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Entertainment => Film & TV Talk => Pinoy Entertainment => Topic started by: Klaus Weasley on Jul 25, 2013 at 03:06 AM

Title: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Jul 25, 2013 at 03:06 AM
Lots of very interesting movies this year. I'm probably going to see at least 3 or 4. Oh, please do check out Quick Change. It's directed by a friend of mine Edouardo Roy (I know him as "Edong") who also directed Bahay Bata.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Verbl Kint on Jul 27, 2013 at 12:04 PM
Showing now!!

I wonder which one I should watch first? :)
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Jul 27, 2013 at 11:59 PM
Quick Change (Eduardo Roy Jr.) ***1/2 - I happen to know this director personally so you may think I'm biased but I have to say that this follow-up to his debut work, Bahay Bata, proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in Philippine cinema. This film is about a transgendered woman who, along with her nephew, goes around doing illegal plastic surgery for the lower-class gays/transgendered. It's a fascinating, gripping, very well-made film with touches of drama, thriller and even dark humor. Philippine cinema has made a lot of LGBT films and this one manages to find a new, fresh way to tackle the subject. I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: syoti on Jul 28, 2013 at 10:34 AM
was able to watch 'babagwa'. not bad, some scenes are slow but i liked the movie and the ending. was supposed to watch 'the diplomat hotel' also, but the GB cinema had a technical problem on their first showing, baka nahaunted din un movie.. so had a refund. Porno, which will be shown only at ccp because of its adult R18 theme, had their gala night also last night. Did not like the movie, scenes are somewhat slow and i don't get the meaning of the story.. or maybe it's just me.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Jul 28, 2013 at 07:51 PM
Amor y Muerte (Cesar Evangelista) *** - Set in the rural area of the Philipppines during the 16th century when the Philippines was a Spanish colony, this is about a young Spaniard and his Filipina wife. I have to say I really genuinely admired the ambition of the filmmakers. Making a relatively low-budget period piece is a challenge. Also tackling many heady themes like colonialism, sexuality, religion, culture, etc. is refreshing in Filipino cinema. But the film's a bit flawed. I think casting a mestizo Filipino (Markki Stroem, who unfortunately is not the strongest actor either) rather than a Spanish actor is a mistake. I know enough Spanish that I can tell that it's CLEARLY not his language at all so that gets a bit distracting but it's a solid enough effort that I'm going to recommend it.

The Diplomat Hotel (Christopher Ad Castillo) **1/2 - A traumatized and disgraced TV journalist goes to a notoriously haunted hotel in hopes of making her comeback. There are some genuinely creepy and frightening moments in this film, no doubt shooting in the actual Diplomat Hotel (it's a real place and it also has a reputation for being haunted) helped immensely. Unfortunately the lead actress, Gretchen Barretto, is kind of weak for what is a rather complex role and hampers what could have been a pretty good horror flick. The last scene is particularly almost laughable.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 02, 2013 at 11:07 PM
Debosyon (Alvin Yapan) ***1/2 - An orchid poacher and a devout Catholic meets an accident while trying to get an orchid and he's helped by a mysterious young woman who lives alone in the middle of the jungle. Saying more would be spoiling it a bit. This is the first film I've seen in the Philippine indigeneous/regional language of Bicolano, (thus I actually needed subtitles for this one). It sort of tackles a similar themes to that of Amor y Muerte but does so in a more original, elegant and absolutely beautiful manner. Also recommended.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 03, 2013 at 09:57 PM
Is it just me or do the Cinemalaya Film Festival awards trophies ugly as sh*t?

