MANILA, PHILIPPINES — With the return of the Philippines’ most-anticipated independent film festival’s on-site screenings, Cinemalaya 18 will feature eight-day talk back sessions with the directors of the films in competition, from August 3 to August 13.
The Talkback sessions provide a great opportunity for the audience to acquire deeper insights about the film they have watched through an interactive discussion with the filmmakers themselves.
The following is the schedule for the Talkback sessions for the competition films (full-length films and short features), which will primarily take place at the CCP Cinemalaya Tent and the Main Gallery.
There are three planned at chosen malls, particularly Megamall, Glorietta, and TriNoma:
On August 6, 5:30 PM, director Rainerio C. Yamson II is slated for a discussion of his film Angkas (The Backride) to be held at the Cinemalaya Tent. Angkas tells the story of two estranged friends mending their broken past as they embark on a journey while riding a habal- habal to fetch the corpse of their deceased pal. At 6:30 PM in the same venue, Bakit Di Mo Sabihin (Tell Her) director Real S. Florido is open for conversation on his unique film. The aforementioned film is about a deaf couple who discovers that what is separating them is not their inability to communicate verbally or audibly.
On August 7, 5:30 PM, get a chance to hear director Ronald Espinosa Batallones as he talks about his film Batsoy, which will take place at the Cinemalaya Tent. The story of Batsoy is about two young brothers who start on a fantastical adventure to satisfy their intense and delectable hunger for batsoy. Later at 8:30 PM, director Roman S. Perez Jr. is set to talk about his film Kaluskos (Rustles) at the same venue. His film follows the story of a single mother who is in the midst of a custody dispute discovers something under her daughter’s bed that will make her doubt whether she truly loves the child.
On August 8, 5:30 PM, director Sheenly Gener’s talkback for Bula sa Langit (Trigger) is slated at the CCP Main Gallery. Her film tells the story of a young soldier who returns home after surviving a siege to fight in a new conflict. On the other hand, the talkback for Shorts A is slated for 8:30 PM at the Cinemalaya Tent. Shorts A comprises six films namely: Roundtrip to Happiness directed by Claudia Fernando, Mata Kang Busay (Vision of The Falls) directed by Niño B. Maldecir, Ampangabagat Nin Talakba Ha Likol (It’s Raining Frogs Outside) directed by Maria Estela Paiso, Kwits (Quits) directed by Raz de la Torre, Mga Handum Nga Nasulat sa Baras (The Dreams That Are Written On The Sand) directed by Arlie Sweet Sumagsay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, and City of Flowers directed by Xeph Suarez.
On August 9, 5:30 PM, director Carlo Obispo talks about his film The Baseball Player at the Cinemalaya Tent. The story of the aforementioned film is about a Moro child soldier who dreams of becoming a baseball player in the midst of an all-out war. The talkback for Shorts B follows at 8:30 PM in the same venue. Shorts B is composed of six films including: Si Oddie directed by Maria Kydlee Torato, Duwa-Duwa (The Play) directed by Nena Jane Achacoso, Distance directed by Dexter Paul De Jesus, Dikit directed by Gabriela Serrano, See you, George! directed by Mark Moneda, and Black Rainbow directed by Zig Dulay.
On August 10, 6:30 PM, director Christian Paolo Lat will talk about his film Ginhawa (Solace) at Megamall. His film tells the story of an aspiring boxer who gets punched by the harsh reality of the sport as he fights his way through the top. At 8:00 PM, Glorietta, director TM Malones expounds on his film Kargo (Cargo). The film follows the story of a woman who finally exacts retribution on the person who killed her whole family in order to free herself from the heavy burden of her past.
On August 11, 5:30 PM, 12 Weeks is open for discussion with its director Anna Isabelle Matutina at the CCP Main Gallery. Her film tackles the struggles of a single, 40-year-old woman as she is pushed to deal with the thoughts of motherhood. Following at the same venue is another talkback for Ginhawa (Solace) at 8:30 PM with director Christian Paolo Lat. At 3:30 PM, TriNoma, directors Cynthia and Milo Paz are expected to have a discourse on their film Retirada (The Retiree). The film will tell the story of a retired government official’s new hobby which causes existential crisis and financial difficulties.
On August 12, 8:30 PM, director Ma-an Asuncion will talk to the audience about her film Blue Room at the Cinemalaya Tent. The film follows the members of a progressive rock band who must decide whether to choose freedom or to stick up for their principles.
On August 13, 3:00 PM, Kargo (Cargo) is scheduled for another discussion with TM Malones at the Cinemalaya Tent. Following at 8:30 PM, the last talkback is with directors Cynthia and Milo Paz for their film Retirada (The Retiree).
In its 18th edition, the theme Breaking Through The Noise reflects the idea that Cinemalaya 2022 is alive and returning to in-house showing of various films and is looking forward to a brighter future. Its key visual, especially the eyeball, expresses the thought of continuity and relevance of independent cinema today.
For more information, visit the CCP and Cinemalaya websites. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for latest updates.
