Bouncing back from a lackluster 2010, the 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival offered a number of upgrades this year: an additional venue (Cinemalaya goes to Greenbelt 3); a new section called Focus Asia; not one, but two closing films; and most importantly, better films. Hence, the attendance is better than ever. It's good to see that these indies were received warmly this year.
In 2010, I was able to watch 20 full-length and one short. I thought I can beat that record this year. But due to limited time and limited budget (the price of the festival pass increased more than two-fold), I have to settle with 15 features and 10 short films. Not too shabby, but I swear I could have done better.
Allow me to rank the films I've seen from best to worst.
FULL LENGTH
1. Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa
2. Isda
3. Busong
4. Nino
5. Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington
6. Amok
7. Cuchera
8. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank
9. Bahay-Bata
10. Gayuma
11. Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me
12. Bisperas
13. Patikul
14. Liberacion
15. Paglipad ng Anghel
SHORTS
1. Immanuel
2. Walang Katapusang Kwarto
3. Hanapbuhay
4. Hazard
5. Nino Bonito
6. Samarito
7. Oliver's Apartment
8. Debut
9. Un Diutay Mundo
10. Every Other Time
PERSONAL PICKS
Best Direction: Alvin Yapan (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
Runners-up: Auraeus Solito (Busong), Lawrence Fajardo (Amok)
Best Actress: Cherry Pie Picache (Isda)
Runners-up: Raquel Villavicencio & Shamaine Buencamino (Nino), Jean Garcia (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
Best Actor: Martin Escudero (Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington)
Runners-up: Garry Lim & Dido dela Paz (Amok)
Best Screenplay: Rody Vera (Nino)
Runners-up: Jerry Gracio (Isda), Alvin Yapan (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
Best Cinematography: Louie Quirino (Busong)
Runners-up: Louie Quirino (Amok), Arvin Viola (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
I'll try to write some more soon. That is, if my writer's block goes away.
Best Direction: Alvin Yapan (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
Runners-up: Auraeus Solito (Busong), Lawrence Fajardo (Amok)
Best Actress: Cherry Pie Picache (Isda)
Runners-up: Raquel Villavicencio & Shamaine Buencamino (Nino), Jean Garcia (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
Best Actor: Martin Escudero (Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington)
Runners-up: Garry Lim & Dido dela Paz (Amok)
Best Screenplay: Rody Vera (Nino)
Runners-up: Jerry Gracio (Isda), Alvin Yapan (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
Best Cinematography: Louie Quirino (Busong)
Runners-up: Louie Quirino (Amok), Arvin Viola (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
I'll try to write some more soon. That is, if my writer's block goes away.