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JP-gqV1fBzE/TEOxJY3RtUI/AAAAAAAAAAU/blwOFQWpuG4/s1600/Cinemalaya+Winners.JPG)
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 03, 2013 at 10:47 PM
Rekorder (Mikhail Red) ***1/2 - A retired cinematographer with a mysterious past makes his living pirating movies with his analog model camera then his camera captures a crime. The director of this film, Mikhail Red, is VERY young. He's only 21 years old! And a second generation filmmaker to boot (his father is acclaimed independent Filipino filmmaker Raymond Red). Even at his young age, he has acquired a seriously scary confidence in filmmaking (the editing and cinematography are masterful). It's far from perfect but for a 21 year old making his first feature, it's VERY impressive and a sign of greater things to come.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 04, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Transit (Hannah Espia) **** - I saved the best Cinemalaya film (based on the six that I was able to see) for last. This film is about five Filipinos living and working in Israel: A housekeeper, her brother, her half-Israeli daughter, a relative who's a newcomer and her brother's young son who's threatened to be deported due to new Israeli laws that requires the deportation of children of foreign workers who are below 5 years old. Writer-director Hannah Espia tells her story in fragments and presents a sad but very humanist story which does not resort cheap melodrama and the stereotypical Filipino histrionics, the emotions feel authentic and honest. The acting is outstanding all around, and creatively edited and beautifully shot. It's a remarkable piece of filmmaking all around.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Verbl Kint on Aug 05, 2013 at 07:50 AM
FULL-LENGTH CATEGORY

Directors’ Showcase Award

Best Film—“Sana Dati”

Special Jury Prize—“Ekstra”

Best Director—Jerrold Tarog (“Sana Dati”)

Best Actor—None

Best Actress—Vilma Santos (“Ekstra”)

Best Supporting Actor –TJ TrinidaD (“Sana Dati”)

Best Supporting Actress—Ruby Ruiz (“Ekstra”)

Best Screenplay—Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone and Jeffrey Jeturian (“Ekstra”)

Best Editing—Pats R. Ranyo (“Sana Dati”)

Best Cinematography—Mackie Galvez (“Sana Dati”)

Best Production Design—Ericson Navarro (Sana Dati”)

Best Original Music Score—Jerrold Tarog (“Sana Dati”)

Best Sound—Roger TJ Ladro (“Sana Dati”)

New Breed Award

Best Film—“Transit”

Special Jury Prize—“Quick Change”

Special Jury Citation—Ensemble for “Transit”

Best Direction—Hannah Espia (“Transit”)

Best Actor—Mimi Juarez (“Quick Change”)

Best Actress—Irma Adlawan (“Transit”)

Best Supporting Actor—Joey Paras (“Babagwa”)

Best Supporting Actress           —Jasmine Curtis Smith            (“Transit”)

Best Screenplay—Eduardo Roy Jr. (“Quick Change”)

Best Editing—Benjamin Tolentino and Hannah Espia (“Transit”)

Best Cinematography—Ber Cruz and Lyle Nemenzo Sacris (“Transit”)

Best Production Design—Roy Red (“Rekorder”)

Best Original Music Score—Mon Espia (“Transit”)

Best Sound—Michael Idioma (“Quick Change”)

SHORT FEATURE CATEGORY

Best Film—“The Houseband’s Wife”

Best Direction—“Onang”

Special Jury Prize—“Taya”

Special Citation—“Sa Wakas”

Best Screenplay—“The Houseband’s Wife”

Read more: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/106625/list-of-winners-of-2013-cinemalaya-indie-film-fest#ixzz2b30EzV00
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: viperkid on Aug 06, 2013 at 05:00 PM
Got to see Transit, Sana Dati, Babagwa, Debosyon and Rekorder. I like those in that order. haha!!!
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: viperkid on Aug 06, 2013 at 05:02 PM
Debosyon (Alvin Yapan) ***1/2 - An orchid poacher and a devout Catholic meets an accident while trying to get an orchid and he's helped by a mysterious young woman who lives alone in the middle of the jungle. Saying more would be spoiling it a bit. This is the first film I've seen in the Philippine indigeneous/regional language of Bicolano, (thus I actually needed subtitles for this one). It sort of tackles a similar themes to that of Amor y Muerte but does so in a more original, elegant and absolutely beautiful manner. Also recommended.
I enjoyed this but I think this is tough to recommend for everybody but there is an audience for this type of movie.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Diva_fierce on Aug 06, 2013 at 06:08 PM
I was able to watch 10. Transit is my favorite :)
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: syoti on Aug 06, 2013 at 08:49 PM
was able to watch babagwa, transit, porno, ekstra, shorts a and b, purok 7, instant mommy, liars. for me, transit is the best. looking forward to watch sana dati and debosyon.. will catch this again at UP diliman or hopefully the mainstream..
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: jas on Aug 07, 2013 at 06:56 AM
will catch this again at UP diliman or hopefully the mainstream..

