How Filipino movies land in world's oldest tilt
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Paolo Bertolin, consultant for the Venice International Film Festival, has been a constant visitor to Manila since he first came here in 2007. However, he was quite familiar with local cinema even before that first time.
He had read books and essays by local critics and seen the works of Ishmael Bernal, Mario O'Hara, Mike de Leon and Tikoy Aguiluz. He says Lino Brocka's "Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" is "one of my favorite films ever".
Renewed interest
And now he has caught up with the works of more current filmmakers Brillante Mendoza, Raya Martin, Khavn de la Cruz, John Torres and Mes de Guzman.
Lav Diaz's "Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino" sparked his renewed interest in Philippine movies, Bertolin related to Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview.
Seeing Diaz's 10-hour epic in Rotterdam in 2005 was a turning point, he said. "It was an astounding epiphany. 'Ebolusyon' is monumental, a great work by an artist paying homage to his country, its history and its people. It touched me deeply."
Since then a string of Filipino movies has been included in the line-up of Venice, the world's oldest film festival. Bertolin championed Diaz's "Death in the Land of Encantos" and "Melancholia", which, along with Francis Xavier Pasion's "Jay" and Pepe Diokno's "Engkwentro", were shown in the Orizzonti section; and with Brillante Mendoza's "Lola" in the main competition.
Last year, Teng Mangansakan's "Limbunan", yet another Cinemalaya entry (after "Jay" and "Engkwentro"), made it to Venice--this time in the International Critics' Week. "It was the Philippines' first time to be included in that section," said Bertolin. "I find 'Limbunan' compelling."
Financing is key
Last month, the festival director was in Manila yet again. He met with directors and producers in search of documentaries for the Visions du Reel section of the Nyon International Film Festival in Switzerland. He also observed at the auditions for the forthcoming Cinemalaya fest.
How can Filipino filmmakers sustain the world's interest? "The main problem now is finding financial support apart from the usual sources of grants," Bertolin said. "As of now, the only Filipino filmmakers who can count on a solid source of financing are Brillante Mendoza and Raya Martin."
More grants and subsidies here and abroad should be explored, he asserted. "The [Filipino film] scene is very rich in terms of talent and stories, but not in terms of resources."
No formulas
Bertolin counseled young Filipino filmmakers to persevere. "Don't copy what someone else has done already," he said. "Be original. Be sincere and honest. There are no formulas. Paradoxically, going against formulas proves to be more successful sometimes."
Making political films is no guaranteed ticket, either, Bertolin added. He said he was impressed by "Engkwentro" because of its "audacity and creativity", and "Lola" because of its "deceptive simplicity". He said he was elated that an experienced director like Mario O'Hara had gone digital with his Cinemalaya entry "Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio".
Bertolin pointed out that he's drawn to "filmmakers who are not afraid to experiment and try new things".
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