ToFarm filmfest ramps up on its 3rd year
By STEPHANIE MARIE BERNARDINO
The 3rd ToFarm Film Festival is one star-studded undertaking.
Under the theme “A Tribute to Life: Parating Na,” the entries are headed by popular actors: Ronwaldo Martin and Richard Quan for “1957,” Ina Feleo and Epy Quizon for “Alimuom,” Katrina Halili and Alex Medina for “Mga Anak Ng Kamote,” Pokwang and Joey Marquez for “Sol Searching,” Japanese actor Miyuki Kamimura for “Tanabata’s Wife,” and Bayang Barrios, Jefferson Bringas, and Perry Dizon for the Visayan film “Kauyagan (Way Of Life).”
The story of the films were inspired by true accounts of a farmer, livestock raiser, fisher-folk, or other individuals related to agriculture.
Hubert Tibi’s “1957” is a historical drama which narrates the struggle, hard work, and hope of a group of farmers in Bicol.
Keith Sicat’s “Alimuom” is set in the future where farming is banned on Earth due to the toxic environment.
“Mga Anak Ng Kamote” which is written by John Carlo Pacala and directed by Carlo Enciso Catu is set in fictional Philippines 2048 wherein the humble sweet potato is “regularized” as part of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Roman Perez Jr.’s “Sol Searching” is about a farmerteacher in a public school near Nueva Ecija whose unexpected death, without any family to organize a burial, prompts his friend and former student to carry her coffin to different places.
“Tanabata’s Wife” written by Charlson Ong is set in the early 20th century in La Trinidad Valley, a home to Japanese immigrant farmers. The story tackles the journey of Tanabata-San.
Julienne Ilagan’s “Kauyagan (Way Of Life)” is about Piyo, who refuses to accept the responsibilities that come with being the only son of a datu from the Talaandig Tribe.
According to Dr. Milagros How who spearheaded the festival, the fact that many of the previous ToFarm finalists win .abroad is a testament to their quality.
Liza Diño, the Chairman of Film Development Council of the Philippines, congratulated Dr. Milagros for organizing a unique event that champions the aspirations of Filipino farmers and their journey, as well as the filmmakers’.
“‘It’s not easy to do films that tackle specific subject but they’re so creative in putting something that is so cinematic, very creative, and accessible to the wide audience,” she shared.
Bibeth Orteza, the current festival director, is also proud of the finalists in the short film category. These are “Bagkat” by Moises Soriano; “Kaluguran Da Ka, Ma (I Love You, Mom)” by Kelvin Aguilar; “Mag-Isasaka” by Mark Joseph Zuñiga; “Panginoong May Lupa” by Al-Jhun Romel Virgo; “Sikap” by X Productions; and “Tahanan Ng Isang Magsasaka” by Brian Reyes.
The festival runs until Sept. 18 at SM Megamall, SM Manila, Robinsons Galleria, Trinoma, Greenbelt 1, Gateway, Gaisano Davao, and Robinsons Legaspi. Robinsons Naga will show only “1957” shot entirely in Iriga.
Awards ceremony is tonight at the Makati Shangri-La.