The student film on dance among finalists in NY fest
Inspiring works of 10 budding young filmmakers from around the world were chosen as finalists for the seventh Manhattan International Film Festival (MIFF), an annual cultural initiative of the World Youth Alliance (WYA), a global organization that acknowledges directors’ commitment to explore the depth of human condition.
After meticulous screening processes, promising films from Mexico, the Netherlands, the UK, the Philippines and the US, which exhibit technical excellence and content relevant to the mission of WYA, made it to this year’s roster.
The selection included in previous installments of the festival has portrayed themes on family, community, suffering, empathy, happiness, truth and transcendence. This particular year, MIFF delivers pieces that speak of human dignity in the context of migration, sickness, war and death.
The Philippine entry is Indak ng Panahon, 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), 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 multiawarded 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.
Nonay and Bueno believe that the project relays the all-important message that there is still someone who can give a shed of light even in the lowest points 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. “It may sound cliché́ 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.”
Last year, Indak ng Panahon participated in the Ika-30 Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video and was also part of the non-competition selection of 2018 Viddsee Jurree PH, which celebrated the entertainment industry’s pick on Asian short films.
In addition to Indak ng Panahon, the choice films include Build Ramps 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 fields five movies, to include
Finding 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 Economic and Cultural Office in New York City. The winners will be screened at WYA regional offices in New York, Lebanon, Mexico, Belgium, Kenya and the Philippines.