EXCLUSIVE snippets from the shortest short film. (lol not really)
in One Minute
Cinemalaya Congress presents Mainstream vs. Indie: friends, enimies, or allies
The objectives of this Independent Film Congress is as follows:
- to define the characteristics (a.k.a alternatives) and mainstream film making, and clarify the relations between them.
- to see how indie and mainstream film making can benefit from each other of at all; and
- to establish how each can contribute to the development of Philippine Cinema, either together or independently of each other.
On the first day, July 24, Sir Raul Sunico Ph.D. the President of Cultural Center of the Philippines stated his welcome remarks, and followed by Congress Director Nicanor Tiongson Ph.D. for the presentation of congress program and objectives (as you can read above). The keynote address was held by film maker and scholar Mr. Clodualdo “Doy” Del Mundo Ph.D. Some of his statements included the following:
- The 1960’s cheap film producing which was the “dead film era” in the Philippines.
- Mike de Leon’s “Itim” and “Maynila” films.
- Gerardo de Leon and Lamberto Avellana’s “G” films.
- Lino Brocka “do good story telling, three dimensional, make socially involved films…”
- 1970’s Sine Manila Film Festival
- Commercialism still prevailed in the 1970’s (e.g. the number of Nora Aunor (20) and Vilma Santos (22) films). Therefore the 1970’s did not improve because of commercialism and the informal production of films
- However, the 1980’s New Wave Films subsided
- Ishmael Bernal slowdown in film making
- Only Lino Brocka made his films until he died 1990’s, the new wave ended.
- compromised 90’s films are even more commercialized history of footnotes, did not develop that much
- the advent of new technologies (New wave, New Millenium)
- Ditsi Carolino Documentaries
- Cinemalaya started 2005, and phenomenal Independent films prevailed
- Distinction from Mainstream and Indie: Mainstream (Generic, Commercialized, dictated by corporations, genre movies, in studio production) Independent or Alternative, (1)takes risks, (2)anything that the mainstream is not, (3)not generic, (4)can be as short or as long, (5)independent from something mainstream, (6)commercial system is not needed, (7)how to market films and build audience.
- “Build great audience, before great film” by Lino Brocka
- (1) Appropriation then (2) Re-Invention (more exciiting, coming&changing)
- Mainstream hopefully would see wisdom to give freedom to new film makers
- Mainstream and Indie will remain separate. This is how should be.
The first panel included the following persons:
Moderator: Patrick Campos
..”Bigyan ng matalinong pelikula ang Pilipino”
translation: “Give Filipinos ‘smart’ films”
Speakers:
Lawrence Fajardo
…..”Gagawin ko yung pelikulang para sa akin ay gusto ko…”
trans: “I make films the way I wanted it..”
Mike Idioma
- “we don’t go for mediocrity, if you do film you have to do it with standards..”
- “going to mainstream, you have money, Indie goes for socially relevant/educational films.”
Lito Zulueta
- “Alternative films have spirit, freedom, and independence…”
- “for me indie is educational, and an advocacy”
- “film makers should guard themselves from commercialism..”
- it’s healthy to maintain terms & definitions for distinguishing the mainstream & independent films which give advocacy/freedom…”
Oggs Cruz
> “audience are catered from what they comprehend”
> “there are good films made from indie but they are limited to the acknowledgement they desire… we are creating a poor unhealthy cinema…”
The second panel still discussed or continued to tackle the first objectives, and they are as follows:
Moderator: Flordeliz Abanto
Currently a co-executive producer and co-host of Sugpuin and Korupsyon Walang Kukurap, a Catholic Mass Media Awards Hall of Fame Awardee for Radio Public Service Program and a co-production of DZRH and the CCP.
Speakers:
Joey Reyes
> “in mainstream, you agree with the rules of the film, may pananagutan ka parin…”
> “television acting ruins an actor, because they are required to act ‘acting’…”
> “Break the film grammar, then make a new film language/grammar…”
> “the term ‘Indie’ has been misused & abused during the past time… misbranded as (1) kabaklaan, (2) mahirap intindihin…”
> “In mainstream, inaassume nila na ‘bobo’ and tao/audience.. there are also creatives who intervene in making films in mainstream, sa indie, wala, kung ano naiisip mo as film maker it happens…”
Shamaine Buencamino
>”it’s different if you act in camera, it’s scenes are not continues, you need to cut, retake, etc. when you’re on stage you project your emotions, but in camera you don’t show that much you hide it a little bit, mainly the camera shows it for the audience (camera angles, etc.)”
> “to be an actor/actress in mainstream, i think you basically need marketable ability, and fan base…”
> ” most of the Indie film makers love the art of film making…”
Joji Alonso
> “more actors are valued in Independent films..”
> “I have been very fortunate, I treat all my films like my baby, I’m so involved in it…”
Glaiza de Castro
> “in mainstream, were given typical ‘tested’ roles, supporting roles, I was given a different role with Indie where in I had the chance to explore more with my acting skills…”
> “in Indie, it’s not T.V. acting, the hardest acting is not acting…”
> “bilang artista, gumagawa kayo ng karakter on your own, not just the one based on the script..”
> “indie is getting exploited by large corporations that make a Digital film subsidiary from the parent prod. company and produces cheap films and making it ‘indie’…”
For Panel 3, they tackled the second objective where you defy how Indie, and Mainstream can benefit from each other.
Moderator: Mario Hernando, Film Critic and Journalist
Speakers:
Teng Mangansakan III, Moro film maker
Tammy Dinopol, Star Cinema’s Creative Department for more than 10 years.
> “mainstreams are based on consumption…”
> “i have learned to ‘live and let live’…”
Diwa de Leon, professional composer, arranger, all-around musician.
> “(1) money, (2) audience pace, largely dictates what films to make”
> “sometimes, audience doesn’t know what they want until you give it to them”, Steve Jobs.
> “audience are hungry for more…”
> “Directors are the boss in Indies..”
Roselle Monteverde
> “Indie has immersed new film makers and talents…”
> “one cannot do without the other…”
Chris Martinez
> “mainstream and indie are friends and allies… my enemies are hollywood films..”
The second day (July 25) started with the same topic as Panel 4 w/c was discussing how Indie and Mainstream can benefit from each other.
Moderator: Lilit Reyes, Scriptwriter and Creative Director
Palanca Award Winning scriptwriter.
Speakers:
Adolf Alix, Jr. , Screenwriter and Director for Film and Television
One of the top 20 young entertainment personalities in Hollywood reporters’ “Next Generation Asia 2010”.
Maria Isabel Lopez, former Bb. Pilipinas Universe & Award winning actress
Secretary of the NCCA Committee on Visual Arts and line Producer of Indie Films.
- “If us actors/actresses wants the projects in indie films, we’ll do it for free..”
Cherry Pie Picache, Award-winning actress
- “mainstream films are income generated…”
- “be careful not to be used…”
- “survive the Indie film industry…”
Jade Castro, Director, Writer, Producer
founding partner for “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros”. He also teaches basic directing at Asia Pacific Film Institute.
The next Panel which is number 5 continued the discussion of the third objective. People included these ones below:
Moderator: Eduardo Lejano, head of UP Film Institute
Rolando Tolentino, dean of the U.P. College of Mass Communication
> “Logical film should be made for international attraction…”
> “the ‘boom’ continues because of the fonder…”
Lee Meily, photographer, producer, film director
> “both indie and mainstream should adapt to each other, but again it’s a question of economy…”
> “learn from mainstream and indie…”
> “(1)make is sustainable (w/ govt.), (2) develop audience, (3) digital era has come, (4) cont. making responsible films…”
Cesar Hernando, professor at U.P. fine arts and graphic design artist
- “Indie has too low of a budget for a prod. designer…”
Jema Pamintuan, award-winning Indie film music scorer
- “sa halip na gumamit ng western music, dapat sariling atin ang gamitin…”
- “…the learning for this is having the freedom to make what you make…”
Tito Gloria, Advertiser, Cinematographer, Producer, Unitel Productions
> “Mainstream and Indie should cont. what they’re doing. Wag nga lang mabahiran ng mainstream ang indie… tension is good, it helps.”
