NGILNGIG Asian Fantastic Film Davao was formally launched last Wednesday, October 16, at Green Windows Dormitel, Davao City through PANIID: Ngilngig Sneak Peek 2019.
Posters and film teasers for the film festival were also presented. The 5th edition of Ngilngig was called Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival Davao wherein the influence was made more widely spread through the showing of different 'fantastic films' from the Philippines, countries in Asia, and other parts of the world.
In the festival, they will show 57 short films with extraordinary full-length features from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain, Canada, and United States.
The festival will open with the epic period drama "Masla A Papanok" of Teng Mangansakan II and Bontok Folktale Shortfilm "Tokwifi" by Carla Pulido Ocampo.
Ngilngig stretches its reach with the aim to be the first Fantastic Film Festival in Southeast Asia. It is also seen to provide opportunities for local and international filmmakers to promote and preserve their mythology, history, and culture through film.
Ngilngig, or also called "Ngiga", is made a common Bisaya term to also mean "Kuyaw" or awesome.
The films included in the festival will be shown at Cinematheque Davao, select cinema theatres, universities, and other establishments here in the city from October 25 to 29.
There were also filmmakers who joined the film camp and film lab that were present in the event.
"Challenging kaayong proseso. Sa tinuod lang, mi abot ko sa punto nga kailangan nako mosulat og script 15 ka beses para ma-presenta nako og tarong ang mga narratives ug unsa man ang mas epektibo sa mga gatan-aw," said Kiana Kimberly Flores, a film enthusiast.
Angely Chi also said that the filmmaking is a long process in order for the audience to understand the entire story.
Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival Davao 2019 was organized by Pasalidhay, together with Balud Art Network, Micromedia Digital Video Productions, Timewrap Film Productions, and Panagtagbo.
It is also supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Green Windows Dormitel, Hager Travel & Tours ug Cinedashery. Present also were Holodeck Productions, Road Map Series, Pukaw, Track, and Davao Graphic Designers Company.
For additional information about the festival visit www.ngilngig.net. (Claire Yvonne Aznar and Ma. Corena Joy Biñan, AdDU interns)