AWARD-winning filmmaker Brillante Mendoza said there is still a wealth of topics and inspiration that independent filmmakers could tap into to better evolve the industry forward.
“Many people have been interested in topics on culture and social issues. There is still a wealth of ideas out there,” Mendoza said.
He said people should identify with real independent films to bring support to upcoming filmmakers. He said independent film making is not yet an industry and that it has yet to evolve and further define its limits.
SM City Clark hosted on August 17 the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival, an event that featured Mendoza’s critically acclaimed indie film “Ma’Rosa.”
Now on its eighth year, the film festival aims to bring together students from various schools and universities, as well as aspiring filmmakers and actors to have a rare opportunity to meet no less than the man himself, as he gives an in-depth view of his celebrated works which illuminates and tackles the country’s social issues.
Among Mendoza’s recent feat is Ma’ Rosa, which follows the story of Ma’ Rosa (Jaclyn Jose), who owns a small convenience store where she resells illegal narcotics along with her husband Jose (Julio Diaz) to augment the needs of their four children. The film reaped the Best Actress Award during the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and a nomination in Palme d’Or, including the Best Director award during the 54th Gijon International Film Festival in Spain.
During the event’s official launch and press conference held August 17, Mendoza noted that he is humbled and honored to share with his fellow Kapampangans one of his best masterpieces to date.