Mojica and Lionel Guico PRODUCTION
SOUND DESIGN Anglea Pereyra DIRECTOR James Robin M. Mayo
EDITORS Cheska Marfori, Iar Arondaing, SCREENPLAY James Robin M. Mayo
Nono Ignacio, Kevin Lawrence Restua PRODUCERS Cai Cena and James Robin M. Mayo
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Ryan Dela Cruz Quimpo DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY James Robin M.
CAM OPERATORS Stephen Paul Tujon and Mayo
Robert Jr. L. Cereno PRODUCTION DESIGN James Robin M. Mayo,
POSTER DESIGNER Eru Petrasanta Matthew Lorenzo, RM Marohombsar
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS James Pangan EDITORS Joris Fernandez, James Robin M. Mayo
and Jessa Espina SOUND Immanuel Verona
LINE PRODUCER Glecy Quozon PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS RM Marohombsar,
Matthew Lorenzo

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 71

Retrospective Shorts PABASA KAN QUING LALAM
2020 PASYON NING ALDO
Under The Sun
by HUBERT TIBI
by REEDEN FAJARDO
14:36 minutes |
Drama | PG 12:06 minutes |
Comedy, Drama | PG |
Religion and economy
take center stage in Upon learning that
a Bicolano family’s their son Janjan is
story set during the coming home after
Lenten season. To 15 years, Budang and
make ends meet, Georgia, transgender farmers from Pampanga, decide
one of them turns to to prepare a surprise for him. They start renovating
religion and pushes their neglected kitchen and gather ingredients to
his mother to make a cook their favorite dish “Con Saleng Manuk”. But
things will not work as planned.
living off of her faith.
CAST
CAST Budang and Plyka
Buboy Aguay Jr., Isabel Pedrasa Bogoc, Rosalinda
Brongos, Marife Nolasco, Charise Relayo, Jhon Paul PRODUCTION
Laban, Jhosua Laban and Augost Borella, Jr. DIRECTOR/WRITER Reeden Fajardo
CINEMATOGRAPHER Mel Cobrador
PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DESIGNER Glenn Lowell Averia
SOUND DESIGNERS/EDITORS Jason Villegas,
DIRECTOR/WRITER/EDITOR/ Jayson Santos
CINEMATOGRAPHER/PRODUCER Hubert Tibi MUSIC SCORER Francine Batac
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Gigi Tibi EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Fe Domingo, Ladee Quinn
PRODUCTION MANAGER/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Fajardo, Rolando Fajardo
Reycy Guinto PRODUCER Vinnie Veronica Valenzuela
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Lou Benedict Iblan, CONSULTANT David Corpuz
Leonard Mojica, Lander Oleta
MUSIC Paganini Caprice No. 5 Quing Lalam Ning Aldo (Under The Sun) won the
Audience Choice Award in Cinemalaya 2020.
Hubert Tibi won Best Screenplay for the film in the
2020 Cinemalaya. In 2021, the film was included in
the Short Film Corner of the Cannes Court Métrage
section of the Festival de Cannes.

72 CINEMALAYA18

Set B

TOKWIFI ANG
Star PAGPAKALMA
SA UNOS
by CARLA PULIDO To Calm the Pig
OCAMPO Inside

20:00 minutes by JOANNA
| Fantasy, Magic
VASQUEZ ARONG
Realism | PG |
18:30 minutes |
As Limmayug carries Documentary, Drama
firewood back to
his home village, | PG |
something falls from
the sky – a 1950’s To Calm the Pig Inside Retrospective Shorts
television with a contemplates on the 2020
hysterical showbiz effects a typhoon
star named Laura leaves on a seaside
Blancaflor trapped inside it. The frightened man city. Myths are woven in to try to understand how
saves the television – nay, saves Laura – from the people cope with the devastation and trauma. A girl
flames of the impact. Worlds apart in their language divulges bits and pieces of her own memory of her
and methods, the two try their best to engage each grandmother and mother to tie in the experiences
other. But for Limmayug, an indigenous man from an she felt visiting this ravaged port city.
off-the-grid mountain town, Laura’s TV talk seems
too contrived and, alas – during commercial breaks – CAST
uncontrollably tactless as well.
Anna Rong as storyteller, Editha “Dadit” Caputi Darlo
CAST for Grandmother singing, and Joel Lagartija for “Hain
Adrienne Vergara, Kurt “Ayeo-eo” Lumbag Alalag ang Utlanan”

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR/ WRITER/EDITOR Carla Pulido Ocampo
CINEMATOGRAPHER Lester Valle DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER/PRODUCER
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Rocky Acofo Cajigan Joanna Vasquez Arong
SOUND DESIGNER Willie Apa, Jr. ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS Christopher Clower, Erica
MUSIC SCORERS Maryjane Alejo, Jason Canoy, Brenner, JM Rodriguez
Mebuyan STILL PHOTOGRAPHERS Veejay Villafranca, Piyavit
WARDROBE CONSULTANT Kim Perez Thongsa-ard
SCRIPT CONSULTANTS Rocky Acofo Cajigan, Beau MUSIC SCORER Evgueni Galperine
Killip Macliing, Kay-an Khawaen EDITORS Lawrence S. Ang, Pao Sancho-Dalisay
LINE PRODUCER/PRODUCTION MANAGER SOUND DESIGNER Akritchalerm Kalayanamitr
Kyla Angeles Domingo SOUND EDITOR Chalermrat Kaweewattana
PRODUCERS Lester Valle, Armi Rae Cacanindin, TYPHOON AND YOLANDA FOOTAGE Earth Uncut
Eduardo Lejano, Jr., Manet Dayrit, Joni Pulido-Ferrier, TV, James Reynolds, Mark Thomas, Christian Linaban
Miguel Noel Tayao Ocampo, Leah Pulido Ocampo, AERIAL FOOTAGE AND STILLS Christopher Darza
Vladimir Hernandez, Harriane Gasmen, Sherlynne CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATIONS Students from San
Eddiva, LGU-Bontoc, Network of Asia Pacific Jose National High School, Camansihay Elementary
Islanders Ending Sexual Violence School and Tacloban City National High School
VISAYAN TRANSLATION April Anne Moncada, Russ
Tokwifi won Best Film and the NETPAC Jury Prize in Raniel Ligtas, Maria Victoria Beltran
the 2020 Cinemalaya.
To Calm the Pig Inside won the Special Jury Prize in
Cinemalaya 2020. It also received the Grand Jury
Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival.

