By Jasmine Shewakramani
Cinemalaya, Cinemanila, Animahinasyon, Cinema One Originals.
What do all these names have in common? They’re celebrated independent film festivals, showcasing the talent on indie film directors who are creating the new wave of Philippine cinema. Since being conceptualized a few years ago, indie film festivals now attract a slew of moviegoers, Filipino and foreign alike. This sort of contradicts it’s name, as independent cinema is now a trend.
Many generalize indie films to be low-budget, “rough” cinema. More than that, independent films reflect a culture that is truly Filipino. They discuss topics that are normally difficult to show to a broader audience in mainstream cinema. They, in some ways, also become platforms for advocacies and awareness as the filmmakers try to tackle timely and relevant issues, or those that need to be given more exposure.
Indie film directors like Adolfo Alix Jr, Francis Pasion, Brilliante Mendoza, Aurelito Solis, Pepe Diokno and Mike Sandejas have been awarded for their efforts both nationally and internationally, bringing pride and establishing the quality of films the
Indie cinema is everything mainstream is not. Whereas mainstream cinema focuses more on top billing actors and actresses playing roles in clichéd plotlines, indie focuses more on the plot itself. The start of the indie film is the director who is usually the brainchild of the movie.
The main reason why crowds get larger and larger each year at these festivals is because the quality of the films becomes better and better. Not only do they discuss topics that would normally be kept quiet, they also make use of experimental styles and movements in filmmaking.
In fact, movie theaters in malls now give venues for award-winning indie films to be shown. Robinson’s Cinemas IndieSine runs selected independent films, making it accessible to the viewing public.
Indie films provide a clear answer to the dwindling number of films produced by bigger movie companies. It remains to be, despite the detractors, the new wave of Philippine cinema.
One thing to be noted is the active role of the youth in bringing back the glory of Philippine cinema. Many of the people behind award-winning indie films are twenty and thirtysomething youths, who have talent and vision. Moviegoers are also mostly comprised of high school and college students, who flock to cinemas each season to view the latest crop of films.
Truly, with the help of these bright and talented filmmakers, Philippine cinema will not die out very soon as many had feared. If anything, it is being revived, and it will continue to make a mark as more and more people appreciate, watch and support these efforts.