Mike Sandejas, Producer, Director
> “Foreign cinema is the problem…”
> “films are commodities…”
> “Corporate policy should change…”
For panel 6, how indie and mainstream can contribute to the development of Philippine cinema discussion’s been facilitated by the following:
Moderator: Jag Garcia, Chairperson of the Digital Film Making Programming at the Dela Salle College of St. Benilde, Manila.
Speakers:
Loy Arcenas, New York based Broadway and Film Production Designer, Director.
> “Philippine National Identity is a problem…”
> “it should be found in a culture, but indie films somehow defies the Filipino-ness…”
> “why can we not put this indie films to the mainstreams, why is that the case?”
> “I believe there is an audience for it…”
> “move on from that mishmashed cultures…”
> “films were meant to do it with honesty…”
Francis Pasion, Director of “My Binondo Girl and Princess and I”, Indie Film “Jay”
> “dapat malinaw ang intention, is it to earn? passion project? or competing films abroad…”
> “a concrete contribution is to support Philippines Films either mainstream or indie…”
> “Independent maintains its independent spirit, mainstream can help maybe through distributing to reach a wider audience…”
Erik Matti, T.V., advertising, and film.
> “Indie has evolved its meaning…thinking beyond just the audiences get involved…”
> “everyone must think for the local audience then more to a bigger audience…”
> “we should start being global, stop being indigenous”
Raquel Villavicencio, Actress, Writer, Producer
> “Contribute in our own little way…”
> “for me, it’s to share a director’s personal vision, personal message, and vision. In a sense it’s experimental…”
Tito Valiente, public anthroplogist
> “Kung makikialam ang media they can help bring about the independent films..”
> “film is naturally international…”
> “topics have no control in mainstream…reality is limited, indie is daring”
>”there should be Audience development!”
Summary of Recommendations and Resolutions by Nicanor G. Tiongson, Ph.D. (congress director)
A. What are Mainstream and Indie?
1. Mainstream/Studio produced = market driven
- usually big investment
- genres and safe themes
- filmic style: glossy, pleasant
2. Indie = vision-driven
- usually small budget
- no genres, any subject matter: daring, novel
- filmic style: original, in support of vision
3. Maindie: indie for mainstream
- indie sprint
- mainstream appeal
B. How can each benefit the other?
1. Mainstream
- rides on discoveries of indie
- has trained many indie artists
- can also exploit Indie.
2. Indie
- can use distribution system of mainstream
- can use machinery of studios
C. How can each contribute to development of Phil. Cinema?
1. Indie can create original films which present new perspectives, new relatives, and new filmic styles.
– but to do this, it must survive and reach audiences
– Problem of distribution:
- use of mainstream actors
- make good films
- create an art house
- create indie collective
– Problem of promotion:
- promotion in schools
- use of social network
2. Indie and Mainstream must build audiences for Phil. films.
- through schools
- through media
3. Indie and Mainstream must unite against a common enemy: foreign films
- lobby group for laws to help film industry or lowering taxes
- bigger support for film makers.
____________________________________________________________
So there we go, that’s to sum up this year’s congress. Up next, gala screenings of “Ang Katiwala”, “Kalayaan”, “Ang Mumunting Lihim”, “Sta. Nina”.
JM de Guzman “Thank You, Thank You”
Sabaw moment with pareng JM after the screening of fresh Indie film “Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino”.
After the Gala screening, Boy Abunda hugged JM tighly and appreciated JM’s work for the said indie film.
Then Tito Boy teases JM.. “Pang Cannes na to!”… and JM blushes and continues to look shy.
Even during a mob of fans JM continues to be humble and accommodating for everyone. Thus, when you watch the video, it proves that he was in a state of SHOCK. HAHA!
love love love pareng JM! CONGRATS sa success! 😀
Cinemalaya 8: Full Force
Just got home from Cinemalaya 2012. Even with the weather, I managed to survive my loooooooooooooong tiiiiiiiiiiiiring day.