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 73

Set B

Retrospective Shorts EXCUSE ME MISS, LIVING THINGS
2020 MISS, MISS
by MARTIKA
by SONNY RAMIREZ ESCOBAR
CALVENTO
11:30 minutes |
15:42 minutes | Social Comedy, Drama | PG
Satire, Comedy | R-13 |
|

Vangie, a miserable Kints and Charles
contractual sales have been together
lady, is about to lose for almost a decade.
her job. But in her One day, Kints wakes
desperate attempt up and discovers that
to convince her her lover has changed,
boss not to sack her, Vangie uncovers the ultimate literally. Although
jaw-dropping secret to regularization. Excuse Me, troubled at first, she
Miss, Miss, Miss is a social satire about the plight of eventually understands that what happened is a
contractual workers in the Philippines. natural phenomenon. Through this, she is reminded
that people change all the time, and love can change
CAST people.
Angelina Kanapi, Bob Jbeili and Phyllis Grande
CAST
PRODUCTION Kints Kintana and Charles Aaron Salazar
DIRECTOR Sonny Calvento
SCREENWRITER Arden Rod Condez PRODUCTION
PRODUCER Sheron Dayoc DIRECTOR/WRITER Martika Ramirez Escobar
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Eduardo Lejano, Manet PRODUCER Tin Velasco
Dayrit CINEMATOGRAPHER Carlos Mauricio
LINE PRODUCER Evangeline Torcino ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORER Alyana Cabral
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Rommel Sales EDITOR Lawrence S. Ang
MUSIC SCORER Len Calvo SOUND DESIGNERS Mikko Quizon, Nicole Amorez,
EDITOR Carlo Francisco Manatad RJ Cantos, Aeriel Mallari
SOUND DESIGNERS Mikko Quizon and Kat Salinas LIVE SOUND RECORDIST Deovan Fidelson
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Harley Alcasid PRODUCTION DESIGNER Juan Pablo Pineda III
COLORIST Timmy Torres ART DIRECTOR Thirdy Rivera
PRODUCTION MANAGER/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Mikee Dela Cruz
Tin Velasco ASSISTANT CAMERA OPERATORS Jestoni Lloveras
SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Ryanne Murcia Negradas, Benedict Marasigan
COLORIST Timmy Torres
Excuse Me, Miss, Miss Miss was the first Filipino LOCATION MANAGER Louise Loraine Barretto
short film to be included in the Short Film Program of UTILITY CREW Bernardo Carpio, Jhemar Caugiran
the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
Martika Ramirez Escobar won Best Director for the
film in the 2020 Cinemalaya.

74 CINEMALAYA18

THE SLUMS UTWAS
Arise
by JAN ANDREI
COBEY By RICHARD
SALVADICO and
19:46 minutes | ARLIE SWEET
Comedy | PG | SUMAGAYSAY

The Slums is a 11:00 minutes | Retrospective Shorts
mockumentary that Comedy | G 2020
follows a documentary
team as they terrorize Toto and his father live
a family living in on an island where
the urban slums of the primary source of
Manila. The film livelihood is the
features the colorful ocean. He loves going
lives of the Reyes with his father to
family: Nayda, the loving mother with body-image learn how to fish, dive and be one with the ocean.
issues; Julio, the hardworking but not very bright One afternoon while they were diving, a group
father; Oliver, the fabulous son who wants to be a of fishermen began throwing dynamites around
supermodel; Boy, the youngest and naughtiest child; them. Sensing danger, both father and son arose
and Pam, the feisty eldest child. Struggling to fix their immediately. His father explains the carelessness of
broken TV, the family grows increasingly annoyed dynamite fishing and how such disturbance turns the
as the documentary team becomes more involved in fishes to swim away. He ponders that perhaps the
their daily lives. ocean is too noisy because it is either angry or happy.

CAST CAST
Sunshine Teodoro, Jorrybell Agoto, Dylan Ray Talon, Rene Requiron, Joemel Bancayan
DMs Boongaling, Kenken Nuyad
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTORS Richard Jeroui Salvadico and Arlie Sweet
DIRECTOR/WRITER Jan Andrei Cobey Sumagaysay
DIRECTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY Moore Minglana WRITER Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay
LIVE SOUND RECORDIST Robe Dagcuta CINEMATOGRAPHER/EDITOR Richard Jeroui
SOUND DESIGNER Yves Patron Salvadico
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Kendra Millario PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS Patricia Camille Cruz and and Jonalyn Sallador
Jasmine Mendoza CAMERA OPERATOR Denrey Dumaguin
PRODUCER Bam Manlongat SOUND DESIGNER Charlene Eima Gallo
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Arlene Cobey SOUND GRIP Charlene Eima Gallo
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Kemp Valenzuela and
Jhon Lloyd Dumapit
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Rodelyn Tupas, Girlie
Sumagaysay, Arnold Sumagaysay

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 75

Retrospective
Shorts
2021

Photo credits: Rodel Valiente

76 CINEMALAYA18

Set A

MASKI PAPANO CROSSING

I Mask Go On by MARC MISA

by CHE TAGYAMON 7:45 minutes |
and GLENN BARIT Suspense, Drama |
R-13 |
5:00 minutes |
Comedy | G Driven by desperation,
security guard Gabriel
After getting disposed Arkanghell resorts Retrospective Shorts
of, a face mask to robbing a bus. 2021
starts to turn into Just before he could
a humanoid figure. commit the crime, two
It searches for its seasoned robbers beat
previous owner but him to the punch. As
finds him already with a new and better face mask. one of them approaches his seat, Gabriel tightens his
It gets heartbroken then wanders around different grip on his concealed firearm and struggles to make
places in Manila, and eventually finds another similar the decision whether to become a hero and take the
looking face mask figure. robbers down, or fall victim to the robbery himself.

CAST CAST
Maski Papet Niño Mendoza, Arrian Labios, Oscar Ante

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION
DIRECTORS Che Tagyamon, Glenn Barit DIRECTOR Marc Misa
SCREENWRITER Che Tagyamon SCREENWRITER LC De Leon
PRODUCERS Che Tagyamon, Jo Torlao PRODUCER Marc Misa
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Havas Ortega Group EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Marc Misa
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Glenn Barit DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Edsel Abesames
EDITORS Che Tagyamon, Glenn Barit MUSIC SCORER LC De Leon
SOUND DESIGNER John Michael Perez EDITOR Edsel Abesames
PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Che Tagyamon, Glenn SOUND DESIGNER LC De Leon, Joel Mondoneo
Barit PRODUCTION DESIGNER Marc Misa

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 77

Set A

Retrospective Shorts KAWATAN SA AN SADIT NA
2021 SALOG
A Toy in the PLANETA
River
The Little Planet
by ALPHIE VELASCO
by ARJANMAR H.
REBETA

18:36 minutes | 12:00 minutes
Mystery, Drama | PG | Experimental
Narrative | G
Santi, an ill-behaved
child, steals a dinosaur Awakened by a
toy which makes his mysterious voice,
father mad. After he Arjan finds himself
runs away from home, alone on a small
Santi accidentally drowns in the river but wakes planet called Planet I. Soon, he finds himself exploring
up on a mysterious island where odd traditions are the little planet for 40 days.
meant to be followed. He is then sentenced to clean
the shore filled with trash as punishment for stealing CAST
the revenant’s sacred boat. Luckily, an old woman Arjanmar H. Rebeta
helps him and they form a strong bond. After helping
the old woman achieve her peace, the revenant finally PRODUCTION
allows him to leave their sanctuary. Santi returns DIRECTOR Arjanmar H. Rebeta
home but his father is nowhere to be found. Instead, SCREENWRITER Arjanmar H. Rebeta
he finds the dinosaur toy floating on the river. PRODUCERS Arjanmar H. Rebeta, Khaye Medina-
Rebeta
CAST EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Arjanmar H. Rebeta, Khaye
Kyle Kaizer Almenanza, Marc Felix, Lui Manansala Medina-Rebeta
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Arjanmar H. Rebeta
PRODUCTION MUSIC SCORER Arjanmar H. Rebeta
DIRECTOR Alphie Velasco EDITOR Arjanmar H. Rebeta
SCREENWRITER Alphie Velasco SOUND DESIGNER Arjanmar H. Rebeta
PRODUCER Nestor Velasco PRODUCTION MANAGER Khaye Medina-Rebeta
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Flor Velasco PRODUCTION DESIGNER Khaye Medina-Rebeta
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Dayne Garcia
MUSIC SCORER Ivan Cortez An Sadit na Planeta received the Audience Choice
EDITOR Juan Bonifacio Corpuz Award, the Special Jury Prize, and the NETPAC Jury
SOUND DESIGNER Kat Salinas Prize in Cinemalaya 2021.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Vanerie Lumaque,
Cathrene Anne Joseph

