SUBSCRIBEThe just concluded Cinemanila 2007
It seems that this year’s just concluded Cinemanila International Film Festival was better organized and a departure from the previous years. Notable is the presence of Quentin Tarantino who received his Lifetime Achievement Award and added additional color to the festivities. Second, all events in Metro Manila was held in Gateway Mall in Cubao. Schedules are posted and printed on time and their website actually was informative unlike in 2005. Of course, the festival director, Tikoy Aguiluz (photo at left) should be credited for the commendable improvements.
However, I was only able to watch 4 films and a workshop: Cinematography workshop by Nap Jamir (Maximo Oliveros), Raya Martin’s Autohystoria, the Palm d’Or 2007 winner 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, No Regret and Shotgun Stories. Blame it on the incessant rains and far venue that I was only able to watch the above.
I purposely skipped the Filipino movies except Raya’s because I’m sure these will have regular screenings in the coming weeks and am also hoping that the rest will be shown in Robinson Galleria’s Indiesine.
As for the rest, I’m hoping Volver will be offered in Pelikula! Pelikula!, the Spanish film festival if not, then I’ll have to track it down via torrent or if this fails, a visit to Quiapo is a must or order it online. But of course, there are still upcoming film festivals and who knows, these will be offered again.
And before I forget, its also good to know that the cast of Tribu again got the coveted Best Actor award, proof that Libiran’s movie is something to contend with.
