KUWENTISTA: 2007

"KONTRA AGOS: A Resistance Film Festival" is a week-long film festival that will celebrate independently produced films that go against the current conventionality of popular cinema. It aims to be a venue for the convergence of a range of films that are inclined to be thematically and structurally subversive.

The idea for the festival came from filmmakers Kiri Dalena and Sunshine Matutina.Filmmaker Waise Azimi is also one of the principal organizers.

The festival is scheduled from December 5 to 11 at the Indie Sine, Robinson's Galleria An Initiative of Southern Tagalog Exposure and Digital Cheese in cooperation with the Independent Filmmakers Cooperative.

PROJEKT DESAP- a photo exhibit on human rights abuse and desaperacidos

(OPENING FILM)
1. WALAI
Directed By: Adjani Arumpac

Synopsis:Walai is an exploration of spaces.
It prods on the memories of four Muslim women who once lived in the infamous White House in Cotabato City. The documentary seeks narratives in "places...we tend to feel without history." It traces the past through the women's experience of what has happened inside the wrecked home—nostalgia and fear, loss and love, and birth and death.

(CLOSING FILM)
2. PAPA 2 & Naga Story: The Other Side of Silence
Directed By: Gopal Menon

Synopsis - Papa 2
PAPA 2 was a notorious interrogation centre run by the Indian Armed Forces in Kashmir till 1996. Officially, over 2000 - unofficially, over 10,000 - people have disappeared from the Kashmir Valley over the past 15 years. Most of these are enforced disappearances. The film, "PAPA 2", documents the struggle of the mothers and wives of disappeared persons to trace their loved ones. It features interviews with the families of the affected people and also members of the Association of Parents of Disappeared People.

Screened at Film South Asia 2003, Katmandu; ivFest 2003, Trivandrum; Nottam 2002, Kerala; WSF 2004, Mumbai, The Netherlands Himalayas Film Festival, Amsterdam, 2004, SOAS, London, 2004. Invited to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Alberta, Canada.

Synopsis - Naga Story: The Other Side of Silence
The Nagas are a 3 million-strong indigenous people who occupy the North-East frontier of the Indian subcontinent. The Naga political struggle is one of the oldest nationality movements in South Asia, continuing till present times. The film Naga Story provides an introduction to the history of the Naga struggle, and documents the human rights abuses suffered by the Naga people in more than 50 years of the existence of Independent India. Naga Story, which took 5 years to complete, is the first comprehensive film about the Naga struggle for identity, self-determination, peace, and justice.

Winner of the 'Spirit of the Himalayas' First Prize at The Netherlands Himalayas Film Festival, Amsterdam, 2004. Withdrawn from MIFF 2004 along with 6 other films as part of the Campaign Against Censorship by Indian filmmakers. Screened at the protest festival "Vikalp 2004", Mumbai. Invited to the Telluride Mountain Film Festival, Telluride, Colorado, USA, and the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Alberta, Canada, and Signs 2005, organised by Federation of Film Societies India, Kerala.

3. SA NGALAN NG TUBO
Documentary
Directed By: a film by Tudla Productions

Synopsis
A video documentary that chronicles what happened on November 16, 2004 when seven people died at the picketlines of the Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. Millworkers and farm workers of the sugar refinery and plantation owned by the Cojuangcos, one of the wealthiest landed families in the Philippines, went on strike. Their demands were met with a volley of gunfire from military and police. Beginning with the history and background of the land issue, the film builds the tension gradually, leading up to the actual footage of the Hacienda Luisita incident, when even the filmmakerholding the camera had to run for his life.

4. THE JIHADIST
Documentary
Directed By: Gutierrez Mangansakan II

Synopsis
The Jihadist is an autobiographical documentary on the filmmaker's struggle as an artist amid the backdrop of the Moro revolution. His search for his rightful place in the memory of his homeland yields questions that require him to confront his identity as a Moro and come to terms with his homosexuality.

5. THE THRESHOLD
Directed By: Mikhail Red

Synopsis
Seeking the threshold, the wanderer endures a dark journey into the limits of the human mind where fears and anxieties are represented by a series of rooms he must go through.

A FILM ON THE HUMAN CONDITION
"I wanted to make a film about the essence of the human mind and soul, the core of being, where every emotion is explored. The film deals about the human condition, how we are trapped and detained within the complex cells within ourselves." - Mikhail Red

6. LUNES NG HAPIS (MONDAYS OF SORROW)
Short Narrative
Directed By: Nick Olanka

Synopsis
Virgie and Ismael are lovers in the midst of a military offensive in Sta. Filomena, a town in Southern Luzon suspected of being overrun by rebels. Virgie is a teacher of a local elementary school and Ismael is a captain of the troop assigned to infiltrate the rebels. Every Monday they meet and make love passionately and violently. One day, Virgie's student Tikoy asks her to help find his missing father, Mang Lino, a rumoured rebel sympathizer. Events unfold and point to Ismael as being responsible for Mang Lino's disappearance, because of this Virgie is overwhelmed by guilt. The next Monday, as they make love Virgie chooses between her love for Ismael and her love for her community.