78 CINEMALAYA18

LOOKING FOR OUT OF BODY
RAFFLESIAS AND
OTHER FLEETING by ENRICO PO
THINGS
14:53 minutes | Horror
by JAMES FAJARDO | R-13 |

20:00 minutes | Elle, a young model Retrospective Shorts
Coming of Age, Drama new to the industry, 2021
| PG arrives on the set of
her first commercial
A community fears job to discover
the tikbalang (horse that the initial idea
demon) which is was scrapped. A
mistakenly blamed for mysterious new
various killings in the concept has been developed but the crew and
forest. Gubat, a tikbalang, transforms into a teenage director keep forgetting to let her know what it
boy and searches for the truth. In the mountain, is. However, after an afternoon of tight costume
he meets Darren, an American botanist looking fittings, rough prop work, and meetings with creepy
for rafflesias. His interactions with the American producers, Elle begins to suspect something else
unravels his inner desires that he has never faced might be afoot.
before. This pushes him to reveal his identity which
puts his life at risk. CAST
Kelley Day, Nelsito Gomez, Joel Saracho, Dylan Talon,
CAST Leo Rialp, and Tarek El Tayech
Reynald Raissel Santos, Kevin Andrews, Ash Nicanor
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Enrico Po
DIRECTOR James Fajardo SCREENWRITER Enrico Po
SCREENWRITER James Fajardo PRODUCER Alemberg Ang
PRODUCER Christine Daisy Dela Paz EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Enrico Po
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Arsenio “Nick” J. Lizaso, Al DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Tey Clamor
Ryan S. Alejandre, and Marichu G. Tellano MUSIC SCORER Kristofer Crouch
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Rocky Morilla EDITOR Benjamin Tolentino
MUSIC SCORER Janell Pangilinan SOUND DESIGNER Mikko Quizon
EDITOR James Fajardo PRODUCTION DESIGNER Katrish Aristo
SOUND DESIGNER Janell Pangilinan
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Angel Tomas

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 79

Set B

Retrospective Shorts ANG NAMNAMA EN
2021 PAGDADALAGA LOLANG
NI LOLA MAYUMI Grandmother’s
Hope
by SHIRI DE LEON
by JONNIE LYN P.
20:00 minutes DASALLA
| Drama | R-16 |
5:00 minutes | Drama
After years of being |G|
teased as the town’s
old virgin, Lola Entirely shot using a
Mayumi decides to mobile phone, this film
hire a young callboy depicts life during the
who did not expect to have an elderly client. When quarantine. It focuses
the two meet, an unlikely connection between them on the story of Lolang Keyag who lives in isolation
forms. After a night of intimacy and vulnerability, with her baby grandson Eli as she was left to take
Lola Mayumi and the callboy start to question their care of him during the lockdown period. Despite the
beliefs. Her belief on how she sees men is tested – difficulties faced in this trying time, she tries her best
are they really all bad? Or, are there actually good to be hopeful for her grandson.
men out there?
CAST
CAST Concepcion P. Dasalla, Jaeceelizeon Alhexys P.
Ruby Ruiz, Julian Roxas, Xenia Callista, Darlene Dasalla
Ballano, and Michelle Gallero
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
DIRECTOR Shiri De Leon SCREENWRITER Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
SCREENWRITERS Shiri De Leon, Darlene Ballano, PRODUCER Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
Bryant Gali EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Concepcion P. Dasalla
PRODUCER Darlene Ballano DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Roy Ocampo MUSIC SCORER Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Kristine Laguardia EDITOR Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
MUSIC SCORER Denise Ballano SOUND DESIGNER Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
EDITOR Shiri De Leon PRODUCTION DESIGNER Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Bryant Gali PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Kathlyn P. Dasalla, Irish
SOUND DESIGNER Jeremiah Villardo Lyn P. Dasalla
BTS PHOTOGRAPHER Francis Magundayao

80 CINEMALAYA18

KIDS ON FIRE BEAUTY QUEEN

by Kyle Nieva by MYRA AQUINO

19:00 minutes | Dark 17:59 minutes | Drama,
Comedy | R-13 | Historical | R-13 |

J.C., a prepubescent Set in Pampanga Retrospective Shorts
boy, slowly learns in 1940, Remedios 2021
of his special role Gomez is a classic
in the impending woman through
apocalypse during a and through, and
religious camp. As she has the town’s
he participates in the beauty pageant
camp activities, he crown to prove it. But
gets confused between when the Empire of
the constant emerging sexual fantasies and his divine Japan invades the
calling. Philippines, plunging the country into unmitigated
chaos and violence, her quiet provincial life is
CAST completely overturned. After her father is tortured
Mystica, Alexis Negrite, Ces Aldaba and killed by the Japanese for his refusal to obey
them, Remedios runs to the mountains with her
PRODUCTION brother Oscar to join the Hukbalahap resistance and
DIRECTOR Kyle Nieva finds renewed purpose in the war. Once she arrives in
SCREENWRITER Kyle Nieva the thick jungle encampment, however, she discovers
PRODUCERS Carlo Francisco Manatad, Kyle Nieva, that not only does being a woman limit her options
Gian Carlo Librojo, Krizzia Nieva in the resistance but her suppressed grief over her
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Anna Weeks, Maan father’s death continues to persist. She must grapple
Villareal with both obstacles as she tries to find the strength
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Tey Clamor to be who she needs to be for her country while still
MUSIC SCORER Len Calvo unapologetically being herself.
EDITORS Carlo Francisco Manatad, Kyle Nieva
SOUND DESIGNER Kat Salinas CAST
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Alvin Francisco Febie Agustin, Lau Apostol, Norman King, and Bajun
Lacap
Kids On Fire won Best Director and Best Screenplay
in Cinemalaya 2021. PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR Myra Aquino
SCREENWRITERS Myra Aquino, Eric Hwang
PRODUCERS Tita Pambid, Reuben Domingo
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Myra Aquino
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Tey Clamor
MUSIC SCORER Nathan Matthew David
EDITORS Lawrence Fajardo, Myra Aquino
SOUND DESIGNER Matt Yocum
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Juan Pablo Pineda III

Beauty Queen bagged the Best Film award in
Cinemalaya 2021.