As per a statement from the UP Cineastes' Studio, the Cinemalaya Goes UP film festival will no longer run at the UP Diliman starting this year. It seems the Cinemalaya board feels they already have enough accessible venues for screening the films.

I was also hoping to catch some of the films at UP, but with this development, I guess the only way is to wait for the regular theatrical releases (if ever).   
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Ikiru on Aug 07, 2013 at 01:08 PM
As per a statement from the UP Cineastes' Studio, the Cinemalaya Goes UP film festival will no longer run at the UP Diliman starting this year. It seems the Cinemalaya board feels they already have enough accessible venues for screening the films.

I was also hoping to catch some of the films at UP, but with this development, I guess the only way is to wait for the regular theatrical releases (if ever).   

May option pa rin naman daw to screen the films one by one, but no longer as a week-long mini-festival.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: syoti on Aug 08, 2013 at 01:43 PM
May option pa rin naman daw to screen the films one by one, but no longer as a week-long mini-festival.

how po? aside from the mainstream.. will they show somewhere else?
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 08, 2013 at 02:34 PM
Ekstra (August 14), Instant Mommy (later this month) and The Diplomat Hotel (late September) have slated commercial runs in theaters. I think it's possible Transit and Sana Dati will also get some commercial screenings or additional screenings in other film festivals.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: jas on Aug 08, 2013 at 03:07 PM
how po? aside from the mainstream.. will they show somewhere else?

I think what Ikiru is clarifying is that the UP Diliman can still screen the Cinemalaya films at their theater, but just one by one & not in a film festival format.

Ekstra (August 14), Instant Mommy (later this month) and The Diplomat Hotel (late September) have slated commercial runs in theaters. I think it's possible Transit and Sana Dati will also get some commercial screenings or additional screenings in other film festivals.

Thanks for the information. Personally, I am most looking forward to catching Transit & Sana Dati.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: halvert on Aug 08, 2013 at 06:08 PM
Sana ipalabas sa select theaters sa metro manila film fest. Hay, sarap mangarap
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 08, 2013 at 06:23 PM
Sana ipalabas sa select theaters sa metro manila film fest. Hay, sarap mangarap

The MMFF has its own indie section (the "New Wave") but I think the big studios are fighting to minimize their presence. Saling pusa baga.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: takussa14 on Aug 08, 2013 at 06:49 PM
Saw a handful of movies last week for cinemalayas  I had a hard time staying calm with Liars. Direk, pls pls stick to whatever you know or are best at. I dont know where to start but if someone disagrees, please enlighten me.

If i were to pick between instant or transit, id go with instant. Sure transit was packaged to perfection but i found myself rolling around in my seat again. Sure instant was nothing special and it was obviously made with expertise, but at least it made you 'feel connected to Philippine Cinema'. Sure a lot can relate reason of, but for those who will expect a little professionalism, i think it can deliver.

Rekorder had potential, but it whoever was in charge seems to have more knowledge with posters and drawings than what the story maybe was hoping to tell. Rekorder? Traktor? Rekordbox? Your choice of font might explain influences.

Shorts A was a ticket to insanity. Taya was the only one that pumped my heart. Esp the ending. The film had truth and fantasy/looking through the eyes of pure happiness. The last one was obviously an expecting twist, but it was nice, refreshing and encouraging to hear a different dialect and see a nice bike. (im not a rider but it wanted me to try)

I decided to pass on Debosyon which my father had nothing but praise afterwards. Now it has me curious.