7. HILO
Feature
Directed By: JP V. Carpio

Synopsis
Originally conceptualized as a short film shot in 2004 and completed nearly three years later as a full length, the film charts the various emotional courses during a dinner between Emerson, a university professor, and Jenny, a university student.
The film also features the full length feature debuts of Jenny Logico and Emerson Sanchez.

8. ANG BAYAN KONG PAYAPA
Directed by: Elvert Dela Cruz Bañares

SynopsisThis is the state of our nation cycle.

9. RED SAGA
Directed By: Gabriela Krista Dalena

Synopsis
Children of the Land faithfully guard the last harvest from thieves. This poetic film offers a glimpse into the passion and pain of the people's protracted war in the countrysides.

(MINDANAO FILMS)

10. [Me'guyaya]
Documentary
Directed by: Eduardo C. Vasquez, Jr.

Synopsis
Me'guyaya is a Te'duray term for merry-making or thanksgiving. In 2003, an active and concerned group of people in Upi, Shariff Kabunsuan initiated a festival that would unite all residents in thanking God for the abundant harvest. Since then, it has become a big town event that celebrates the richness and diversity of the Muslim, Christian and Lumad peoples of Upi.

The documentary delves on how the Me'guyaya serves as a catalyst for cultural unity as everyone gets involved in the festivities.

11. [Tranquil Times]
Documentary
Directed by: Loren Hallilah I. Lao

Synopsis
The documentary delves on the good governance efforts of the private sector, civil society and the local government unit of Wao, Lanao del Sur working together to erase remnants of the religious and ethnic clashes of the 1970s. It explores how peace has been achieved in this multi-ethnic town, propelling the once-turbulent municipality into its present agricultural renaissance.
12. [George's Town]
Documentary
Directed by: Moises Charles Hollite

Synopsis
George Sabandal is one of about 2,500 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have sought refuge in the town of Buluan, Maguindanao as a result of the "all-out war" in 2000. Refusing to go back to the place of his origin, he has created a new life for himself and his family in their ideal town.

13. [Sulu]
Documentary
Directed by: Al Jacinto

Synopsis
Born of a Muslim mother, young writer Arthur Sakaluran Abasalo decides to visit Sulu despite the perceived strife and presence of Muslim rebels and Abu Sayyaf terrorists. In Sulu, he meets a former Muslim rebel-turned policeman who tells him about his life story and how he got separated from his family for more than a decade. He returns to Sulu to start a new life after being reunited with his family.

Arthur returns to Manila after a short stay in Sulu, bringing with him memorable stories and truths about the island feared by many as a dangerous place to go.

14. [Biniton]
Feature
Directed by: McRobert Nacario

Synopsis
A story depicting the process of preparation and cooking of a dish called Biniton that is particular to the community of Saniag, Ampatuan. The process of cooking, in the eyes of an old woman, brings to life the hardships they experienced amidst armed conflict at the same time the process of preparation, through the experience of Amel, her grandson walks us through the current situation of their community. How amidst the hardships and diversity in culture they had all managed to bounce back and become united.

15. [A Step for My Dream]
Feature
Directed by: Mona Labado

Synopsis
Seven-year-old Abdul dreams of becoming a leader of his town. He has natural charisma and easily becomes friends with people even if he hasn't known them for long. But his grandmother reminds him of their peasant roots which is no match to the traditional ruling family. Undaunted, Abdul sees it as a challenge envisions his future.

16. [Dreams]
Feature
Directed by: Sheron Dayoc

Synopsis
Nine-year-old Satra has been mute for as long as she could remember. But her determination to secure a good education reverberates clearly amid the strictures of her Yakan culture.

17. STANDING UP
Documentary
Directed By: Waise Azimi

Synopsis
STANDING UP is a feature length documentary young Afghan men training to become professional soldiers in the new Afghan National Army. Situated at the Kabul Military Training Center, Standing Up chronicles the struggles and lives of these Afghan men from the moment they arrive at the KMTC to the last day of training of their training. Extensive access to the KMTC training program has provided an insiders perspective into one of the most underreported and important stories in the War Against Terror, the story of those who are Standing Up to the first line of defense.

18. BINGO
Directed By: Noriel M. Jarito

Synopsis
Bingo reveals life's monotony of rural existence. People embrace almost anything: dull, inspiring, tame, untamed, reputable, and even deceptive. Their horizon is bounded by beliefs which sometimes manage to mislead, mock, and misuse their fate. They surrender and never question the path they trace. Thus, they are lost. Submission is sweet, to do otherwise is bitter. Their incomprehension is at the maximum level that wrong becomes right, and what is right becomes wrong.

To play "Bingo" inside a church is never questioned and is labeled licensed by some unprincipled Catholic Church leaders. Christianity is the largest religion and surely many of its followers are destitute enough to consider "Bingo" inside their church as a source of momentary abundance.

Bingo reveals all: People are born. People are being baptized. People marry. People die. All these should have been valuable and symbolic, yet have gone awry and worthless instead. Why? Because of people's shallowness and ignorance.

19. UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
Documentary
Directed By: Anna Isabelle Matutina and Herbert Docena

Synopsis
This documentary contextualizes the issue of US military presence in the country within the long and bitter history of conflict in the south. Countering the reductionist frame set by the narrative of the "global war against terror," it examines the historical conditions that led to the emergence of the Moro separatist movement and the subsequent rise of the Abu Sayyaf. It dissects the government's contradictory attempts to downplay its threat while at the same time justifying escalating military operations in the region.

Against this backdrop, the documentary then probes allegations of US military involvement in the war.

20. THE SINGH FAMILY HOME VIDEOS
Documentary
Directed By: Emmanuel A. Dela Cruz

Synopsis
A documentary work in progress, "The Singh Family Home Videos" charts an intimate look at the family life of the filmmaker's neighbors, a Punjabi Indian family who has assimilated into the Filipino culture and community. Is nationality a matter of origin? Is identity a matter of choice? Or is your "home" a matter of where you are or where you'll be?

A fictional narrative feature based on this work, tentatively called "1434456" is slated to be produced in 2008 by the inependent film group, UFO Pictures("Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros," "Sarong Banggi" and "Endo") and is vying for a Cinemalaya subsidy.

21. VOICE, TILTED SCREENS
Directed By: John Torres

Synopsis
Voice, Tilted Screens is, at once, a meditation. It is a meta-film that unravels a journey, a chronicle of stories through foreign regions. It is a probing letter from outside circles, an honest account of illegitimate views from uneven terrain, and a narrative-driven exploration of the nooks and peripheries of the body, geography, and weather. As the journey progresses, the film increasingly traverses the countries of revelation, film, and heart to where all journeys are meant to end with.

22. BINYAG(Baptism)
Short Narrative
Directed by: Mariami Tanangco

Synopsis
A Rookie cop gets baptized into the world for crimefighting - Manila style.

23. SIMULA
Directed By: Ruelo Lozendo

SynopsisA worm enters a man's ear and lives inside his body. As the worm's metamorphosis unfolds, the man experiences his own transformation.

24. PUTOT
Short Narrative
Directed by Jeck Cogama

Synopsis
A young kid who lives in the slums of Manila...

http://www.kontra-agos.blogspot.com/

By BOY VILLASANTA (ABS-CBN INTERACTIVE)

What do you do after a government agency bans the screening of your independent film? Well, you organize a symposium on freedom of expression and commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law.

The symposium was held at what should have been the screening venue of "Rights", a collection of short films by various filmmakers, showing vignettes about the country's human rights situation, the Robinsons Galleria Cinema 3.

After the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board effectively banned the screening of the human rights film with an X-rating, the filmmakers and producers instead held the forum as an alternative event.

It is notable that the banning of "Rights" coincided with the anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law by then President Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972. Television stations, newspapers and freedom of speech along with them, were effectively shut down by the military after the declaration.

Movie industry "dead"

Feisty director Behn Cervantes attended the event and took the opportunity to throw sarcasm over the "carcass" of Philippine mainstream cinema.

“Mabuti nga at patay na ang mainstream cinema. Mabuti nga, (It's good that mainstream cinema is dead. Good.),” said Cervantes, who condemned the local movie industry for failing to give the Filipino viewers sensible films.

“The local movie producer isn’t helping the industry any better because they don’t allow the artists to grow. What they do is control freedom of expression of the artist as filmmaker which kills the industry.

“Ang mga producer din ang pumatay sa local movie industry. Sila ang dapat sisihin. Wala naman talagang bakya films, ang meron lang ay bakya producer. Down with them.”

(Our producers killed the local movie industry. They should be blamed. There are no bakya films, only bakya producers.)

Cervantes is no newcomer when it comes to defending free expression. He was jailed twice during the martial law regime of Ferdinand Marcos, first because he staged a play at the University of the Philippines criticizing the Marcos administration.

The second time was when he and filmmaker and Lino Brocka (deceased since 1991; proclaimed National Artist for Film posthumously in 1997) were arrested after they joined a transport strike in Cubao in the mid-80s.

Indie future

Cervantes on the other hand praised the efforts of independent filmmakers. He encouraged indie filmmakers to continue making films that are truly relevant to Filipinos.

“It is the immediate concern of any indie filmmaker to address the social ills of this country. Young filmmakers should not worry about censorship. They should make films that convey messages of hope in their own style.”

He also pointed out that Filipino audiences are hungry for films that produced as works of art, instead of simply commercial vehicles for producers and celebrities.

“On the third year of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) conducted a survey about the reaction of the audience after watching entries to the Cinemalaya and it was quite a revelation.

"According to the study, people come and watch Cinemalaya because of its films. They watch them as film, as an art form. So it means, film is script. It doesn’t matter who are in it. Nagkataon lang na nando’n si Mark Gil o sinumang artista for that matter (It so happened that Mark Gil or some other star is in it).”