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 81

Set B

Retrospective Shorts ATE O.G. THE DUST IN
2021 YOUR PLACE
by KEVIN
MAYUGA by DAVID OLSON

16:57 minutes | 20:00 minutes |
Drama | R-16 | Drama | PG |

Ate, an aging After witnessing
household help, an awkward fight
struggles with the between her writer
slow, dull, day-to- and his girlfriend,
day depression of a comic strip
home quarantine illustrator decides
in the midst of a nationwide lockdown. Her two to tell him what
teenaged employers also struggle and cope is plaguing his
in their own ways but seem to take out their relationships with other girls. The conversation
negative feelings on her. After running a series explodes into a discussion on relationships, social
of stressful chores for them, Ate finds a familiar norms, their history, and their possible future, and
medicine that gives her an unexpected form of it becomes increasingly clearer that the trajectory
relief. Not only does it uplift her overall mood of their career and friendship is on the line.
but also finds a newfound connection with the
teenagers at home. CAST
Boo Gabunada, Chaye Mogg
CAST
Merle Cahilig, Kara Mayuga, and Keenan Mayuga PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR David Olson
PRODUCTION SCREENWRITER Joem Antonio
DIRECTOR Kevin Mayuga PRODUCER Joaquin Coromina, Andrew Ramsay
SCREENWRITER Kevin Mayuga EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Warren Carmen,
PRODUCER Kevin Mayuga Michael Stamati
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Kevin Mayuga DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY JC Gellidon
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Mayuga MUSIC SCORER Miguel Abella
MUSIC SCORERS Roger Wang, Mia Palacios EDITORS David Olson, Sebastian Olvidelo
EDITOR Kevin Mayuga SOUND DESIGNER David Olson
SOUND DESIGNER John Michael Perez PRODUCTION DESIGNER Katrish Aristoki
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Kevin Mayuga

82 CINEMALAYA18

ANG MGA NAWALANG PAG-ASA Retrospective Shorts
AT PANLASA 2021
The Lost Hopes and Flavors

by KEVIN JAY AYSON and MARK MONEDA
19:57 minutes | Documentary | G
Micro food establishments and stalls have
been gravely affected by the pandemic.
Ang Mga Nawalang Pag-asa at Panlasa
features the struggles faced by Ilocano food
entrepreneurs and how they slowly rise
amidst the challenges of this health crisis.

CAST
Real-life Ilocano food entrepreneurs
PRODUCTION
DIRECTORS Kevin Jay Ayson, Mark Moneda
SCREENWRITER Mark Moneda
PRODUCER Marionne Moneda
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Marionne Moneda
DIRECTORS OF PHOTOGRAPHY Darwin Macugay, Juan Carlo Uy
MUSIC SCORER Romnick Arcartado
EDITOR Kevin Jay Ayson
SOUND DESIGNER Kevin Jay Ayson
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Marc Ryan Alejo

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 83

OCFILPLOMESNSIINNGG&

File Photo This section has Gender And Development (GAD)-oriented films
which tackle themes on gender equality.

August 5 | Friday | 7:00 PM LEONOR WILL NEVER DIE
Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Ang Pagbabalik ng Kwago
(CCP Main Theater)
by MARTIKA RAMIREZ ESCOBAR
Opening Film
99:00 minutes | Absurd Drama | PG-13 | 2022

Leonor Reyes was once a major player in the Filipino film
industry after creating a string of successful action films,
but now her household struggles to pay the bills. When she
reads an advertisement looking for screenplays, Leonor
begins tinkering with an unfinished script about the quest of
young, noble Ronwaldo forced to avenge his brother’s murder
at the hand of thugs. While her imagination provides some
escape from reality, she goes all-in after an accident involving
a television knocks her out, sends her into a coma, and
transports her inside the incomplete movie. Now Leonor can
play out her wildest dreams firsthand and discover the perfect
ending to her story.

CAST
Sheila Francisco, Bong Cabrera, Rocky Salumbides,
Anthony Falcon

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR Martika Ramirez Escobar
SCREENPLAY Martika Ramirez Escobar
PRODUCERS Monster Jimenez, Mario Cornejo
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Aurora Oreta, Martika Ramirez
Escobar, Quark Henares
PRODUCTION COMPANIES Arkeofilms and Anima
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos Mauricio
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Eero Francisco
EDITOR Lawrence S. Ang
MUSIC Alyana Cabral, Pan De Coco
SOUND DESIGNER Corinne De San Jose
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Mikee De La Cruz
LINE PRODUCER Rajiv Idnami

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2022 and received
the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Spirit of
Innovation.

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 85

Closing Films DELIKADO

August 13 | Saturday | 3:30 PM by KARL MALAKUNAS
Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo
(CCP Main Theater) 94:00 minutes | Documentary | G | 2022 |

86 CINEMALAYA18 Palawan appears to be an idyllic tropical island. Its powder-
white beaches and lush forests have made it one of Asia’s
hottest new tourist destinations. But for a tiny network of
environmental crusaders and vigilantes trying to protect its
spectacular natural resources, it is more akin to a battlefield.

Delikado follows Bobby, Tata and Nieves, three magnetic
leaders of this network, as they risk their lives in David
versus Goliath-style struggles, trying to stop politicians and
businessmen from destroying the Philippines’ “last ecological
frontier”.

It is a timely film emblematic of the struggles globally for land
defenders as they are being killed in record numbers trying to
save natural resources from being plundered by corporations
and governments. As the world faces its sixth-mass extinction
and the climate emergency worsens, Delikado offers a story of
courage and resilience to inspire others into action.

PARTICIPANTS
Atty. Robert “Bobby” Chan, Nieves Rosento, Efren “Tata”
Balladeres, “Kap” Ruben Arzaga

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR Karl Malakunas
WRITERS Laura Nix, Michael Collins, Karl Malakunas
PRODUCERS Marty Syjuco, Michael Collins, Kara Magsanoc-
Alikpala, Karl Malakunas
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Jody Allen, Suparna Bhasin, Jim
Butterworth, Daniel J. Chalfen, James Costa, Erika Dilday, Sally
Jo Fifer, Beadie Finzi, Alexandra Johnes, Ali Marsh, Laura Nix,
Shanida Scotland, Rebecca Teitel, Chris White
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Bannigan, ACS
EDITORS Michael Collins, Eric Daniel Metzgar
CO-EDITOR Paul Alexander Juutilainen
CINEMATOGRAPHY Tom Bannigan
COMPOSER Nainita Desai
SOUND Karl Malakunas, Tom Bannigan
SUPERVISING PRODUCERS Shaleece Haas,
Michael Ehrenzweig

Screened at 14 international events and festivals; received the
Sustainable Future Award at the Sydney Film Festival 2022
and the Special Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature from
the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

August 13 | Saturday | 7:00 PM WE DON’T DANCE FOR NOTHING
Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo
(CCP Main Theater) by STEFANOS TAI

86:00 minutes | Documentary | PG | 2022 | Closing Films

We Don’t Dance for Nothing is a photo-montage love letter
to the Filipina Domestic Workers of Hong Kong. This visual
recreation of true memories shared by this community of
400,000 women (millions globally) follows one woman’s
plan to run away. Captured on Super-16 amidst the Hong
Kong Protests, we blend stills with motion to highlight the
passionate Street Dancing of these women, and touch upon
LGBTQ+ themes, issues of Workers’ Rights, and Hong Kong’s
changing political landscape.

SUBJECTS
Miles Sible, Xyza Cada, Chaya Joyce Baris, Marie Cornelio,
Vinia Pamplona, Anna Agawa, Reagan Cornelio, Adrew Baris,
Juliana Wong, Gratiano Wong, Bianca Lo, Baron Lo

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR Stefanos Tai
WRITER Stefanos Tai
PRODUCER Paloma Choque
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Roger Young, Mariel Mendoza
CO-PRODUCER Lukas Borovicka
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS Katrina Chen, Malah Quinay,
Vanko Ng
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Ran Zhang
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Catherine Wu
COSTUME DESIGNER Jhoshwa Ledesma
CHOREOGRAPHERS Jennifer Chiang, Lauren Beare
EDITOR Makamoto
SOUND DESIGNER Jack Tse
MUSIC COMPOSER Bill Liang
ADDITIONAL MUSIC Justin Porteous

Premiered at the DOXA Feature Documentary Festival 2022
and received the sole Honorable Mention at the DOXA
Documentary Festival (Vancouver).