Some of these movies obviously have more budget than the others. It becomes too 'malaya' then. I rem reading something years ago if it was cinemalaya contest, re having an equal budget and rules among directors to create a film. Its quite unfair but i might be wrong. I dont know what cinemalayas objectives are but i hope more Filipinos continue to support and appreciate this. Looking forward next year! 
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 15, 2013 at 09:53 AM
Babagwa ("The Spider's Lair") will also get a commercial run in September.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: syoti on Aug 15, 2013 at 10:03 PM
how bout sana dati, debosyon and transit.. would like to watch transit again..
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Aug 18, 2013 at 11:05 PM
Ekstra (The Bit Player) (Jeffrey Jeturian) ***1/2 - This is a film first screened in Cinemalaya that has been commercially released in theaters this week. It's a wonderful little slice-of-life dramedy about the life of a professional extra, background players who go from TV/film project to project. Vilma Santos, one of Philippine cinema's most well-known actresses, star as the title character so it's pretty ironic to see the most famous person in the cast playing someone who's supposed to be this anonymous background player. I find this project pretty daring for its kind and considering that it was co-financed/released by a mainstream studio who I know (from first-hand experience since I pitched a sort of similar idea to them) wouldn't want to poke some inside fun at their expense. Vilma Santos excels in her first foray in indie filmmaking.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Verbl Kint on Aug 22, 2013 at 12:48 AM
Agree on Vilma Santos. She can still shed a tear on cue.

As a bona fide star, I had my doubts on her taking on the role. The transformation was, nevertheless, authentic.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Sep 05, 2013 at 06:15 PM
Sana Dati will get a commercial run on September 25.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: jas on Sep 06, 2013 at 07:39 AM
Sana Dati will get a commercial run on September 25.

Nice news. I'll watch out for this. 

The Diplomat Hotel is currently having it's theatrical run. Read some negative reviews on it though.....
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Sep 06, 2013 at 04:58 PM
Transit will be commercially shown on September 11th in Ayala Cinemas.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: syoti on Sep 06, 2013 at 09:01 PM
will definitely watch sana dati.. why will transit only be shown in ayala cinemas?
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Sep 12, 2013 at 11:46 PM
will definitely watch sana dati.. why will transit only be shown in ayala cinemas?


Yep. It's showing now. I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: jas on Sep 13, 2013 at 06:26 AM
^  Saw Transit last night. Took the extra mile to catch it at Trinoma despite my distance from the mall. Well worth the effort as this is quite a first-rate film with exceptional production values & excellent acting. Remarkable & assured first movie from Hannah Espia. Highly recommended!
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: jas on Sep 13, 2013 at 06:40 AM
Babagwa ("The Spider's Lair") will also get a commercial run in September.

September 18 according to the trailer shown at Trinoma Cinema.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Sep 18, 2013 at 02:20 PM
It's official: Transit is our Oscar Best Foreign Language Film entry.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: halvert on Sep 18, 2013 at 02:35 PM
wow congrats! from a first time director pa!
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: jas on Sep 26, 2013 at 08:46 PM
Just saw Sana Dati. Beautifully told & produced story about love, but without the usual sugary sentimentality & "kilig" factor that is commonly associated with the genre.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: takussa14 on Sep 26, 2013 at 11:46 PM
Just saw Sana Dati. Beautifully told & produced story about love, but without the usual sugary sentimentality & "kilig" factor that is commonly associated with the genre.

Nothing but praise from my father as well. Of all the ones we saw this he liked. Unfo my bro substituted me for the ticket as i really couldnt force myself in the theatre with this.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Klaus Weasley on Sep 28, 2013 at 08:56 PM
Sana Dati (Jerrold Tarog) **** - Filipino romantic movies usually make me run for the hills. Not this one. A young woman who's about to get married is in love with another man. That's all you have to know about it.  It may sound like a tried, cliched story but the film does a fantastic job of subverting your expectations while also delivering a beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking love story. It manages to surprise without feeling like it cheats. It manages to be emotional without being overly manipulative or melodramatic. This has been a great year for Filipino films, I must say.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Verbl Kint on Sep 29, 2013 at 03:48 AM

Just saw it too. I like how Jerrold frames his shots, very balanced without trying to be too artistic-looking and unnatural. I definitely like the fact that it wasn't a linear plot treatment, without being obvious that there were flashbacks.

I never thought I'd actually be mesmerized by a pinoy love story but Sana Dati was just that good.

I sure hope HD versions are released soon of Ekstra, OTJ, Transit, Sana Dati, and all the other exceptional films of this exceptional year.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: halvert on Oct 02, 2013 at 01:23 AM
Napanood ko na din kanina at di ko namalayan na naluha na pala ako dun sa wedding vow ni tj trinidad. At naluha ako para sa lahat ng past loves ko na nawala.
Title: Re: Cinemalaya 2013
Post by: Verbl Kint on Oct 05, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Watching Transit later... finally.