Transforming a vision into moving images

AFTER the successful three-day story development workshop at the Ngilngig Film Camp (NFC) last July, the Ngilngig Filmmakers Development Program kicked off its series of production workshops dubbed as the Ngilngig Film Lab (NFL) last August 17 and 18. Aspiring filmmakers, including the Film Camp fellows who are currently producing their short “ngilngig” films, learned about the basics of producing and directing from established Mindanaoan filmmakers.

On the first day of the NFL, Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival director and filmmaker Bagane Friola (Baboy Halas, 2016) and producer-director Keisha Halili (Pulangui, 2018) discussed the nitty-gritty work of putting a production together and the crucial role of every staff and crew in producing a film. They also talked about the unglamorous but critical aspect of film production such as creating a budget plan and raising funds and how to apply for grants and development programs

The next day, participants learned about the basics of film directing from Friola and acclaimed assistant director Yam Palma (Iisa, 2015). The mentors stressed the importance of having a clear goal and being conscious about every aspect of filmmaking—from camera work and blocking to casting actors—to effectively communicate a director’s vision. They also urged the young filmmakers to peoplewatch, immerse, and conduct research on the subject matter they want to tackle so that they can enrich their experience and create authentic scenes and dialogues for their Films.

The NFL is one of the initiatives under the Ngilngig Filmmakers Development Program, which is geared towards developing the critical and creative practices of emerging filmmakers from Mindanao. It will continue its run until September 6 with three more film production workshops, including Sound and Production Design, Editing, and Cinematography.

Register now at at www.ngilngig.net/filmlab.. Limited slots are available. For more information, follow Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival Davao on Facebook.

A MILESTONE. J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation, the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor clocked in 500,000 safe man-hours without lost-time incident last April. This project milestone was celebrated last May 8.