#mmff2016

[the-in-news]

The road to beauty is ugly”, and that is a path explored in all of its grim glory in the 2016 tragicomedy film Die Beautiful. (via Die Beautiful is ... Beautiful )

[pixelmallowsart]

These fan arts I made for Saving Sally--my favorite film--last year.

These artworks that changed my life as an artist. Even Rhian Ramos noticed my work on Instagram.

[wilsenki]

I ship #Vince @garciajoshuae & #Kath @juliabarretto awww! They're cute! Sana eto na lang pinanood ko nung #MMFF2016 😻 #VinceKathJames #VKJ 🙀

[volcanodiamondpress]

The Story of “Mitatang” And Young Kapampangan Animator Arvin Jezer Gagui

"Mitatang” is a short animated film that won best screenplay in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The artist behind it is Arvin Jezer Gagui who told us how he worked to use the styles he grew up with to tell the story of a maltreated child from Pampanga who longs for the love of his father.

The style of the short reminds one of Maxwell Atom's "Billy and Mandy" and other animations in Cartoon Network's showcase series "Cartoon Cartoons" that ran from 1997 to 2002.

Arvin Jezer Gagui is a young Kapampangan who, like many, grew up exposed to animation from Cartoon Network, Disney, Animax and Hero from cable television.

1. How old are you and where in Pampanga are you from?

I'm 20 years old and I live in Pandacaqui, Mexico, Pampanga.

2. How did you become interested in animation and how did you train for it? Since I was I kid, I am really interested in animation because of the cartoons and anime I had watched on TV. I started doing animations when I was in college then further enhanced it by taking a free animation training in Snipple Animation Company.

3. What tools do you use in animation?

For doing digital animations, I use both Adobe Flash CS6 and Toon Boom Harmony.

(Character Designs: Whole Body Construction Turnaround of Goryo)

4. Do you have a day job? (What is it?) Or do you animate full-time? 

My day job is also being an Flash/Cut-out Animator in Snipple Animation Studios. We are doing outsourced animation projects from our foreign clients.

5. What's your favorite animated film (long or short) and why?

There are a lot of outstanding animated features but the one I like the most as of now is “Kubo and the Two Strings”. It has a unique story and an exceptional stop motion animation.

6. What was your inspiration for “Mitatang” that won for Best Short Film Screenplay at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2016?

My main inspiration for producing “Mitatang” is my sympathy for the victims of child abuse and broken families.

Watch the trailer for “Mitatang” below.

7. Where can people see your work?

"Mitatang" is uploaded in the HOOQ mobile app and you can view my other works at www.arvinjezergagui30.wixsite.com/portfolio.

Like the short film on Facebook to get updates on where you can watch it.

Discover more young Kapampangan graphic designers and animators here.

[panaginip-lang-pala]

Hanggang kailan ba ako magbabayad ng utang ng ibang tao, ma? Anak mo naman din ako diba? Ipaglaban mo naman ako.

Joshua Garcia in 'Vince, Kath and James'

[heauxadamas]

Die Beautiful (MMFF 2016)

I just watched this movie called Die Beautiful. It's a film shown during the Metro Manila Film Festival in the Philippines and it was fucking amazing. So basically it's about a trans named Trisha (previously Patrick) who won the nationwide gay beauty contest and died right after being coronated. She had a rough childhood. Her dad won't accept her because she was gay until she was eventually disowned. She found a family in her friends though. I love that she has Barbs her bff, another trans, to support her in everything and literally just be there for her. It stars Paolo Ballesteros and I don't know if you guys have heard of him but he got internet famous for his make-up transformations and stuff. He was so good at it. I swear the film was amazing. It opened my eyes to many things and how unjust life really is for the lgbt community, especially the transgender. I just wish people would be more accepting about everyone and stop giving people shit about who they love. It's none of their businesses anyway. So yeah, I hope people get to see this film!

[enriqutierrez]

MMFF 2016- Seklusyon: A Movie Review

This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Seklusyon, dominates the Gabi ng Parangal, the MMFF Awards Night, and triumphed a seven major awards– Best Director for Dir. Erik Matti, Best Supporting Actress for Phoebe Walker, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound Design, and Best Original Theme Song.

