PH dance film reaches NY film fest
INSPIRING - makers from around the world were - hattan International Film Festival (MIFF), an annual cultural initiative of the World Youth Alliance ( WYA).
WYA is a global organization that acknowledges directors committed to exploring the depth of human condition.
After meticulously looking for entries that exhibit technical excellence and content relevant to the mission of the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Philippines, and the United States of America made it to this year’s roster.
The selection included in previous installments of the festival have portrayed themes on family, community, suffering, empathy, happiness, truth and transcendence. This particular year, MIFF 2019 delivers pieces that speak of human dignity in the context of migration, sickness, war and death. The Philippine entry is “Indak
ngPanahon” by Jose Bryan Nonay and Aurea Marie Bueno, both Digital Filmmaking ( DFilm) graduates from the De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde (DLS- CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA).
It narrates the story of Daniel, an aspiring dancer who struggles to pursue his dreams after the unexpected death of his beloved father-mentor. In the midst of his battle against his own anxieties and fears, he meets a girl named Cecile, whose presence revives his passion.
Daniel is portrayed by Cultural Center of the Philippines’ resident dance company Ballet Philippines dancer Mark Anthony Balucay, while Cecile is played by multi-awarded Adlib Dance Company member Sasa Cabalquinto.
Thespians Lito Capina and Lee Jairus Ramirez give life to the characters of the father and the young Daniel, respectively.
Creative duo Nonay and Bueno believes their project relays the allimportant message that there is still someone who can give a shed of light even in a person’s lowest point in life.
“All we wanted to convey through our simple story is to never give up – nothing can hinder us from aspiring and dreaming,” Bueno shared, adding, “It may sound cliché but sometimes we just need to be reminded we must keep moving forward. There may be burdens and difficulties along the way, but it can’t stop you. There are people who are willing to help
and motivate you.”
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saAlternatibongPelikulaat Video and was also part of the non-competition selection of 2018 Viddsee Jurree PH, which celebrated the entertainment
In addition to IndakngPanahon,
Not Walls” by Brian Adamkiewicz of Mexico; “The Mirror of the Artist” by Tamino Parren of the Netherlands; and “Father of the Man” by Tommy Creagh of United Kingdom.
“Daybreak” by Daniela Maria Magsaysay is the second selection from of the Philippines, while the USA Refuge” by Caitlin Brunnock, “Year Zero” by David Siev, “Bitter Sweet” by Jacqueline Prata, “Jesus Loves Bikers Too” by Will Garofalo, and “Bow with Me” by Erin Cutler and Emily Weiss.
MIFF 2019 will open its doors to the public on March 25, at the Taipei Eco City. The winners will be screened in Lebanon, Mexico, Belgium, Kenya, and the Philippines.