DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 16 Dec) — Mindanawon filmmakers must produce more films that promote peacebuilding to correct the negative stereotypes about Mindanao due to armed conflict, Rudolph Ian ALama,director of the recently concluded 16th Mindanao Film Festival (MFF) said on Sunday.
“Films can communicate messages what Mindanao would want to convey like, for example, messages of peace. It can be a tool for peacebuilding,” he said.
He said the films can offer a different perspective about Mindanao, which has long suffered from lack of development due to wars, by highlighting the beauty of the island, among them tourist attractions.
He cited the 2017 film “Siargao,” directed by Paul Soriano and starred by Jasmin Curtis Smith, Jericho Rosales, and Dabawenyo actress Erich Gonzales, which helped attract more tourists to the island.
Alama said the short film “Pulangui” of Bagane Fiola, which won the Best Film out of 107 entries during the 16th MFF held on December 10, 2018, was about two brothers separated by war and reunited by their faith in Allah.
Supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process (OPAPP), he said the film was shot in Maguindanao.
“It touchingly captures the aspirations of peace for many Mindanawons. The medium of cinema can transform Mindanawon stories that contain their culture and aspirations into films which can reach a broader audience,” he said.
Alama also urged filmmakers from different parts of Mindanao to produce more full-length films.
He also hopes to get more film entries from regions of Caraga, Soccsksargen, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the succeeding film festivals.
“These filmmakers were able to incorporate styles and techniques in their films. Through workshops, they were able to polish their films technical-wise. Also, technology like DSLRs and aerial drones helped these filmmakers,” he said.
Held from December 5 to 11, the 16th MMF screened four full-length and 103 short films.
“This goes to show the dynamism of our regional filmmaking movement here in Mindanao. It is very alive and well and the MFF we strive to become a platform for it,” he said.
The “Mangarap Ka” of Dante the Musicale won Best Original Song; “Wala’y Nidanguynguy” of Noi Narciso won Best Musical Score; Willie Apa Jr. took home Best Sound for “Pulangui”; Best Production Design went to Rodel Hilado for “Rufyla”; and Best Editing to Genesis Godwino and Yen Morales for “Talang.”
The Best Cinematography award went to Daniel Clark Cabantan of “Plastic Mirror” Best Animated Film was “Chase”, Best Student Film was “Midnight Epiphany”, Best Documentary was “Sa Palad ng Dantaong Kulang”, and Best Screenplay to Rosette D. Caoile for “Chase.”
Gabriel Doromal of “Midnight Epiphany” took the top plum as Best Actor while Mareal Anne Naquin of “Miya” as Best Actress. Jewel Maranan won as Best Director for her work in “Sa Palad ng Dantaong Kulang.”
Special Jury Commendation on Visual Effects went to “3021” while the Special Jury Prize was given to “Plastic Mirror.” Kapitan Ele won Best Shoutout while Box Office champion was the short film “Tinik.” Box Office Runner-up was “I Surrender.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)