Last night was my 2nd time to watch a Cinemalaya film, like it's becoming a tradition with Lou since we checked out Cinemalaya 2010, where we watched Limbunan -- Yes "a friend" in that post is actually Lou! haha! Anyway, this time we watched Busong, another artsy film about the Filipino culture. This time, setting's in Palawan. Almost the whole time, I was comparing it with Limbunan - both were stories showing native practices, and both had long unnecessary scenes. The whole time I was thinking, Seriously, should all indie films be like this?! hehe.
However I can say, Busong is a lot more worth it. It was like 3 stories within one big story, showing off Palawan's nice beaches and forests. Overall, cinematography was good. Subtly it was their way to promote tourism, and their advocacy to stop the nickel mining. Story-wise, it was interesting, as it was all about an ailing girl and those who helped her along the way, who each had a little story. The story generally exuded each one's Busong, or Palawan Fate. (It's only now that I knew, Palawan is how they used to call their natives, and it's pronounced as pa-lawan. not pa-la-wan.)
I do remember suggesting that before watching an indie film, research on reviews first or at least research on what it's all about, to somehow get an idea of the movie experience ahead. Having watched 2 indie films already, I can also say that, if it's dramatic or related to Filipino culture, expect very long scenes, with ethnic background music. haha! And, if you can't get the movie you want (like us, we initially wanted Ang Babae sa Septic Tank but tickets were sold out), go for the movie that will be shown in Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, the Main Theatre of CCP. It has a large seating capacity - chances are, it's a good Cinemalaya entry, and/or it has a short speech from the producer/director/casts after the movie.
Also, do watch in CCP instead of Greenbelt. CCP has a really artsy and patriotic aura, having all students, yuppies, film buffs, theater actors in one place. Plus it has the exhibit of all entries! (or okay, that's just our preference. Gotta reminisce about our 2nd date eh?)
Cinemalaya 2010. Time flies!
So... that's it - my little contribution this year to our own film industry. Cinemalaya, see you next year! :)
However I can say, Busong is a lot more worth it. It was like 3 stories within one big story, showing off Palawan's nice beaches and forests. Overall, cinematography was good. Subtly it was their way to promote tourism, and their advocacy to stop the nickel mining. Story-wise, it was interesting, as it was all about an ailing girl and those who helped her along the way, who each had a little story. The story generally exuded each one's Busong, or Palawan Fate. (It's only now that I knew, Palawan is how they used to call their natives, and it's pronounced as pa-lawan. not pa-la-wan.)
I do remember suggesting that before watching an indie film, research on reviews first or at least research on what it's all about, to somehow get an idea of the movie experience ahead. Having watched 2 indie films already, I can also say that, if it's dramatic or related to Filipino culture, expect very long scenes, with ethnic background music. haha! And, if you can't get the movie you want (like us, we initially wanted Ang Babae sa Septic Tank but tickets were sold out), go for the movie that will be shown in Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, the Main Theatre of CCP. It has a large seating capacity - chances are, it's a good Cinemalaya entry, and/or it has a short speech from the producer/director/casts after the movie.
Also, do watch in CCP instead of Greenbelt. CCP has a really artsy and patriotic aura, having all students, yuppies, film buffs, theater actors in one place. Plus it has the exhibit of all entries! (or okay, that's just our preference. Gotta reminisce about our 2nd date eh?)
Cinemalaya 2010. Time flies!
So... that's it - my little contribution this year to our own film industry. Cinemalaya, see you next year! :)
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