Lav Diaz and Why Indie Cinema Deserves More

Indie Cinema and the Metaphor of Knowing Real Value
by Reymundo Salao

Those who have some knowledge about Philippine cinema must know who Lav Diaz is. Perhaps one may not have seen one of his movies, but surely one should have heard about him. He's that Filipino filmmaker who makes these long epic movies that have won numerous awards in international film festivals. Just last month, Lav Diaz took home the prestigious Golden Leopard for best film for “From What Is Before” (Mula sa kung ano ang noon). On the other hand of the tale, it's quite sad that even after he and his crew brought the biggest honor the country has received so far in an A-list film festival, there was no hero's welcome or parade to celebrate their victory when they arrived back. [hit the jump to continue]

Pinoy Indie Film BABAGWA to compete in Canada, Hawaii, and Poland

The indie film BABAGWA was an entry in this year’s Cinemalaya New Breed section. It is all set to go international, vying for film festivals in Canada, Hawaii, and Poland. On September 28 to October 4, 2013, it will be at the Dragons & Tigers Award for Young Cinema at the Vancouver International Film Festival. It will also be competing in the 29th Warsaw International Film Festival in October 11 to October 20, 2013. And finally, it will also be competing for the Halekulani Golden Orchid for Best Narrative award at the Hawaii fest on October 13 to October 23, 2013. BABAGWA is written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, and stars Alex Vincent Medina, Joey Paras, Alma Concepcion, Kiko Matos, Nico Antonio, Chanel Latorre, Marx Topacio, Raqs Regalado, Garry Lim, Sunshine Teodoro. BABAGWA is about an Internet scammer who falls in love with a wealthy old maid while trying to swindle her using a fake Facebook profile.

Sharon Cuneta is looking for a Screenplay

Inquirer reports that Megastar Sharon Cuneta is inviting independent filmmakers to submit screenplays for an indie movie. She was not looking for a vanity project, she clarified, but merely asking filmmakers, “What type of movie do you see me in?” From the tone of the report, it seems that Sharon is trying to tap the indie population, or at least those probably not connected with the mainstream film companies. It should be remembered that Sharon has indeed supported the indie scene in many instances, and I wouldn't be surprised if she cracked at pushing the indie scene again into the limelight.
Screenplays may be e-mailed to: megascripts2013@gmail.com

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

CineFilipino 2013

CineFilipino is launched

CineFilipino is a new film festival that will show the works of its pioneer batch starting this 2013. Its mission is “to seek out, support and develop new cinematic works of artistic merit by up-and-­coming  and established filmmakers that help define the human experience through a  Filipino perspective.”

Spearheaded by the PLDT-Smart Foundation, MediaQuest, Studio 5 (the movie arm of TV5) and Unitel Entertainment, CineFilipino gives a production grant of P1.5 million each to the eight chosen filmmakers.

CineFilipino will take place from June 26 to July 3, 2013 at the Ali Mall, Gateway, Eastwood and Newport cinemas.

“We are at the threshold of producing eight new films that I believe have the potential to be future Filipino classics,” declared CineFilipino filmfest director Vincent Nebrida during the official press launch held at the Passion restaurant at the Maxim’s Hotel, Resorts World Manila.
[CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE]