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BY PETER SOLIS NERY
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BECAUSE I’m generally a stubborn artist, I let myself change my mind every now and then. I think I can afford it; and if it really matters, I totally deserve the privilege to do it. I mean, I don’t normally inconvenience other people when I change my mind, unless they just can’t be happy for me…but that’s for whatever I do.
And so it is that after three or four days of not campaigning and promoting my film Ikapito nga Adlaw, an official selection (film grant category) in the ongoing 4th Cinekasimanwa Film Festival running at SM Cinema 1 until Dec. 18 (although the filmfest continues in other venues until Dec. 21), I am back at marketing my short.
My reasoning is simple. I am an independent filmmaker; and as such, I market and promote my own film. I have to. Because I am independent. And because I spent my own money making my film, I want my movie to be seen by more people.
But also, it is more than just money. I truly believe that I made one damn good Ilonggo film. Sure, it is arthouse; sure, it is mature, and perhaps a little sophisticated, but it will be a shame if the public remains ignorant about it. I mean, we already have a lot of ignorant people (and arrogant about their ignorance, too), who prefer the effects-laden Star Wars movie to homegrown beauties like Ikapito nga Adlaw – a film by Peter Solis Nery.
I’m sorry I have to praise my own movie to high heavens. The local media seem to have ignored the longest regional festival (freaking 21 days this year!) in the country. You don’t believe me? Then answer me this: other than my fairly controversial Ikapito nga Adlaw, name four other short films in competition at this year’s Cinekasimanwa film grant category. That’s right, name just four others from 19 possible answers! Does that make you feel smart?
I’ll be presumptuous and say that perhaps the only short film in competition that really captured the Ilonggo reading public’s imagination is my Ikapito nga Adlaw. It’s obvious. I’ve written at least 15 column pieces (including this one) on my 15-minuter of a film. I don’t think anybody else has written or reviewed any other film in Cinekasimanwa 2016. I call that media snob, print media snob specifically.
Of course, I can only write about my film. That’s because I am in competition; and all the other films are my competitors. Don’t you think it would be unfair if I review my co-participants’ films? What if I can’t hold my long, sharp, clawed tongue? (FYI, my tongue drastically changes form and texture when I kiss!)
And precisely because I am their competitor, do you think other filmmakers would welcome a critique or film review from me? I wish the circumstances were different, but they are not. It’s the sad, unfortunate reality.
Let me make myself clear. I did not make a movie to entertain myself. If that was my intention, I could just have bought five farm-bred boytoys with my P30,000 (more like P40,000 now, really, but who’s counting?). Here’s a fact: I made a movie to make history as an Ilonggo film that is fearless to be arthouse, mature, sophisticated, and daring. I wanted an Ilonggo movie that has unapologetic nudities and simulated sex, torrid kisses and breathless delights.
I made Ikapito nga Adlaw for you, my dear readers; not for me. Don’t worry about me. I’m more educated in the movies than you are. Trust me! I go to film festivals a lot. I spend weeks in the moviehouses for the annual L.A. Film Festival. And, for example, while only on a weeklong vacation in France, I actually spent a whole afternoon in some obscure French filmfest at the Pathe! Cinema. That’s how big a film buff I am.
So yeah, I talk a lot about myself as an actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, director, producer, and promoter of the short film Ikapito nga Adlaw. But can you blame me? It’s my movie! And fifteen column pieces later, you are still living your poor humdrum lives ignorant and uneducated about this short Ilonggo cinematic masterpiece that has my name and reputation at stake.
So, for one last time, for one last shot, here’s hoping you’ll find time to go check out what I’ve been talking about these past three weeks. Ikapito nga Adlaw – a film by Peter Solis Nery screens at 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 14, at SM Cinema 1.
Here’s a promise: I will also be at the SM Cinema 1 lobby starting 7:30 p.m. to welcome you. I will try to be as celebrity as celebrity can be. I will be wearing a hard-to-miss costume, which is really intended for you to have selfies with me. As they say, photo-op with the star.
It’s the closest you can get to a Hollywood red carpet. So let’s have fun. After all, this is Cinekasimanwa: The Film Festival of Western Visayas. I will be in my unusually shameless self (the costume helps me with that, I can tell you), so don’t be shy or embarrassed to get my attention. Promise, I’m really superfriendly at movie premieres and filmfest events.
So, see you later? And see you at the movies!/PN
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