Wanted: young breed of filmmakers

FILM

in the Philippines started in stage plays. Examples of these stage plays were the or sarsuwela, and The existence of film in the Philippines, according to Crispin Maslog,

moro-moro, sinakulo, is not for technological advancement but more on entertainment, business and aesthetics purposes.

Maslog differentiated the different the Philippines, it just lagged behind by types of stage plays. are a few years with France. Maslog stated, plays with stories usually taken from or patterned after those of Philippine

cinematographe was used in 1895 in metrical romances called and

France, it only took two years for it to be where characters fight over a

used in the Philippines as projector, and princess. However, Maslog sadly noted that

three years for it to be used as a camera. is the theatrical version of the current scenario in Philippine the passion play that traces the human film is quite the opposite. In terms race from the creation of the world of technological breakthroughs, the through the life and sufferings of Christ Philippines is somewhat lagging until the assumption of the Virgin Mary behind by many years. into heaven. Moreover, no Filipino film has

In the Philippines, is very ever won in the Hollywood Academy popular every holy week. The local Awards. What is good is that indie films version of here in the Western are making raves outside the country. Visayas is called I have witnessed Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz are just one memorable staging of it was two brilliant directors who brought in Guimaras. honor to the country through their

in Guimaras is often flocked award-winning films shown in Cannes by tourists because the whole show and other international film festivals. seems real. If you watch the play, it will There are independent films which make you reflect, perfect for your holy lack taste. They are full of sex and gore. week soliloquy. Perhaps there is a need to encourage

on the other hand, is a young filmmakers to create films which love story with songs and dances as focus on societal issues and other highlights. pertinent topics.

or Vaudeville is a potpourri Filipinos are very talented and are of dances, songs, comedy skits, dramas, very much capable of producing world- and production numbers. class films. They just need support from

During the early stage of cinema in the government and of the Filipino people as well.

On my end as a Communication Professor, I encourage my students to step out of their comfort zones and try to immerse themselves in filmmaking. I am no filmmaker but I believe in the skills of my students. We, their teachers, encourage them to join film festivals so they will learn the craft through experience and from other filmmakers. We also bring them to the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Cinematheque and watch different film genres both local and international. When the students leave the cinema, they have gained new knowledge and their eyes were opened to different types of realities.

To reach the pinnacle of success in