C1 Originals 2018: Competition films
The 2018 edition of C1 Originals just recently wrapped up, showcasing new Filipino films and some acclaimed recent works of world cinema. The festival's slogan for this year goes as: "I Am Original". Which, needless to say, should reflect on each of the entries' theme, story and style. Of the nine (9) competition entries, I was able to see five (5). Let's take a brief look. " Mamu; And a Mother Too " by Rod Singh: The film tells the story of a resourceful and hardworking transgender woman (Iyah Mina, terrific) who takes her nephew (also gay) under her care after the death of the latter's mother. Witty, earthy and told in a no-frills manner, the film avoids the pitfalls of having its gay characters confined to stereotypes. It affords them respect and admiration, not despite of their gender, but because they are humans, too. This one, in its own humble way, is a celebration of the diversity of each and everyone. Noteworthy, too, is the depiction o...