"The Search for Weng Weng" Iloilo Screening a Vibrant Success

Last August 7, 2014 Thursday evening 7:00 PM The documentary The Search for Weng Weng from Australian filmmaker Andrew Leavold was shown at the FDCP Cinematheque. And it was one of the most enjoyable and successful screening events that was held at the Iloilo FDCP Cinematheque. [hit the jump to continue]

The Search for Weng Weng: A Tale of Exploits and Exploitation

Andrew Leavold’s documentary “The Search for Weng Weng” is not only this fascinating documentary about the onscreen exploits and off-screen exploitation of the legendary two-foot-nine-inch Filipino action star, but at the undertone of documentary, is an eye-opener that tells us a lot about Philippine cinema. At the surface of it is this fascinating story of an unusual human being named Ernesto De la Cruz who was born with some sort of size abnormality, his existence coated with influences of superstition and religion, and linking him to the likeness of the Santo Niño. And how his family’s poverty led him to be “adopted” and used by a wealthy couple who were film producers. [hit the jump to continue]

Legendary Pinoy Midget Actor Weng Weng, the subject of a documentary by an Australian Fan

Remember the Pinoy actor/comedian midget known as WENG-WENG? He became popular during the 70's and 80's for comedy films, specifically his midget-themed comedies. On movies like "For Y’ur Height Only" and "The Impossible Kid" he played the role of Agent 00, a midget-version of James Bond (You'd be surprised to know that DVDs of these movies are available overseas), and also starred in the western "D’Wild Wild Weng"

The legacy of Weng Weng lives on, as he is the subject of Australian film buff and filmmaker Andrew Leavold's documentary about the Filipino midget actor. “The Search for Weng Weng” contains interviews with film legends Dolphy, Eddie Romero, Cirio Santiago and Bobby A. Suarez, and footages about his quest to unearth the story of the giant little actor.

“Weng Weng is a personal avatar,” Leavold said. “Most of the time, it feels like he is sitting on my shoulder, directing my film from behind a curtain—so many strange coincidences have occurred along the way.” It is most heartwarming delightful that Leavold is somebody who recognizes what Weng Weng represents in relation to the Philippine entertainment industry, as well as one who understands it as well. He quotes:

“His story is sad and remarkable, Weng Weng is a metaphor for many people in the Philippine movie industry, and in post-colonial Philippines in general-— used, abused, then cast aside once they had outlived their usefulness.”

He continues, talking about Weng Weng's resurgence on internet fame.  “Like Weng Weng, this story refuses to be beaten down as witnessed by its present resurrection.”

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