(SPOILER ALERT)
12:45 – watched The Animals by Gino M. Santos
I guess you can say that this film promotes awareness regarding this generation’s young adults. Keywords: Vices, Fraternity, School… :p
You can prolly guess why the title is legit for this movie and because Gino is a Party Animal. (lol)
3:30 – Ang Nawawala by ever adorable Marie Jamora
Basically when Gibson (Dom Roco) comes back home he will face situations that will eventually help him solve his problem. Keywords: Twins, Trauma, Rock…. :p
one of the cast of Ang Nawawala who has the konyokomedy role 🙂Alchris Galura, and HOT&ShhMexy Mercedes Cabral as Simone Sales
6:15 – Intoy Syokoy sa Kalye Marino by Lemuel Lorca
Medyo mahalay (lol). Lahat nang problema halos naranasan na ni Intoy (exaggeration). Keywords: Love Story, Tahong, Sakit :p
Those three has the conventional factor to it...
9:00 – Kamera Obskura by Raymond Red
Filipino Silent Film. \m/ Keywords: Political, Historical, Comedy.
Paying homage to silent films.
July 21, 2012 (photo by Rose Lope)
Please do support Philippine Independent Films! Thank You!
Naruto in an alternate world
So I guess this upcoming film Road to Ninja will be a blast! Although, no matter how happy I am to watch a twist in the story, I bet there would be a serious emotional turmoil ahead. I should know, because whenever I watch Naruto with either of his parents, sasuke, or anyone close to him, and Naruto gets talkative and starts to make a point with his “words of wisdom” on the latter shouts and cries, damn! those kind of moments kills me.
Naruto Shippuuden Movie 6 Road to Ninja [TRAILER NEW]
Over a dozen years ago, the Kyuubi, was unleashed by a mysterious Masked Man. Konoha was attacked by the Fox and was on the verge of complete devastation. There was only one way to save the village — to seal the Demon Fox. The 4th Hokage Namikaze Minato and his wife Kushina sealed the Fox into their new born son Naruto, sacrificing their own lives for the sake of the Village, entrusting its future to their son.
As time passed, members of the dangerous group known as Akatsuki — Pain, Konan, Itachi, Kisame, Sasori, Deidara, Hidan, Kakuzu — assault Konoha! Naruto and his comrades succeeded in defeating them, but why are those Akatsuki members, supposedly all dead, here again now? The mystery remains, but all the shinobis are being praised to achieve a dangerous mission. In the meantime, Naruto, who doesn’t know his parents, can’t help it to feel very lonely. Just around that time, and all of a sudden, the Masked Man returns to Konoha. The mysterious new eye technique of this man then strikes both Naruto and Sakura.
Now, his terrifying ambition is revealed! Is he targetting the Kyuubi? Traps and conspiracy to Naruto and Sakura, and to the other shinobi of the Leaf Village. The fierce fight is inevitable! The movie is at its climax!
[I’m waiting for this. This one should be fun! \m/]
How far can you go?
This post is dedicated to these three ‘must see’ films. The Quiz Show (1994), Shattered Glass, and Jay. This films have one thing subject in common, it is to present ethical issues made by the media.
_______________________________________________________
The Quiz Show
________________________________________________________
“…I thought we were gonna get television, but the truth is, television’s gonna get us…” -Richard Goodwin (The Quiz Show 1994)
________________________________________________________
for more info regarding the movie log on to: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110932/
________________________________________________________
If I were Charles Van Doran, and I have a well off family with a reputation, I would not take that Quiz Show offer. I guess he was blinded by the easy instant money he will get. In the scene where Charlie was given the question he already knew the first time he joined Twenty One, he knew that it was all a set up, he was already thinking of not answering or answering, then greed takes place, he should not have answered.
Herbie is no excuse as well, when he was asked to “dive”? He shouldn’t have, he should have answered “Marty”! For pete’s sake! (and I thought he cared for his family…) He still has his rights even if the producers threaten him, Herbie can just quit the show afterwards he didn’t need to lose his dignity (and control) in national television.
As for Richard Goodwin, he’s fighting the possibly impossible, which proves he’s last statement towards the end of the film w/c was, “I thought we were gonna get television, but the truth is, television’s got us…”
The film carried the four dimensions of mass communication: Political, Social, Economic, Cultural.
