Filipino
independent
filmmakers finally get a shot
at showing their films
By
Ronalisa Co
THE
mushrooming of Filipino independent films has definitely
thrilled a good number of Pinoy film buffs. For
years, independent films were confined to special
screenings in universities and the mighty Cultural
Center of the Philippines and other similar venues
during film festivals.
But
we’re slowly seeing the light. Since the start
of 2007, more and more groups, organizations, and
what-have-yous have been showing more and more Pinoy
indie films at different venues. Best of all, these
venues have made the showing of non-formulaic indie
films a regular thing.
Mag:net’s
‘Cinekatipunan’
On Katipunan’s busy street, right across Miriam
College and Ateneo de Manila University, sits this
charming two-story gallery named Mag:net Café.
Owned by visual artist Rock Drilon, the whole place
operates not just as a gallery but as an advocacy
for everything that has anything to do with the
arts—and this includes independently-produced
films.
Drilon first thought about “Cinekatipunan”
when he came across a newspaper article that says
the flourishing indie film scene has no venue for
film showings. Imagine the irony of it: films, which
are meant to be seen, without a venue for screening.
So he came up with the idea of turning the whole
second-floor of Mag:net Katipunan into a mini-movie
house every 5:30 in the afternoon and tapped independent
filmmaker Kiri Dalena to handle the screenings.
And in November 2006, Cinekatipunan was born.
Since its launch, Cinekatipunan has shown the films
of indie greats such as Kidlat Tahimik, Lav Diaz,
and Rox Lee, and of current-generation indie filmmakers
such as Mes de Guzman, Aureaus Solito, Topel Lee,
and a lot more. Now, Cinekatipunan has opened its
doors to student filmmakers who would like to have
an audience for their film projects.
For the budget-tight, what’s great about watching
films at Cinekatipunan is that film showings are
free of charge. But of course, they’re asking
people with extra cash to donate even a small amount
for the honoraria of the filmmakers. Because in
indie filmmaking, even a small amount goes a long
way.
Robinson
Galleria’s ‘IndieSINE’
The Robinson Galleria Movieworld at the corner of
Edsa and Ortigas Avenue is the first commercial
movie house to open its doors to independent filmmakers.
It started with the showing of Guimaras: Short Films
on the Oil Spill last October 2006.
Since then, the Movieworld’s Cinema 3 has
become a regular screening venue for independently-produced
films. And last January 16, they formally launched
IndieSINE with the opening of the Bagong Agos Film
Festival which showcased 36 of the best indie films
ever produced since year 2000.
IndieSINE is being run by the Independent Filmmakers’
Cooperative, a group dedicated in financially supporting
members composed of directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers,
actors, and everyone who has taken part in the production
of indie films.
A portion of the revenue earned through the IndieSINE
shall go to the cooperative which aims to fund their
members’ film projects.