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 87

tribute

File Photo

C E L E B R AT I N G
THE OUTSTANDING WORKS
OF FIVE ARTISTS
IN PHILIPPINE FILM

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 89

90 CINEMALAYA18

“Ang isang indie film ay isang pelikula na ang laya-laya mong gawin ito.
Walang nakikialam sa ‘yo. Pagkatapos mong gawin ‘yong pelikula,
makakapagpalaya ka rin ng ibang tao.

Mabubuksan ang isip nila at sasabihin nilang gusto ko rin gumawa ng ganito.”

Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez

Film and Television Director, Screenwriter,
Story and TV Writer, Music Video Director

June 7, 1976 to January 3, 2022

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 91

He resisted at first becoming a writer Barros-Sanchez was a pioneer of sorts in
though it was in his blood and inclination, local film festivals. He was among the first
thinking it was for geeks and that it would batch of filmmakers in the first Cinemalaya
go against his jock identity. As a college in 2005. He submitted two scripts and
student whose growth spurt reached 6’4” in was asked to choose between Lasponggols
height at the height of PBA’s popularity, he and Ang mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro.
tried out for and got in at the Red Warriors He chose the first, a black comedy, for his
Men’s Basketball Team at the University of directorial film debut which featured the
the East Manila. oft-ignored people in a mainstream movie
set. Lasponggols was then screened in the
The filmmaker came from a long line of 2005 Fribourg International Film Festival in
writers from both his father and mother’s Switzerland, and likewise in the 2006 New
respective families. His paternal uncle York Imaginasian Film Festival.
Wilfredo Pascua Sanchez wrote the first
play staged in PETA titled Bayaning Huwad Barros-Sanchez was again among the first
adapted from Virgie Moreno’s Straw entrants to FDCP’s first Sineng Pambansa
Patriots while his paternal grandfather National Film Festival in 2012 by way of
wrote for the Ilocano publication Bannawag. Ang Mga Kidnaper ni Ronnie Lazaro. The
Salvador Barros, his maternal grandfather, film bagged the Grand Festival Prize while
wrote film scripts for the actress Paraluman. the entire acting ensemble of the film won
Best Actor during the awarding ceremony
In one of many varsity team practices, he in Davao.
picked up a copy of UE’s Dawn publication
in the gym which a fellow student left He was most proud of Ang Mga Kidnaper
behind. He read a short story in its literary ni Ronnie Lazaro when it removed two
section that so inspired him that it changed screening dates of Hollywood blockbuster
not only his career trajectory but his entire The Amazing Spiderman in Davao cinemas
life. because of the people’s clamor to see the
film spurred by a blog post recommending
A few years after graduation, in 1999, it. The film was also nominated as Best
Barros-Sanchez landed a slot in the 11th Picture (for Comedy) at the 2013 ASEAN
Scriptwriting Workshop given by National International Film Festival and Awards.
Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricardo
“Ricky” Lee for free. He then developed Huling Biyahe, which completed his meta
a deep and profound friendship with the trilogy on films about films and filmmaking,
National Artist whom he looked up to as his won the Grand Jury Prize in FDCP’s second
primary mentor. Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival
in November 2012. It was nominated in
When Lee put a pause in his free workshops the 2013 Gawad Urian Awards for Best
for a decade, Barros-Sanchez decided to Screenplay and Best Direction.
start his own free scriptwriting workshops
at Bahay Konseptos, his family’s ancestral His last film Magtanggol in 2016 won
house in Manila, as his way of paying it for him the Best Director at the Madrid
forward. International Film Festival (Spain). The
European Philippine International Film
The filmmaker was easy to spot in a crowd. Festival (EPIFF) awarded the Special Jury
But it was not his towering figure nor his Prize for Social Change to the film while
mohawk hair that one remembers him by, the International Film Festival Manhattan
it was his boundless energy and passion for (IFFM) in New York presented it with the
Filipino films, filmmaking, and Filipino music Audience Choice Award.
as can be seen in his prolific body of work.

92 CINEMALAYA18

The festival honors Barros-Sanchez’s legacy with
the screening of Lasponggols, a full-length film
finalist at the first Cinemalaya in 2005.

Filmography TV WRITER
2012 Dahil sa Pag-ibig
FILM DIRECTOR 2012 Growing Up
2016 Magtanggol 2011 Green Rose
2014 Ang Gitaristang Hindi Marunong Magskala 2010 Maling Akala
2012 In Bangka Ha Ut Sin Duwa Sapah 2010 Gimik 2010
2012 Huling Biyahe 2010 Boystown
2012 Ang mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro 2003 Darating ang Umaga
2010 Tsardyer 2000 Kagat ng Dilim
2006 Imahe Nasyon – Aksyon Star segment
2005 Ang Anak ni Brocka MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTOR
2005 Lasponggols 2014 Okay Lang by Shamrock
2013 Till They Take My Heart Away by Kyla
SCREENWRITER 2012 Hari ng Sablay by Sugarfree
2017 Baklad 2012 Toll Gate by Hale
2003 Bertud ng Putik 2012 The Day you said Goodnight by Hale
2002 Prosti 2011 Gitara by Parokya ni Edgar
2001 Alas Dose 2010 Lifeline by Manskee
2010 Lakambini Bottom by Datu’s Tribe
STORY WRITER 2009 Tibo by Syato
2002 Prosti 2007 Anghel by Stonefree
2007 Lunod by Danita Paner

Sources: Red Room Media Productions YouTube interview of Ricky Lee on Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez; Off the Record YouTube interview of the filmmaker;
Talk cinema with an indie bad boy (tribune.net.ph); hanggangsamuli.culturalcenter.gov.ph;IMDb.com; University of the East (UE) official Facebook page; nme.com;
Siegfried Barros-Sanchez’s FB account.

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 93

94 CINEMALAYA18

“Huwag na huwag hahayaan na daigin ng sistemang
TV ang iyong kaluluwang indie.”

— as told to filmmaker Zig Madamba Dulay in one of their conversations.

