Nababahala ako sa katotohanan na ang mga pelikulang tinatangkilik ng ating mga kababayan ay mga komersiyal na banyaga at mga lokal na pelikula na ang tanging ibenebenta ay mga mukha ng sikat na artista ngayon.Hindi ko maintindihan kung minsan ang mentalidad ng masang Pilipino.
Narito ang ilan sa mga paborito kong digital independent films.
Jose Rizalino is a young boy with dreams of making it big as a star in the world of showbiz. His imaginative mind helps him to pursue his ambition. After a failed attempt to get a part in a movie, he gave up on his dreams but not his love and passion for films.
This film won Best Picture at the First Cinemalaya Film Competition. It defeated Auraeus Solito’s Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. Pepot Artista must have struck a chord among film literate judges.
Film and showbiz references abound in this hilarious film. Generous film clips from the 1971 movie Guy and Pip were included in Pepot Artista. A kind couple operating carnival games are die-hard fans of the movie couple. A laugh out loud scene was when the couple sang “Maria Leonora Teresa” complete with a live doll. Tirso Cruz III appeared in a cameo role as a buyer of comics.
The names of students were references to showbiz personalities like film critic Nestor Torre, singer Celeste Legaspi, playwright Rolando Tinio, and director Marilou Diaz Abaya. One student , Jorge Lucas, was even named after director George Lucas. The name of Pepot’s sister is Vilma.
Pepot Artista paid loving homage to the Rosa Rosal film Biyaya ng Lupa. Pepot’s mother was a dancer featured in the 1959 film classic. The altar, with its lone occupant Blessed Virgin Mary, is prominently displayed during interior scenes. Pepot has a deaf and mute brother. Scenes of Pepot’s mother caressing the bamboo coin banks alternated with clips from the film classic Biyaya ng Lupa.
Elijah Castillo won a Best Actor Award at the Singapore Film Festival for his portrayal as Pepot. He is generally good but his crying scene is not well acted.
The excellent story deals with the aspirations of countless Filipinos to become movie stars. Star search contests, talent competitions and reality shows give hope to their dreams. Despite dozens of mestizas and mestizos joining such contests, some dusky skinned contestants even win in major contests like Mau Marcelo in “Philippine Idol.” Nora Aunor won in a national amateur singing contest before entering the world of movies.
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***Napakahusay ng mga artista ng pelikulang ito lalo na yung batang gumanap na Pepot, si Elijah Castillo.
Directed By Auraeus Solito
Starring : Nathan Lopez
Review From Imdb.com
Although the main character is gay, this is not a gay film. The beauty of the film is that it does not make fun of the gay character. Maxi is well-loved and accepted by his family and the community.
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***Patatawanin at pakikiligin kayo ni Maximo Oliveros.
Magnifico
Directed by Maryo J De Los Reyes
Starring Jiro Manio, Albert Martinez.
Review From: Showcomotion
Magnifico is nine-years-old; his family lives in a poor part of town and life is a constant struggle to make ends meet. Only Magnifico remains steadfast: selling juice to earn money to take his sister to the carnival, building a casket for his dying grandmother to ease the family's budget. As far as Magnifico is concerned, a little sensitivity and clever thinking are all that's needed to solve these problems. Before long, the boy's warm-heartedness leads to a miraculous denouement which enables both his family and friends to cope with the traumas of life and death.
The strength of the film lies in its powerfully moving honesty: the ending in particular packs a huge emotional punch. It's a simple, classic tale, masterfully told, and wonderfully acted by its lead protagonist. Best Feature Adult Jury & Best Feature Children's Jury, Berlin Kinderfilmfest 2004.
***Tearjerker.The very definition of sentimental overload.Pinaiyak ako ng pelikulang ito.
