Indie eye of a teenage filmmaker

Sunday, November 20, 2011

AT AGE 17, Keit Nicko Pastorite already has an indie film, Bisikleta, to his name.

A high school graduate of the University of Cebu now taking film studies at the University of San Carlos, Keit reveals his love affair with videography started when he was 10 years old and in Grade 5.

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He used a cell phone to make simple films, and learned to cut, to put everything together for simple and short vignettes. Aside from filming, he was also into music and was a vocalist in a band. But he realized he could not excel in a band.

When he was in junior high, he concentrated on filming, and made a simple summary film on the Count of Monte Cristo using a 7.2 megapixel digital camera. After making that and receiving positive response from people, he was encouraged to pursue his craft.
His parents then did not expect him to excel in this.

He recounts: “A painful episode was when I was accused of doing drugs because I had stayed out late, editing in my cousin’s computer. I was depressed and thought of stopping, but I realized that there’s no reason to stop if you love what you are doing. And if there’s nothing wrong with what you’re doing, you’re okay. It’s worth fighting for, to go for your dreams.”

He was in second year when he formed a team called Arcos Lineage Productions, mostly with his classmates who shared his passion.

As years passed by, some fell away and the group is now composed 80 percent of young people aged 18 and below, from different schools, and 20 percent of professionals, like Rudy Aviles, playwright (Bisikleta is his work) and theater director.

Keit says: “Last December, my dad gave me a Canon 550 D, which is what most indie filmmakers are using right now. It’s what I used for Bisikleta, only one camera.

Nagbalikbalik gyud ang mga cuts.” (The shots had to be repeated.)

His other works aside from Bisikleta include the University of Cebu 2011 advertisement for which he is credited as the creator, and a film, Kung Nahibalo Pa Lang Ka, his entry to “Project Luv” sponsored by the UC Council of Presidents, which won him the grand prize, and best film director and best production. His next film is a psycho thriller which he hopes will be finished by December.

Keit describes himself as “the type who wants to share with people, to touch people’s lives. When I made ‘Bisikleta,’ I just wanted to help people out, for them not to be afraid to express themselves. Though “Bisikleta” is a gay film, the story is not just about gays. It’s about sharing feelings with someone, even if there’s a risk.

For me, money is just a bonus. On my birthday last May, I fed little children. As an indie filmmaker, I know money is not forthcoming. Appreciation is all I aim for.”

Filmmaking is the career Keit sees in his future. “I really want to promote Cebu through my films, as well as the Filipino culture. I will preserve the Visayan language in the films I will do.” The biggest dream for him is his very own TV station!

Those who want to know more about Arcos can see what it does in www.facebook.com/arcoslineageproductions or www.youtube.com/arcoslineagepro.