That was exhausting. Since Cinemalaya opened we have been living at the CCP. All screenings over, except for one last Ang Ibang Mga Pamilya ongoing right now (12:55 PM Sunday), and the awards night this evening.
The exhaustion comes from the past seven months of making the movies, and the past days of nervousness at each and every screening (twelve total!). Near the end we were all just wiped out. I feel like I’ve been holding my breath all this time.
Baby Angelo screenings went well. The gala was excellent, syempre. The smaller venues were full and the audience was generally accepting of the film. The Sunday screening at the main theatre though was coooold. The old guard of the movie industry was there and of course, they loathed it. He he he.
Reactions to Baby A were all over the map. Resounding rave reviews from people I respect, some complete strangers, many foreign viewers. As for the regular Cinemalaya audience, it was half-and-half; many got it, but many were confounded, bitin, exasperated. We knew heading in that the movie’s definitely NOT for everyone and does require a lot of participation from the viewer, so no surprises there. Raymond Lee tells me that it’s this year’s divisive film. I’ll take it 
I saw all of this year’s films except for the Shorts Programme B, and I can safely say that it seems we’ve tempered down the whole festival into something more palatable. I felt there wasn’t much stuff that challenged the way you watch movies; I feel that we’re trying to appeal to the broadest audience possible. Where are the movies that are unique, unpredictable, offbeat?
Still, it’s a good bunch that I’m proud to be part of. Especially, since I’m in the company of JAY.
JAY by Francis Pasion blew everyone out of the water. It is one of the best Cinemalaya movies I’ve seen. Scratch that, one of the best Pinoy movies in recent years. Smart. Unpredictable. Uncontrived. Incredibly compelling and powerful. Relevant. Baron Geisler whom I’ve never seen before was astounding. If you have the chance, SEE IT. It’s too important.
I also loved RANCHERO by Michael Cardoz. It was one of the least popular films, unfortunately, but I’m standing my ground and raising its flag. It has vision, a simple, unflinching story. It’s not perfect syempre, but that’s what makes it so interesting.
Of the shorts, ANDONG. Just pure fun. We’ve seen that story before, yes, but Milo Tolentino presents it to us with complete honesty and truth. Well done. GOD ONLY KNOWS by Mark V. Reyes also was a kicker. It’s a great short film when you talk about economy and packing a whallop.
Unfortunately wasn’t able to catch any of the exhibition films, including IN DA RED KORNER, finalist of Cinemalaya 07 which didn’t get recognized at all that year, people walked out of it, but to this day many from the independent film community say it’s the strongest of that group. A true indie.
Anyway gotta dress up soon, but would like to post my own version of the awards tonight. Let’s see if the jury agrees with me:
Best Picture to JAY
Jury Prize to RANCHERO
Directing to Francis Pasion, JAY
Screenplay to Francis Pasion, JAY
Lead Actor to Baron Geisler, JAY or the boy in BOSES
Lead Actress to Shamaine Buencamino, CONCERTO or the lead actress of JAY, forgot her name
Supporting Actor to… hmm. Parang there weren’t any strong ones.
Supporting Actress to Eugene Domingo, 100 or Meryll Soriano, CONCERTO. Or the girl who played Sampaguita in MY FAKE AMERICAN ACCENT
