NEWS

FILIPINO FILMS APPRECIATED!
By: Marian Carpo

Filipino Films of today are truly soaring beyond excellence on different aspects of cinematic expertise from commercial to independent ones. Nowadays, our generation does not only cater to conventionalized movies that are highly budgeted by major producers but is now moving forward in redirecting their taste of viewing to another level of films called "indie."

The total finances allocated in making independent movies are low compared to the commercially based films and that is why amateur film makers take it as the easiest and convenient way in breaking through the limelight of Philippine Cinema. The theme of Indie Films ranges from the typical plots of human life experiencing love, pain, joy, sorrow and anger which Sir Ricky Lee calls as "mainstreams," to the "alternative" going "experimental" type of stories that showcases themes outside standardized norms that talks about sex, gay, lesbian, highly suspense scenario to the scandalized ones and many more.

Not only did our films continually kept appreciated in our country but also to the extent of international recognition from different foreign film festivals were movies from the Philippines are trully popular and critically acclaimed. During the recently concluded Paris Film Festival, more than 30 films were chosen from our country to be screened and watched by foreigners and filipinos as well. Among the movies that were picked are Caregiver starring Sharon Cuneta, Ploning starring Judy Ann Santos, Dekada '70 starring Vilma Santos and Piolo Pascual and other commercialized but mostly independent films.

The movie "Sigaw" has now a hollywood remake version carrying the international title of "The Echo" and soon will have it's debut on theatres around the world. What we should all be proud of with this movie even more is that Iza Calzado who stars on the original version also played the same character and was included in it's remake plus the fact that it's director, Mr. Yam Laranas was also chosen to still direct the movie. It just leaves us with an intact Pinoy-proud feeling and that international breakthroughs for us are also possible and definitely not out of reach from our creative grasp.