Recently, SM Masinag patrons had the rare opportunity to see in flesh the internationally renowned film director, Brillante Mendoza and his award winning film, Taklub, during the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival. Needless to say, it was an exciting day for everyone in attendance.
Brillante Mendoza Film Festival launch was attended by prominent members of the local community-government officials, school officials and students, and film enthusiasts.
It started with the opening remarks of the Assistant Mall Manager, Mr. Matthew Mark C. De Guzman to warm up the attendees followed by the special message of the local community-government officials.
During the program, SM City Masinag paid tribute to director Mendoza for the many honors he has brought the country, and members of the media had the chance to interview him up close.
The master filmmaker and internationally-acclaimed director, Mr. Brillante Mendoza
The festival showcased Director Mendoza’s 2015 Cannes Film Festival entry “Taklub”, which won the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention. The festival had students from different schools as its primary audience, paving the way for a new generation of film enthusiasts.
Taklub is a story that revolves around three major characters Bebeth, Larry and Erwin played by Nora Aunor, Julio Diaz and Aaron Rivera respectively, coping and surviving the aftermath of horrendous Super Typhoon Haiyan(Yolanda) in Tacloban City. The movie was co-produced with the Department of Environment and National Resources.
Bebeth (Nora Aunor)
- Searches for the remains of her three children in the hopes that any identified records could match a DNA test from those buried at the mass grave.
Larry (Julio Diaz)
- He lost his wife, consoles himself by joining a group of devout Catholics carrying a life size cross around the city .
Erwin (Aaron Rivera)
- He and his elder brother try to hide the truth of their parents’ death from their little sister.
Film Appreciation Workshop
Another highlight of the festival was the Film Appreciation Workshop after the Taklub screening. In the hour long workshop, the audience got a glimpse of the different elements – acting, directing, cinematography, script writing that went into this magnificent film as discussed by no less than Director Brillante Mendoza himself. The aim of the activity was to guide the audience in understanding and appreciating the film Taklub as a medium of art and communications.
Lately, I noticed that I’m getting hooked on independent films because I find their stories better and way more realistic. They depict the realities of life in our country which is very relatable to Filipino audience. Furthermore, you can clearly see the originality and creativity of each director which mainstream movie directors don’t have nowadays. These movies don’t have the exuberant budget as compared to foreign or other local movies but the quality and content of it is what made it worth to watch.
Filipinos nowadays should start to support our local independent films for the sake of our dying local film industry. The only way I see to attract local audience again is by setting up a lot of local film festivals throughout the year just like the Brillante Film Festival in SM Masinag.
Thank you so much SM Masinag for having me! As always, it’s my pleasure to be part of your mall events.
Kaye Figuracion
