Friday, May 25, 2007 I voted for Meyor: Sanchez got banned!
THE recently concluded national and local elections reached fever pitch with the screening of short films by advocacy filmmaker Seymour Barros Sanchez last May 19 at the Freedom Bar in Anonas, Quezon City.
Two of the films which he directed, "Lababo" and "Pagbugtaw" drew on socially relevant issues - "Lababo", a strong message about the perpetual RP-US dalliance and its devastating impact on the Filipino psyche, and "Pagbugtaw", a young man's transformation into a radical filmmaker, the Guimaras oil spill serving as catalyst. A third film, "Ambulancia", was also screened. Sanchez worked as production manager for the film.
Aside from being an advocacy filmmaker, Sanchez, popularly known as "Meyor," is also an engineer, a professor, a writer and a competition officer for "Dokyu: Ang Bagong Mata ng Pinoy Documentaries," which airs every Friday, 10 p.m. on ABC 5. He is a former editor in chief of the Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines (UP) and the founder and adviser of the University of Makati Film Society where he was an instructor. This semester, he will teach broadcasting at St. Paul's University Manila.
Complementary to the film experience were rocking performances by up and coming indie bands Jeffplane, Lem's Guitar, Linch XII, Final Vow, R-jho, and Delakrus. The event also welcomed a first-ever solo performance by balikbayan artist Pow Navarro. Literary rock band and indie favorite Los Chupacabras also graced the event. Musical performances ranged from hardcore rock to jazz and pop.
Since its inception in November 2006, events and production company Banned Movies Pilipinas (BMP) has successfully launched the latest groundbreaking films of the leading names in Philippine independent cinema. Introducing filmmakers to bigger audiences, opening up alternative venues for these films, and combining film with music appreciation are cornerstones of a typical Banned event. BMP also welcomes aspiring filmmakers and musicians seeking an audience for their works.
In June, BMP will be showcasing the films of internationally acclaimed director Raya Martin and the movers and shakers of the indie music scene. The quarterly BMP newsletter will feature "certified Banned" filmmakers and musicians. Interested bands and musicians who want to be part of the Next Big Thing are encouraged to contact BMP for gig schedules.
For updates about upcoming Banned events, visit Banned Moves Pilipinas website at http://www.bannedmoviespilipinas.com, email them at banned_movies@yahoo.com or text 0917-3705454 for inquiries. (Press release)
