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[av_heading heading=’DALMING | Indie films, anyone?’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ROMA GONZALES
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Wednesday, May 3, 2017
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THROUGH CineLokal, a partnership of the Film Development Council of the Philippines and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., lineups of independent movies can now be screened at eight SM mall theaters nationwide, one of which is SM Iloilo.
For many years, every time somebody throws the words “indie films” into the air, they were either evaded or caught in a bucket of “No, thank you.” To the majority of moviegoers, they solicited hesitation, at the least; most of the time, avoidance.
Their mainstream counterparts, however, fare relatively well with the public. Backed by big film companies, they are often light-hearted and easy to process, crafted to ensure that the return is greater than the budget. Meanwhile, independent films are often made as art forms – they are painstakingly produced to express, to comment, to create awareness. They seek truth and glory more than monetary gain. Freed from marketing strings, they embrace realism and uncomfortable themes, earning a reputation for being “deep” or “disturbing.”
Most Filipino mainstream is that next-door friend who is the life of the party. Everybody gets his jokes. Indie, on the other hand, is the quiet one who reminds you from time to time that the world is inherently evil or that every moment is sublime, and blurts out at lunchtime in the middle of chewing questions like “What is the meaning of life?”, “Do you really think we are ever truly free?” and “Are you gay? Come on. That’s okay!”
But can Filipinos handle indies – that is, “substantial stuff” – in the silver screen?
Through the success of the recent Metro Manila Festival, Filipinos proved they can be a thinking audience, silencing those who tried to claim that the majority of Juan de la Cruzes cannot employ their cerebrum inside movie houses. I remember friends who digitally protested at the limited screening of Saving Sally, and frustrated non-John Lloyd fans who were sincerely angered at the removal of Honor Thy Father in the MMFF two years ago.
Mr. Popoy Guillermo, FDCP programming head, said during the Iloilo launching of CineLokal this April 21 that he doesn’t believe Filipinos are incapable of taking in the profound truths and the artistry of the best of our independent films. The way he puts it, independent films are simply a new kind of food that needs to be served at the table to be enjoyed. It’s not that we can’t eat it; it’s that we have to be introduced to it enough to taste it to say yes, it is edible, and yes, it is delicious.
In fact, it is a growing trend especially among young people to be more receptive to independent films. Perhaps it’s the emergence of hipster culture. Perhaps it’s because many Filipinos are growing a sensitivity and appreciation to Art. It’s not that indie is the new mainstream. Perhaps it’s only because we are realizing that just like mainstream movies, they are essentially just films that can be as entertaining.
In a deeper sense, indie films contribute to our national consciousness. Because regional films are also encouraged, we can learn more about the other brown islanders in our little Pacific archipelago, bridging the blue gap that should only physically divide us.
Through indie films, the masses are invited to ponder and discuss about social, political and cultural topics that would otherwise dissipate through the fog of cliché rom-coms, repetitive fantasy plots, and cheating husbands and mistresses.
The industry of filmmakers is also a dynamic circle of all sorts of artists, ensuring that the line of talents and geniuses in the Philippines will survive.
While the easy-going friend next door is a refreshing breath of air, what could go wrong with befriending the somber one? Both have stories to tell. Both can contribute to personal growth. It’s just the other one needs a little more appreciation. Now./PN
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