Benji Garcia

Film and Television Director, Art Director,
Production Designer, Actor

May 16, 1959 to May 7, 2022

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 95

Benjamin Chicote Garcia or Benji Garcia 2006, the second year of Cinemalaya,
traversed the worlds of theater and film Batad became a festival finalist with
—on stage, backstage, on camera, or off Garcia at its directing helm. Penned by
camera. Even before the term “independent Vic Acedillo, the film features Gina Alajar,
productions” found its way into the local Nonie Buencamino and Alchris Galura.
film lexicon, Garcia was already doing it by
producing and acting on his own plays such His film won four Cinemalaya awards:
as The Benjamin Box through his production Best Actor for Galura; Best Screenplay for
outfit Arcalito. Acedillo; Best Production Design by Aped
Santos and Noel Navarro; and Special Jury
The Benjamin Box was a 90-minute musical Prize for Garcia.
comedy act in time for the Christmas
holidays. Sinto, Sinta, done through Garcia’s The Golden Screen Awards honored Batad
Teatrong Bilog sa Linggo (TBL) where he with Best Performance by an Actor in a
was its president and resident director, had Leading Role (Drama) for Galura; Best
other permutations in Sinta (1984 edition), Performance by an Actor in a Supporting
Sinta sa Mr. Peanuts and Sinta in 3-D. Role (Drama, Musical or Comedy) for
Buencamino; Best Production Design for the
Hence, when the actor who played Nora duo of Santos and Navarro; and Best
Aunor’s rapist in Himala suddenly became Musical Score for Belinda Salazar.
unavailable and there was one more
segment to shoot, Garcia, who was the Canadian filmmaker Clinton Stark who
film’s Art Director, volunteered to replace is based in San Francisco rated the film
the actor. National Artist for Cinema with 4.5 stars out of 5. “Perhaps best of
Ishmael Bernal agreed, and the sequence all is the relaxed pace. This is not a movie
where the rapist was mocking Aunor by about explosions, special effects and chase
laughing at her extended until Garcia was sequences. Instead, director Benji Garcia
almost out of breath. When Bernal finally patiently lets the story unfold, without
said cut, he remarked “excellent” to Garcia’s resorting to fast cuts. Consequently, the
performance. emotion, the pride, and value of family
traditions are magnified,” Stark wrote in his
The artist prepared his foray into the website in 2009 after getting hold of the
celluloid world by taking up a film course film’s DVD copy.
at the London International Film School
in 1980. This was after completing his This relaxed pace likewise characterized
Communication Arts degree at the Ateneo Garcia’s own film directing pace. His next
de Manila University in 1979. While still directorial work was six years later in 2012
a college student, he joined the LVN Film for Malan which Cinemalaya screened the
Workshop in 1978. He was well-versed in following year (2013). Malan was based
Spanish, English, Filipino and the Visayan on a story by Cipriano S. Domingo and
languages. developed into a screenplay by Agustin J.
Pagusara, Jr. It won the jury award in the
He shifted between the roles of Production second Sineng Pambansa National Film
Designer to Art Director in film sets and Festival in 2012.
simultaneously produced and acted on his
own plays in the 1980’s. At one point, he He co-wrote the screenplay of his
became a talent caster and TV ad producer third film Philippino Story with Raquel
for ad agencies J. Walter Thompson and Villavicencio and Zig Madamba Dulay. The
Ace Saatchi & Saatchi. film, produced by Cinema One Originals,
featured Mark Gil, Junjun Quintana and
His wide experience in production work Nor Domingo. Quintana received the Best
led him to his directorial job for television. Supporting Actor from the 2014 Gawad
He directed the Doormat episode of the Urian Awards. The full movie is available on
Maalaala Mo Kaya series in 1995, and in the Cinema One YouTube channel.

96 CINEMALAYA18

The festival honors Garcia’s legacy with the Filmography
screening of Batad, which won four major
awards in the 2006 Cinemalaya. FILM DIRECTOR
2013 Philippino Story
2012 Malan
2006 Batad

TELEVISION DIRECTOR
1995 Maalaala Mo Kaya (1 episode)
Doormat

ART DIRECTOR (FILM)
1983 Summer Holiday
1982 Himala
1982 Miracle
1982 Anak

ART DIRECTOR (TV SERIES)
2003 Alab ng Lahi

PRODUCTION DESIGNER (FILM)
1985 Manoy, Hindi Ka Na Makaka-isa
1984 Sa Bulaklak ng Apoy
1984 Teenage Marriage

ACTOR (FILM)
2009 1017: Sa Paglaya ng Aking Salita

Sources: Josef Crisanto’s tribute videos on Facebook; Documentary: Himala Ngayon; Benjamin Chicote Garcia’s
Facebook account; IMDb.com; starkinsider.com; Making Waves: 10 Years of Cinemalaya.

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 97

98 CINEMALAYA18

“Aside from censorship from the state apparatus,
I think an equally dangerous impediment to filmmaking in the region

is self-censorship.
Gatekeepers of content censor their choices to avoid conflict

with authorities or their perception
of what their audience can handle.”

Joseph Israel Laban

Film and Television Director, Producer, Writer

March 9, 1981 to July 25, 2021

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 99

writing on metallic plates as a way to with co-writer Denise O’Hara at the 2016
de-stress from his artistic and professional QCinema.
endeavors in the first two years of the
pandemic. He completed his Creative Writing degree
from the University of the Philippines
Guerra, which could have been in Diliman. He studied in New York University
Cinemalaya’s roster of full-length films in (NYU) under a Fulbright Scholarship for his
competition this year and his fifth full-length master’s in Journalism with a focus on News
feature film, was likewise selected for the and Documentary. In 2018, he was among
2021 Sundance Visual Storytelling Collab the participants of the 21st Scriptwriting
alongside other film projects he was involved Workshop regularly given by National Artist
in as writer like Seasons of Chrysanthemum for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricardo “Ricky”
and Beloved. Lee. The NYU Production Lab Development
Studio also selected him to be one of six
Guerra may not have made it to this year’s fellows in the same year.
festival but Laban, who wrote the full-length
film screenplay Kargo directed by TM Recognizing the value of continuing
Malones, remains to be a part of the 2022 education, peer interactions, and
Cinemalaya. international networking, Laban participated
in several international fora such as the
The pandemic notwithstanding, 2021 had been a Three of his four full-length films were Berlinale Talents, the Taipei Produire au Sud
year like any other for Laban. The only unique thing competition films in Cinemalaya, namely, Workshop, the INTERDOC Masterclass
was that he continued working from home like many Baconaua (2017), Nuwebe (2013), and in Serbia, Engage Media’s Southeast Asia
professionals. Cuchera (2011). The Sister (2013), on the Video Camp in Myanmar, The Asian Pitch
other hand, was an exhibition film at the in Taipei, Tokyo Docs, and Docs by the Sea
film festival in 2016. His films traveled the in Bali.
world as they were screened in international
film festivals in Busan, Chennai, Geneva, Apart from being a film artist, Laban was
Goteborg, Montreal, Tallinn and Toronto. also an organizer. He founded the CineTotoo
Philippine Documentary Film Festival and
He had a full plate – he was in the pre-production He won three Balanghai trophies at the 2017 was its festival director.
stage of his full-length film Guerra, a finalist at Cinemalaya. For Baconaua, he received the
the 2022 Cinemalaya where he was its director, Best Director and Special Jury Prize. For As a documentarist, some of his notable
producer and writer; he was preparing for the film’s Bawod, which he also produced, he received awards include: Grand Prize for Best
participation in the Berlinale Co-Production Market the Best Screenplay. The 2015 Asean Film Documentary at the 2014 UNICEF Asia
Online Visitors Programme where it was selected; Festival and Awards conferred on Laban the Pacific Child Rights Award; Gold World
he was doing co-producer work for The Beergirl in Best Director award for Nuwebe. Medal at the 2008 New York Festivals for
Yangon, a 2021 Locarno Open Doors Selection; and Television; and two Silver World Medals at
he was still a Creative Consultant for GMA Network’s Baconaua was likewise a product of an the 2012 New York Festivals for Television.
Front Row and Reporter’s Notebook. Asian Cinema Fund grant of the Busan
Film Festival. Apart from Bawod, he also
All this while simultaneously starting an urban produced Purgatoryo (2016), Tuos (2016)
gardening of mostly vegetables in pots, a numismatic and Children’s Show (2014). He won Best
collection, and seriously delving into pre-colonial Screenplay for Purgatoryo which he shared

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The festival honors Laban’s legacy with the Filmography PRODUCER
screening of Cuchera, which won Best Film in 2017 Bawod
the New Breed category in 2011. FILM DIRECTOR 2016 Purgatoryo
2017 Baconaua 2016 The Sister
2016 The Sister 2014 Tuos
2014 Ulilang Lubos 2014 Marciano
2013 Nuwebe 2014 Ulilang Lubos
2011 Cuchera 2014 Children’s Show
2010 Antipo 2013 Mga Eroplanong Papel
sa Tag-araw ng Paglimot
SCREENWRITER 2013 Nuwebe
2022 Kargo 2013 Mga Engkantong Laog
2017 Bawod sa Mahabang Dapithapon
2017 Baconaua 2011 Cuchera
2016 Purgatoryo 2010 Antipo
2016 The Sister
2014 Ulilang Lubos
2013 Nuwebe
2013 Mga Engkantong Laog
sa Mahabang Dapithapon
2011 Cuchera
2010 Antipo

Sources: engagemedia.org, IMDb.com, linkedin self-description of the filmmaker, fulbright.org.ph, asianmoviepulse.com,
manilatimes.net.

