Hide and Seek

Sunday, December 10, 2006

On GUERILLA FILMS

I just found myself watching films lately out of boredom. Luckily and disappointingly, i have watched Guerilla Films (Mindanao film festival), one of the cinema i have anticipated to watch.

Luckily?
- because i have seen a lot of potentials in mindanao in terms of producing films featuring stories of Mindanao even with a low cost of production.

Disappointingly?
-because of the low-depths plot on their creations.

Let's start on assessing the different short films included in the fesival.

Let's take note that in producing a short film or any other film, one must see to it that the plot used must directly connect and affect human interest and should be odd to make it peculiar from the other.

I would like to commend the film "MUKHA" for bringing another gay story in the Mindanao scene, however, when we look closely to the theme of the film, it doesn't touched the very essence of living a gay in a hell world. It doesn't capture the sufferings and pains of fags in a wider perspective.

Second, let us see to it that cinematic images must have an organizing effect on the eyes of the audiences. On the film ,BADJAO, which i thought an interesting and unique plotted-story, has a lot of cinematic flaws, i mean a lot. One can see JAO giving a piece of money and on the next scene you can see the landlord handling it many. Also, what was the sister of Jao doing in front of his house? etc.etc.etc...

Third, a film must have a focus. MARSOKWATRO, i admit that it was beautifully cinematographed, the film lacked focus. You will get confused who got the lead role, the reporter? the terrorist? the family?

Fourth, a film must co-incide with the theme of the musical score to the happenings on the scene. BADJAO has a lot of flaws in using SFX. You can hear disco music in the middle of intense scene.

A lot of requirements must be considered to have a film considerable to the interest of the audiences.

I have attended the GUERILLA AWARDS NIGHT at Damosa Gateway and there was no declared BEST FILM.

The reason?

The judges agreed to declare no winner because they want to challenge movie makers to have a well-done films. They are setting the bar higher to have a more challenging film in the next festival.

The judges were correct. Their message was clear. They were not impressed nor satisfied with what they saw. The films does not convert to the standards of quality films. It is more of quantity.(PEACE!)

NOTE: According to my teacher in Film Appreciation, Bong Eliab, Films are for public consumption, therefore, it is liable for critique and must be criticized. Don't be shy to critique a film, We have all the RIGHT!

Posted by alfred :: 12:33 AM :: 0 Comments: