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Friday, August 04, 2006
Oledan: Expressions
By Radzini Oledan
Slice Of Life
YOUNG and independent filmmakers are quietly laying the groundwork for the local filmmaking industry with the production of the first Davao full-length film, "Ang Huling Balyan ng Buhi."
But their dreams of conveying the untold stories of Davao and Mindanao may prove to be a challenge considering that the seed money granted by CinemaOne to Sherad Sanchez, an acclaimed filmmaker who went back to his roots here in Davao City may prove to be insufficient to complete the production work.
Sherad wanted to prove that filmmaking industry need not rely on the expertise of industry movers in Metro Manila went back to Davao City to tap local expertise in the production work of the film, which will be shot entirely in the Davao region.
The project is collaborated with the Alchemy of Vision and Light Productions, a Davao based production outfit, which has been into independent film production and guerilla filmmaking.
The film delves on the mystical journey of a Baylan (spiritual priestess) and of a tribe who are threatened with extinction by outside influences.
Sherad said the film would promote local culture and spirituality of indigenous peoples who have held women as the original leaders within the traditional animist religion. Historically, women had direct access to and exercised control within the spiritual realms.
It may be on the line of the discursive edges of scholars who are determined to acknowledge what has previously been repressed and to uncover the acts and criteria of the exclusions by which these women vanished into a historical abyss.
This film may be another discourse to recover our forgotten culture and to give the animist priestess back her rightful place in Philippine history.
Local talents and lead role players in the person of Bembol Roco and Juliana Palermo have signified their commitment to the project produced and directed by Dabawenyos.
These young filmmakers are asking local support to complete the production of the film, which is slated to compete in CinemaOne Originals Film Festival.
Support is essential for these talented Dabawenyos and filmmakers who are struggling with low budgets.
Filmmaking remains to be a vehicle for building the culture of peace in Mindanao by harnessing the power of audio visual medium for educational purpose to bring about greater understanding, promoting cultural diversity and working towards social change.
Cultural expressions are the backbone of our community that can unite, encourage and affirm collective values of respect and recognition of indigenous culture and knowledge.
The commitment of these young people shows that there is hope for the local cultural scene but at the same time, the difficulty of accessing financial support shows the relatively weak support confronting art enthusiasts and local filmmakers.
Still, Sherad and the production team cannot afford to give up. There are stories waiting to be told and narratives in the communities that still needed to be heard.
For films articulate social content. One could argue that the language of film does not find its exact analogue in social events, nor does film discourse exist as a parallel mirror to actual events.
The "Huling Balyan ng Buhi" does that. It is not a simple representation of an extra-cinematic social reality but also provides information about the "psychology" of an era and its tensions, conflicts, fears, and fantasies.
We need films -- alternative films that refract social discourses and content into specifically cinematic forms, which engage audiences in an active process of constructing meaning.
The step had been taken by our progressive young filmmakers. What they need is the support of individuals and organizations to complete the film project.
Call it a political statement of today's youth or discourse -- one that celebrates the diversity of Dabawenyos and Mindanawons as a people and pays tribute to the silent voices in the community working and maintaining peace in their homes.
Those who wish to support the first Davao film production may get in touch with Mr. Drei Boquerin at 09163073798.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (August 4, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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