CINEMAPUA 2015: Writers’ Picks

We at Flipgeeks love indie films. In fact, we appreciate the raw beauty of the genre which is typically unseen in mainstream projects. There’s something about these gems that make us rave about them, and in a whole, galvanizes us to enter an entire new level of film appreciation.

That is why we found time to catch the festivities of the recently concluded CineMapua 2015 film festival. It feels great to see students unleashing their potential in terms of helming movies. Truly, there is hope in this evolving industry.

We watched some of the films and chose our own favorites. Check them out:

YURI MANGAHAS, MANAGING EDITOR, MOVIES, TV & LIFESTYLE

Favorite Short – Uban (FEU Manila’s Ekselente Productions): Truth be told, this is easily my favourite amongst all the entries I’ve seen during the festival’s run. It’s relatively easy to grasp, and refreshing to say the least. I liked the fact that they chose a quirky approach for this short, which is fitting given the story. And come on, Nanding Josef and Idda Llaneza’s acting’s spot on. It really felt natural. Kudos, Ekselente! How about submitting this one in other film fests?

Potential Full Length Film – C.Reverse (MIT’s Mad Pixel Films and Intra Ground Films): See, I have a knack for action films, and it’s quite interesting to see students procure one granted its difficulty and prod prerequisites. C.Reverse is quite impressive. The choreography, stunts, and cinematography’s all there. It just felt too short for my end, which is why I think it fits better to be woven into a full length project. Something akin to The Raid, perhaps? We’ll see in the future.

LOVE ZENAROSA, WRITER, COMICS/MOVIES, TV/EVENTS

Favorite Short – Uban (FEU Manila’s Ekselente Productions): The film have all the elements that a good short film have. It was simple, yet it was concise and accurate. The simplicity of the plot made the film likeable. It didn’t have the whirlwind effect that most of the short films have. Though the movie tackled about love in a very simple manner, the actors and the script delivered the message very well. When it comes to the technical aspect, the cinematography was excellent. The editing was clean and smooth. Overall, it gave the viewers an impression that it was done by a professional and the story was really something that it can be delivered in a short film without overdoing it or making it too simple at the same time.

Potential Full Length Film – Supresa (CEU Malolos’ Stellar Studio): First, the short film have too many plots to discuss and expand in a span of 15 minutes. For such plotsto be executed properly, ample time to prepare and to expand them is needed (if this short film will be given a chance to be expanded and to be explored more).

LUIGI CABRERA, WRITER, MOVIES, TV/COMICS

Favorite Short – Uban (FEU Manila’s Ekselente Productions): Thanks to its cinematography and choice of cast, Uban became the best short for me. The storyline was simple but it wasn’t that generic. It needed no twist to be interesting. It was just a great feel good movie that also has some laughs for the audiences without trying to be too comical. From start to finish Uban was beautifully executed and I think that is what makes it the Best Short Film in CineMapua.

Potential Full Length Film – Supresa (CEU Malolos’ Stellar Studio): Surpresa tried to pack a story with too many elements in a movie that had a very short maximum allotted time. It was very obvious in the very fast paced transition of its scenes. If it would be given the chance to have a more generous amount of screen time, it has the potential to further explore its storylines and may produce a film that has a proper pacing of events.

G.P. MANALO, WRITER, MOVIES, TV/COMICS

Favorite Short – Uban (FEU Manila’s Ekselente Productions): In a media brimming with pretty-faced celebrities in every romantic-comedy gracing our local screens, it’s very rare to see some elderly people be under the spotlight and tell their own love story. What I found admirable about the short is that it basically shows them living the moment and that’s what makes it unique from other shorts.  It didn’t feel overbearing with some unnecessary backstory of what grinds their gears or at least some complications to the story (considering the runtime given). Throughout the time I love watching the characters have some genuine interaction between each other (and a couple of side characters too), in those small interactions we see them going through the good and the bad of their relationship as they develop further. It’s cute, charming, and entertaining from start to finish – and do note… This is just a short, and I look forward to the day this becomes a feature length film.

Potential Full Length Film – #AngGandaNgViewNoh? (MIT’s Beating The Red Light and NUK Productions): Hear me out. Most of the entries that tackles the romantic genre weren’t handled very well in my opinion. Those movies tackled the genre too seriously to the point where it is overly-melodramatic with a script that is unintentionally funny for the most part and a screenplay that is cliché. What makes this entry different is that, it does the opposite; it doesn’t take itself seriously, they tackle some important social issues towards “love” but instead of looking at the camera and explaining to the audience what are the rights and wrongs of love it instead ignores them. The writing is ridiculous, the acting is over-the-top, the characters are flawed but I was sitting there not minding it. I know I’m making the movie sound bad but those things that I mentioned earlier that sounded like “flaws” is actually what makes this movie great. It is ridiculously over-the-top but they embrace it and are self-aware that they are ignoring the lessons they are supposed to tell. It is ultimately driven by its insensibility and wit, which made it be the most entertaining and unique entry for me.

PAUL CANDELARIA, WRITER, MOVIES, TV

Favorite Short: The Caller (PUP Manila’s Midnight Productions): While not a dialogue-heavy movie, it was able to relay the story quite easily to the audience with the acting of its characters. The plot is simple but not to a fault, as it does not make the audience over analyze but does not insult their understanding at the same time.

Potential Full Length Film: #AngGandaNgViewNoh? (MIT’s Beating The Red Light and NUK Productions): It’s a movie that makes you feel good about yourself and the humor is well executed. i was in stitches watching it and the ending looked like a sequel can be squeezed after.