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“Mas lumawak pa ‘yung audience na ma-reach ng independent cinema,
and maging kapantay kung ano man ‘yung naabot na market
ng mainstream cinema.
Yun ang pinaka pangarap ko.
Kasi ang pelikula naman ay ginawa para sa manonood.”

— the filmmaker’s wish as Philippine cinema celebrated its 100th year in 2019.

Eduardo Roy, Jr.

Film and Television Director, Story and Screenplay Writer

August 6, 1980 to February 21, 2022

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His is an inspiring story of perseverance. After many tries and nos, Roy became
In a TV interview with other young somewhat of a Cinemalaya regular with
filmmakers and esteemed writer and some even calling him a Cinemalaya
director Bing Lao, Roy revealed how baby.
he eventually earned a seat in the
Cinemalaya roster of competition films In 2013, Quick Change was the festival’s
with Bahay Bata (2011) after years of Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Sound
trying. and recipient of the Special Jury Prize
in the New Breed category. In 2016,
Roy started as a soap opera writer in Pamilya Ordinaryo won Best Film, Best
ABS-CBN, but he dreamt to direct the Director, Best Actress, Best Editing and
films he wanted in his commute from the NETPAC Award. In 2019, Fuccbois
Cavite to Manila. He landed a job at the won for him the Best Director and Best
TV network after applying for a writing Supporting Actor.
workshop sponsored by the network,
which was facilitated by National Artist Beyond the Philippine shores, Roy
for Film and the Broadcast Arts Ricardo continued to make waves. In the 2014
“Ricky” Lee. Vesoul Asian Film Festival, Quick Change
won the Critics Jury Award. For Pamilya
The National Artist chose Roy and 38 Ordinaryo, the Asia Pacific Screen
other writers out of more than 2,500 Award, the Hanoi International Film
applicants, and the young writer was Festival, and the Harlem International
deployed to the network where he Film Festival conferred its female lead
worked for the next five years. with the Best Actress awards with the
Harlem festival also giving out the Best
After work, he watched the films of Actor to the film’s male lead.
Jeffrey Jeturian and Brillante Mendoza
and found them refreshing. He also Roy also received the Special Mention
loved Lino Brocka’s Insiang and Ishmael award in New Asian Cinema at the Five
Bernal’s Himala, which both had a Flavours Asian Film Festival, and the Best
profound impact on him. The unique Director award from the Hanoi festival
storytelling techniques employed in their for Pamilya Ordinaryo.
films provided a high contrast to the
structured and formulaic stories he had The year 2019 had been a busy year for
gotten used to for television. Roy. Outside Cinemalaya, Last Fool Show
and Lola Igna were likewise released.
Since 2006, his goal has been to get into In between filmmaking, Roy had been
Cinemalaya. After improving his craft by directing television series since 2014.
attending workshops and listening to his Streaming giant Netflix added Pamilya
mentors which now included Armando Ordinaryo to its Filipino Movies & TV
Lao, it was only in 2011 that he made the list in 2020, and the film garnered the
Cinemalaya cut with Bahay Bata. number 1 spot for weeks. Netflix also
carries Lola Igna.
His persistence paid off. Bahay Bata was
named Best Film in Cinemalaya’s New It was a relatively short but a full and
Breed category. fulfilling filmmaking journey for Roy
who as a college mass communication
The Young Critics Circle gave the film’s student of New Era University in Quezon
lead Diana Zubiri the Best Performance City won the Best Short Film award
award. In the international circuit, for Ulirat at the Film Academy of the
the film received the Jury Prize at the Philippines (FAP) open competition in
Deauville Asian Film Festival in 2012. 2002. He took it as a sign to pursue
Roy was named Best First Time Director filmmaking, and audiences in the country
at the Las Palmas Film Festival. The and around the world are thankful that
film also garnered the Dragons and he did.
Tigers Award - Special Mention at the
Vancouver International Film Festival.

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Filmography

FILM DIRECTOR
2019 Lola Igna
2019 Fuccbois
2019 Last Fool Show
2016 Pamilya Ordinaryo (Ordinary People)
2013 Quick Change
2011 Bahay Bata (Baby Factory)
2006 Ang pinakamahabang one night stand

TV SERIES DIRECTOR

2020 Oh, Mando! (TV Mini Series)

2017-2020 Ipaglaban mo (TV Series)

2019 Maalaala Mo Kaya (TV Series)

2014-2015 Wagas (TV Series)

STORY AND SCREENPLAY WRITER
2011 Sponsor
2009 Big Night

The festival honors Roy’s legacy by screening
Pamilya Ordinaryo, which won five major awards
in 2016.

Sources: Cinema One YouTube (interview segments with Eduardo Roy, Jr.), IMDb.com, edillor.wordpress.com, nme.com, udou.ph,
foundfilms-ph.blogspot.com, CCP Corporate Communications Division image archive.

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“Flor had served the artistic community very well.
She had helped and guided and supported actors, directors.
She was a hardworking artist, educator, production manager, talent coordinator.
She just graduated in UP Diliman in March this year (2020)
with a Master’s Degree in Theater Arts. Her thesis was on my development as an actor.”
— Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director Fernando C. Josef on Flor Salanga

Flor Salanga

Audition Master, Actor, Film Collaborator, Educator

1955 to 2020

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Any actor who auditioned for the Cinemalaya since it began in 2005 until the pre-pandemic
year 2019 had met Flor or Flordeliz Salanga. She was the voice behind the spotlights, asking
questions, conferring with the filmmakers present in the panel, and giving instructions to the
auditioning actors.

Any audition process is nerve-wracking enough, but her steady and nurturing presence in the
Cinemalaya auditions made it less so. Salanga understood actors. She knew firsthand how to be
in their shoes, having been an actor herself for decades. She had acted in so many notable films
within and beyond the festival.

But her talents and skills went beyond performance, she was also an author, a film producer, a
line producer, a casting director, a theater practitioner, a production manager. Her body of work
shows a partiality to film by collaborating with many independent filmmakers across genres
and generations in front of the camera or behind it.

As an author, she was among 91 literary writers who contributed their works to Ani, the official
literary journal of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Ani (39th edition) themed The
Animal Kingdom/Kahayupan was launched in September 2016.