(1) The owner of NBC cared about the company and how the jury’s decisions affect/damage their company. So he asked Charlie to make a statement, and during the hearing for the President of NBC and Gerotol, they denied whatever is accused to them, protecting their economic value. (2) One of the Producers said that T.V. is for entertainment, and they’re just doing what they can to gain audience in a way therefore somehow admitting the manipulation of their audience. “The audience didn’t tune in with just the amazing display of intellectual ability, they just wanted to watch the money…” stated by Martin Rittenhome (GEROTOL) during his talk with Goodman.
Dan Enright: “Yes, we did one thing wrong, we went too successful, those advertising dollars came from somewhere why do you think the magazines and newspapers are making such a big thing about this?…”
Freedman: “Well sir, I don’t know what else to say, give the public what they want, it’s like business, it’s not like the quiz show is a public utility, it’s entertainment, it’s not like we’re hardened criminals here, we’re in show business…”
__________________________________________________________________
Shattered Glass
______________________________________________
for more info on Shattered Glass log on to: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0323944/
_____________________________________________________________
“You have to know who you’re writing for, and you have to know where you’re good at. I record what people do, find out what moves them, what scares them, and I write that down, that way they’re the ones that tells the story, and you know what? those kinds of pieces win Pulitzers’ too…” Stephen Glass (Shattered Glass)
If I were Stephen, if he really was a good journalist? I would personally know how unethical it is to possibly even make this mistake. Fabrication is a big “NO” in journalism. It’s a source of FACTUAL INFORMATION. He seemed Psychotic in the movie. Anyway, the process of checking the facts wasn’t thorough. Maybe because the staff seems to trust Stephen that much. Besides, out of 41 articles published he did have 14 ‘real’ articles, which may have proved his credibility as a Journalist at some point. But even the smartest has its flaws, it just differs from circumstances. To be a Journalist he/she must abide by the rules and conduct proper writing. Its not enough for Stephen to memorize the Code of ethics, I think he needs to print and frame it. He thought of too much ‘entertainment’ because he probably thought it would help “The New Republic” to gain more audience, and of course his followers. Well, he’s young, his bosses claims, guess, he has the right to make his mistakes, and get back on track, which he did eventually.
Stephen Glass: There’s so many show offs in Journalism, so many braggers and jerks, there always selling, always working in the room, always trying to make themselves look hotter than they already are. The good news is, reporters like that make it easy to distinguish yourself. If you’re even a little bit humble, a little self a facing or solicidist, you stand out. So you bring a co-workers lunch when she’s buried in her deadline, you remember birthdays. It’s true Journalism is hard work, everybody’s under pressure, everybody’s grinding to get the issue out, nobody’s getting any sleep, but you are allowed to smile every once in a while. I mean one word in Bernstine went out for burger now and then, and they will appeal to. Some reporter thinks it’s political content that makes their story memorable, I think it’s the people you find, their querks, flaws, what makes them funny, human, Journalism is just the art of capturing behavior…”
__________________________________________________
JAY (2008) by Francis Pasion
____________________________________
for more info on this film “Jay” log on to: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1244571/
________________________________________________________________
There goes the television acting. I still can’t believe the re-enactment of those dramatically shot scenes. But I guess Jay (Baron Geisler) was just following orders from his Producer to make a better shot/scene, to create more audience. But really, if I were to cover this kind of story? I would have hired actors to do an re-enactment or such, I should have stuck to the original shots, so it will give a sense of reality. Actually, come to think of it, it’s a challenge of how you as a journalist can show “reality in reality”. The ethical issue of honesty. How far can you act on something that is not acted?
Grabe! hirap i-explain! nosebleed na ko! Basta! dito sa palabas na to, pinapakita kung pano nagiging peke ang totoong pangyayare, na tolerated by media (kuno).
____________________________________________________
How far can you go for something you want, have to do? Charlie, Stephen, and Jay, all three had a choice between right and wrong, but they shouldn’t have made a ‘choice’ in fact, they don’t need choices, everyone should do what’s right. BUT, I guess, you can’t really figure out what’s right if you don’t make something wrong…
posted on: Ianebook, Rose Writes, and Media|Sanity
Cinemalaya 2012: Kalayaan (Wildlife) Gala screening
abcdefghijkLmnOpQrstuvwxyz 