‘Docu fest’ brings notable journalists to Cebu

Rytt Zabate, USJ-R Masscom Intern

CEBU—The best of I Witness is back on the big screen. Now celebrating its 13th year, I Witness is having its regional documentary festival, I Docufest 2012 here in Cebu. The event kicked-off July 8 at Cinema 7 of SM City Cebu.

I Witness is the country’s most awarded documentary series and two-time recipient of the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, the only Philippine News and Public Affairs organization to have been given the honor.

It is hosted by four of the most formidable and multi-awarded broadcast journalists in the country: Howie Severino, Sandra Aguinaldo, Jay Taruc and Kara David.

This marks the first time for all four to appear together outside of Metro Manila.

“We are very much happy to be in Cebu. To see people see and witness our documentaries,” shared Aguinaldo.

During the promo tour and press conference at Café Laguna, Sunday, the four journalists shared how they all vary in method, identity and advocacy in creating documentaries.

Howie Severino’s style and trademark is that, he prefers shooting videos by himself.

Not only does he appear up front, but he also likes to be the one behind the camera.

Severino’s advocacy leans more on issues about the environment.

Sandra Aguinaldo is more into news as she likes to tackle masa stories, as she wants ordinary people to be able to relate with her stories. Her advocacy stresses more on the need for more access to education.

For Jay Taruc, he prefers immersing himself in a particular community. For instance, he goes to a mountain community and lives there for a few days. Taruc prefers participative and experimental documentary.

Kara David tends to be the most emotional one of the pack, very mapuso. Her advocacy is for her viewers to fall in love with her case study.

When asked about the biggest challenge in making documentaries, David shared, “Choose a topic not just to educate, but one that also inspires.”

The event, besides showing a wide range of documentaries, also included the chance for the audience to interact with the seasoned journalists. It was well attended by students from the different schools and universities here in Cebu.

The I Witness Docufest will continue its regional tour, going to Iloilo, Davao, Iligan, Dagupan and Bacolod.