The best of Pinoy film fests

For the past 5 months, we have been blessed with a number of Filipino film festivals that offered Pinoy film lovers a unique and varied movie-watching experience, something not usually felt with mainstream releases. When was the last time that our own filmmakers and film craftsmen had been this productive? And majority of these filmmakers were not even considered household names or "veterans" of the industry, with some of them we had only encountered for the first time. If there would be one thing that I would remember 2013 for, it is the good number of Pinoy film fests during the second half of the year, so much so that we barely had time to breathe in-between the separate events. And usually, we didn't really mind the asphyxiation. 

As often the case in a film festival, there would be those works that stand out from the rest or, at least, that one considers as his/her favorites. For this film junkie, I would prefer to call it as my "favorite", being subject as it is to my own tastes and standards. If this "pet film" of mine, through its sheer strength, happens to be the stand-out, or even the best, film for the majority as well, then I feel vindicated. In all modesty, allow me to share my favorite films from the various Filipino film festivals of the last 5 months. 

Cinemalaya (July 26-August 4) 

My top pick:"Debosyon" by Alvin Yapan 

Why is it my favorite? This film is another best proof that "less is more". Less dialogues, lovely visuals, deep meanings. And it doesn't often happen that we encounter a Filipino film that can be both spiritual and mythical, philosophical and carnal. It was something that the recently shown "Angustia" (likewise by a fellow Bicolano and in Bicol dialect) also tried to achieve, but with an underwhelming effect. Paolo Avelino's character falling off in front of the statue of Our Lady of Penafrancia is one of the scenes that still lingers in my mind.

"Sana Dati" by Jerrold Tarog 

Why is it my favorite? Again, less is more. Or, there's beauty in simplicity. In its short running time and without resorting to a mawkish display of emotions and cute-sy moments, the film is able to evoke something that makes deep sense in regards love, responsibility, guilt, regret and letting go. This should be the true romance. Something that we thought was already heading there, but then would really defy our expectations. And Lovi Poe has never looked so beautiful in her hurt and sadness. Plus, it also features a truly moving confession of sincere love (by an "unlikely" party) towards the end. 

My runner-up:"Quick Change" by Eduardo Roy, Jr. 

Cinema Rehiyon (August 14-16) 

My top pick:"Ang Mundo Sa Panahon Ng Bakal" by Mes de Guzman 

Why is it my favorite? A deceptively simple film that works both as a parable and a social commentary. Who would have thought that the film's deadpan humor would give way to a deadpan tragedy towards the end? As the director would likewise illustrate in his two recent films ("Ang Kwento ni Mabuti" and "Sitio"), living in the countryside is not always idyllic. The film could also be a mental exercise as one might try figuring out what does the word "Bakal" (or "Steel") in the title refers to. Now, I really have to see the other two films in the trilogy! 

Sineng Pambansa (September 11-17) 

My top pick:"Badil" by Chito Rono 

Why is it my favorite? Political malady traced to the grassroots. Corruption and malevolence are taken as something that has become so ingrained in one's culture that it has now become monotonous and ordinary - a fact of everyday life. And the effect is even more scary and sinister. This is a superb political thriller from our own shore without attempting to be high-pitch political. And the final scene is an unforgettably subtle summation of the soul of a broken town. 

My runner-up:"Ano ang Kulay ng mga Nakalimutang Pangarap?" by Jose Javier Reyes 

CineFilipino (September 18-24) 

My top pick:"Ang Huling Cha-cha ni Anita" by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo 

Why is it my favorite? A first taste of young love that works on many different levels. A nostalgia, a blossoming sexuality, a coming of age, a baptism of fire. The depiction is of such honesty and tenderness that the object of affection being towards the same sex, though adds some level of risks, should be out of the question already. Angel Aquino's character can be a counterpart of Monica Belluci's Malena. 

My runner-up:"Puti" by Mike Alcazaren 

Cinema One Originals (November 11-19) 

My top pick:"Bukas Na Lang Sapagkat Gabi Na" by Jet Leyco 

Why is it my favorite? An experimental work of art that, rather than keeping me at an arm's length, kept me engrossed all the time. Probably because this one speaks of our soul. A modern masterwork that has a number of unsettling, haunting, even WTF imagery (at some point, the film begins to feel like something made by Apitchapong Weerasethakul). After the end credits rolled, it was as if it was the first time that I had seen such kind of film!

My runner-up:''Saturday Night Chills'' by Ian Lorenos (and special mention to Benjamin Alves singing Moonstar 88's ''Torete'' in ''Islands'', LOL!)

The past few months had us seeing a number of Filipino film festivals that we barely had time to breathe.