Under the Purple Sky, Over the Golden Water

TUESDAY was the first screening of my short documentary film “Ilalom sa Dinoradong Langit (Under the Purple Sky)” before young filmmakers in Southeast Asia and mentors from Germany at the De La Salle – College of St. Benilde, School of Design and Arts, who are participants of this year’s 10-day DocNet Summer Film School organized by German-based Goethe Institute.

The purpose of the screening was for other filmmakers to see and evaluate the film, even the minute details, if possible, of its story and technical aspects in the hope to improve and can create a strong impact to the audience.

As a person who considers this industry as “young and naïve,” it was like a recital of a symphonic orchestra before the masters of classical music.

This short documentary film centers the life of Felicidad "Fely" Manatad, in her early 40s, who is a single mother raising her two children. An ill fate happened in their lives when her hard-earned home lost to the treacherous flood brought about the tropical storm Sendong on the night of December 16, 2011.

As expected, the question of “why Purple Sky” was raised and I explained to them that it is a coincidence of the luckiest circumstances, other than its political meaning in Cagayan de Oro and the issues behind it.

Also found in Wiki Answers, it is said that if you see a purple sky, it could mean that there will be heavy storm the next day. Although, it may just be a simple change in color because of the way the light from the sun is reflecting off of rain, sleet, snow, etc.

However, it continues, that from a Spiritual aspect, this means that there was widespread death somewhere in the world. After major death occurs (hundreds, thousands) either the same day or the following day you'll see a fuchsia-colored or purplish-red sky. This sky is most visible at dusk (afternoon to dark), just how Sendong ripped the city last year.

In psychological aspect like dream interpretations, the color purple represents “devotion, healing abilities, act of loving, kindness and compassion,” that is somehow reflected to the strong character of Fely, who drives her motorela just to let her children survive.

But wait, it is also the color of royalty, high rank, justice, wealth and dignity. We see some of our politicians in the fray claiming, or at least portraying “royalty, high rank, justice,” and most of all, that unimaginable “wealth” that only God knows the truth of. But “dignity?” There must be a typographical error here.

Yes, it gained most favorable feedback, and inspiring encouragements too, and it even fueled me to pursue a documentary vendetta – back in the hinterland village of Tuburan and nearby communities. The last time I made stories for GMA Cagayan de Oro then wasn’t just about the effect of Sendong there but also the long epic on the issues of illegal mining activities.

I had a taste of how critical and controversial this issue could be that people, especially village officials, become irate when you asked something like “floating quarrying barges.”

But beyond their threats, it is the residents, who are mostly from the Higaonon tribe, whom I long to document with, along with their stories of hardships and their daily struggles “Over the Golden Water” of Iponan River.

Hopefully, we shall meet again. Stories there will not just hold me from a "burak" (a bladed tool/weapon).

(Nef Luczon is a freelance journalist and a part-time communications instructor. He is also a film and art enthusiast. Send comments to nefluczon@gmail.com)