By Boy Villasanta
World- acclaimed Brillante Ma. Mendoza led the opening of the 5th Sinag Maynila International Film Festival last night at the Director’s Club cinemas of The Podium in Ortigas Center.
Mendoza, accompanied by Wilson Tieng of Solar Entertainment and Millie Dizon, Senior Vice President of SM Marketing and Retails banged the gong to signal the opening of the film festival which was attended by many independent filmmakers and actors.
Brillante said that the 5th year of Sinag Maynila was a milestone because it has endured the competitive spirit of many film fests in the country.
“Nakakalimang taon na kami at maipagmamalaki ko na marami nang pelikula na ipinalabas sa amin na kinilala sa ibang bansa (We have already approached the five-year-itch and I can proudly say that there are already many films we’ve shown here which are recognized abroad),” said Mendoza.
The omnibus film “Lakbayan” formally opened the festival.
“Lakbayan,” a film which features the works of three internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmakers Mendoza, National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik, also known as Eric de Guia and Lav Diaz, is a trilogy which tells of their “journey films.” “Huwag (Dirt)” is Lav’s foray into the lumpenproletariat relationship of three miners who travel from their base to the mountains and rivers just to test their endurance with each other. “Desfocado (Defocused)” is Brillante’s deconstruction of the protest march of Sumilao farmers from southern Philippines to Malacañang in 2007 to fight and reclaim their lands.
Meanwhile, “Lakaran de Kabayan” is Kidlat’s chronicle on the trip of his son Kabunyan de Guia from Baguio to other parts of the country to visit various artists until Davao where he lives.
Mendoza said “Lakbayan” was made through the efforts of filmmakers to tell their vision on their journey as persons and as artists. “Basta ang konsepto lang ng pelikula ay paglalakbay sa anumang paraan at ang mga ideya na kalakip nito (We just made the films on the concept of journey in any ways and the ideas that go with it),” explained Dante, Brillante’s pet name.
In his “Desfocado (Defocused),” Mendoza said he already has raw footage of the Sumilao march which he incorporated in his reenactment of the scenes.
The official entries to the 5th Sinag Maynila are Zig Dulay’s “Akin ang Korona”; Ronald Carballo’s “Jesusa”; Joselito Altarejos’ “Jino to Mari”; Daniel Palacio’s “Pailalim” and Ralston Jover’s “Persons of Interest.”
Sinag Maynila is also presenting 10 short films: “Bisperas” by Ralph Quincena, “Dana Jung” by John Rogers, “Dude Pare Bro” by Lorna Cerdan, “Kiss” by Harlene Bautista, “Kilos” by Marjon Santos, “Marian” by Brian Patrick Lim, “Memories of the Rising Sun” by Lawrence Fajardo, “Nagmamahal, Sal” by Jeff Subrabas, “Ngiti ni Nazareno” by Louie Ignacio and “Panaghoy” by Alvin Baloloy.
In the documentary category, the following are competing: “At Home” by Arjanmar R. Rebeta, “Entablado” by Lie Rain Clemente and Nori Jane Isturis, “Hope Spots” by Joseph Dominic Cruz, “Hyatt: Mga Kuwento, Lihim at Katotohanan” by Jayvee V. Bucsil and “Tata Pilo” by Dexter Macaraeg.
The 5th Sinag Maynila runs until April 7.