As a playwright, her theatrical play titled Ang Ambisyosong Langaw (The Ambitious Fly)—
which she co-wrote with J. Olano—was performed in CCP’s three-day Festival of Plays by
Women in March 2020. Students from the Pasay North National High School performed her
piece with Arnold Felipe as director.

Salanga had put a premium on her education by completing her Master’s Thesis for her MA
degree in Theater Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman even after a decade had
passed. Or, it could simply be that compunction to finish whatever project she had started no
matter how long or difficult.

The thesis was on the thespian journey of her dear friend Fernando C. Josef. It carried the title:
“Si Tata Nanding Sa Daan Patungo Sa Sining ng Pag-arte”. It had been a labor of love because
she had to carve out time in her busy schedules to attend to the documentation and the writing
itself. She presented her thesis to then CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Chris B. Millado
in February 2019 before formally receiving her Master’s degree in July of the same year.

Circling back to her long and illustrious performance career, Salanga received the Best
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Drama, Musical or Comedy) in the 2009
Golden Screen Awards as she essayed the role of Luzviminda Mercado in the film Jay. She
likewise received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Gawad Urian Award.

Though the Gawad Urian Award went to another actor, Salanga made such an impact on judge
Butch Francisco who wrote: “Flor’s performance as the mother of a gay schoolteacher found
dead in his rented apartment is flawless. It is a difficult role, but she rises to the challenge. She
manages to interpret every angle of it realistically. I still feel her performance in Jay is Urian
worthy.”

Jay, a 2008 film directed by the late Francis Xavier Pasion, won the Best Film, Best Actor, and
Best Editing in the Cinemalaya. The film also received the Special Mention award in the 2008
Bangkok International Film Festival and the Audience Award in the 2009 Black Movie Film
Festival among other local and international recognitions.

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Filmography

AUDITION MASTER

2005 to 2019 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

Salanga received the Best Performance by an ACTOR (FILM)
Actress in a Supporting Role in the 2009 Golden 2019 Second Coming by Jet Leyco
Screen Awards for her role as Luzviminda 2017 Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha by Mes De Guzman
Mercado in Jay. 2016 Hiblang Abo by Ralston Jover
2016 Tuos by Derick Cabrido
2016 Whistleblower by Adolfo Borinaga Alix, Jr.
2015 Kid Kulafu by Paul Soriano
2015 Hamog by Ralston Jover
2013 Bukas Na Lang Sapagkat Gabi Na by Jet Leyco
2013 Bad Romance by Ian Del Carmen
2013 Sapi by Brillante Mendoza
2012 Kamera Obscura by Raymond Red
2011 Mga Anino sa Tanghaling Tapat
2010 Vox Populi by Dennis N. Marasigan
2009 Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco
2009 Himpapawid by Raymond Red
2008 Jay by Francis Xavier Pasion
2007 To Ni by Vic Acedillo, Jr.
2006 Batad by Benji Garcia

Sources: Cinemalaya Official Facebook Page; IMDb.com; cinehook.com; Flordeliz Salanga Facebook account; Fernando C. Josef’s
Facebook account; hanggangsamuli.culturalcenter.gov.ph; normannorman.com.

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MAIN
COMPETITION
JURY

File Photo
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Frédéric Auburtin MAIN
COMPETITION
Jury Chairman JURY

Frédéric Auburtin was born in Marseille, France where he studied
music and literature before turning to cinema. He made his first steps
with Robert Guédiguian, and then became an assistant director to
legendary directors – Claude Berri, Francis Veber, Maurice Pialat,
Luigi Comencini, Bertrand Blier, Jean-Jacques Annaud, Jean-Paul
Rappeneau, and Randall Wallace for The Man in the Iron Mask.

In 1998, he co-directed his first feature film The Bridge with Gérard
Depardieu and also composed its score.

Since then he showed eclecticism as a film director for cinema and
television with Special Correspondents; The Worst Week of my Life;
Volpone; singular projects like the collective film Paris, je t’aime where
he also supervised transitions and editing; and United Passions, a
complex and adventurous film whose international cast retraces the
100-year history of the sulfurous FIFA.

Auburtin spent a lot of time preparing and shooting The Lover in Asia
and was fascinated by the region. He discovered China in 2016 during
a masterclass organized by the China Film Foundation. Since then he
has been involved in many Franco-Chinese projects and events. He
became executive producer of Football On the Roof, Liao Feiyu’s first
feature film shot entirely in Yunnan.

Currently, he is developing two feature films and a mini-series.
Delighted to return to the Philippines, the French filmmaker is curious
and eager to discover new works by Filipino filmmakers.

BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE 111

MAIN Jeffrey Jeturian Piolo Pascual
COMPETITION
JURY Jeffrey Jeturian has directed feature films that foreshadowed Dubbed as the “Philippines’ Ultimate Heartthrob” and
a vibrant Philippine independent cinema. He made relevant having a prolific showbiz career, it’s no wonder why Piolo
social themes and issues appeal to wider audiences beyond Pascual has become a true household name.
the arthouse aficionados.
The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino included three of As an actor, he has starred in numerous blockbuster
his films—Pila Balde (1999), Tuhog (2001) and Kubrador movies and hit TV shows, with his most recent projects
(2006)—on its list of 20 important Filipino movies produced being ABS-CBN’s My Papa Pi and the Philippine
in the past two decades. Pila Balde also received numerous adaptation of the Korean series Flower of Evil.
awards and citations abroad while Tuhog competed in the
58th Venice International Film Festival in 2001. For his arthouse films, Pascual was among the major cast
Kubrador, widely perceived as Jeturian’s most accomplished of Lav Diaz’s Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis (A Lullaby to the
film, was exhibited in more than a hundred international Sorrowful Mystery) in 2016 and Ang Hupa (The Halt)
festivals including a U.S. premiere at the New York Museum in 2019. Hele was a competition film at the 66th Berlin
of Modern Art (MoMA), winning over 40 national and International Film Festival where it was presented with
international awards. Pila Balde also received numerous The Alfred Bauer Prize. Ang Hupa, on the other hand,
awards and citations abroad. had its debut at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival Directors’
Locally, Tuhog and Kubrador were Urian best picture winners Fortnight.
while Minsan Pa (2004) was named best picture by the
Golden Screen Awards and the Young Critics Circle. Bisperas He was also in the primary cast of Erik Matti’s On the
(Best Film, 2011) and Ekstra (Jury Prize and Audience Award, Job. The film formed part of the Directors’ Fortnight
2013) received prizes from the Cinemalaya Philippine at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival where international
Independent Film Festival. audience members gave it a standing ovation after its
The director has done numerous TV series with the iconic screening.
Be Careful with My Heart (2012) being the most popular.
Among the recent ones include Encounter (2021) and What Pascual has also produced award-winning productions
We Could Be (2022). such as the blockbuster movie Kita Kita and the popular
Jeturian collaborated with Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, and co- Kimmy Dora franchise through his film outfit Spring
produced and co-directed footage for the docu-drama Ang Films, a production company he formed with Joyce
Pagbabalik Ni Gregoria de Jesus (2022) which featured de Bernal and Erickson Raymundo.
Jesus, the wife of Andres Bonifacio. The docu-drama was his
first foray in the historical genre. Spring Films also produced Last Night, Meet Me in St.
Gallen, Sunshine Family, and Kuya Wes. Kuya Wes was
Profile written by Jose Wendell Capili with updates. part of the full-length films in competition at the 2018
Cinemalaya.

Sources: philstar.com, pep.ph, rappler.com.

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