Seklusyon, is part of the exercise, for those aspiring priest or deacon, where they will live in a secluded place for seven days. The church believes that the last day before the deacon becomes a priest, is where the devil’s call is the strongest, so to shelter them against the evil of the world they’ve sent them to holy and remote areas. While the deacons were fighting their personal demons, there was this little girl, Anghela, sent also by the church who has a miraculously powers to heal, read minds and see the past of a certain person. Anghela is said to be sent by the Lord because of the miracles made by her, but as she arrived on the secluded convent, strange things happened to the deacons that leads one of them, Miguel, asking, was Anghela really sent by the Lord or she was a servant of evil to disturb them.  As the story flow, the former priest/ caretaker of the place left as advised by Anghela and the other deacons was now on her side. On the latter part, Miguel discovered that Anghela was really a servant of evil (because of the priest assigned on the investigation about Anghela to canonized as a living saint), and as a result of this Miguel killed Anghela even though he’s on his last step to become a priest. After the seclusion, the deacons, except for Miguel, were ordained by the bishop to become officially a priest.

So, given the summary of the movie, that storyline is still the best of the best thing in this movie. I never really expect that the ending will be like, goosebumps. Because unlike on the other horror/ thriller film that also give goosebumps but in a way that they were giving a jump scares scenes only for the people to frighten. And that’s how this movie, Seklusyon, differ and stand out on other typical horror and thriller Filipino films.

It also depicts the current issues and rumors about the Catholic Church that not all the priest or people who wears sheep’s clothing is a servant of the Lord. Some of the people in cinema asking, what happened on Miguel, did he not become a priest, where did he go, where did the church sent him. For me, I don’t even know, what I just know is that that part doesn’t matter. What matters to me, is the newly ordained priest, they became on Anghela’s side when they were on the seclusion, there were also part that they accept Anghela while she was having a mass on that place. So, what these what trying to say is that, they’ve also became a servant of Anghela, a servant of evil. An evil trying to convince other people that they’ve sent by God but they’re not. An evil inside every Catholic churches having a mass every Sunday to persuade people. And this becomes really interesting for me, as a Catholic.

But on a positive side, I still do believe that there were people who still have God on their heart, there were a Miguel on this world trying to repent on their sins and kill the evil. A Miguel that will profess our faith to God. For me, I do believe and I will still believe personally that God will not let us forsake on evil.

*screengrab from Youtube

Being carried away with that storyline, let us continue to talk about what I liked and I didn’t like about the film—Seklusyon

As discussed on the first part, the story. I love how well it thought and created that kind of story. They created different approach to frighten the audience, it touched your inner you, your beliefs rather than those typical horror film with jump scares. From the trailer, you will never really think that it wasn’t a typical horror film unless you saw it.

*screengrab from Youtube

Direction, Cinematography, Production Design— really deserve the awards indeed, especially for these three. I like the outcome of the film that was came from the direction given by the director. The artistic, vintage and evil vibes that makes you believe that there were evil on it. Through the help of other crews this wouldn’t be possible but I just admire how dir. Erick Matti visualizes the outcome of this kind of film that really differs from other same genre films. As what I have said, with the good direction plus extremely great execution of staff and crew this wouldn’t be visually pleasing.I love the cinematic shots, the soft camera movements on the beginning, the use of pattern on the walls inside the church to have an aesthetic view, the wide shots (usually top angle) with the view of the area, I really love it and I wish I have a screenshot of those shots (but there were some little shots I didn’t like, I will discuss later). The 1945/ Japanese era vibe wouldn’t be achievable without the color, some sepia-tone that really fits the setting of the story plus the production design, that give also an additional factor on the ambiance of the film. Like the structure of churches, the authentic-retro-car, the prod design on where the healing of Anghela happened, this is amazing. I like their wardrobe plus the design of the convent.

*screengrab from Youtube

Lighting— the lights coming from the window of the churches makes me wonder if that was a natural light (that’s kind of unbelievable) or an artificial light, a light box placed outside the window for them to have that ray of light coming from outside which a clever style for artistic purposes. I already saw this technic on Hollywood films to deceive the audience about the time, when they wanted to shoot a day scene but the time is already in the mid-afternoon where no sunrays will pass the window.

*screengrab from Youtube

It seems like I like all the things happened in the movie, but there’s just little things that seems quite inadequate for me, and that becomes the things I didn’t like

The Actors performance—I hope that they’ve undergo a workshop especially Ronnie, I already watched his another MMFF entry- VKJ, and on my previous review I asked if where did he put his best as an actor and I say that basically not in VKJ and I will say also that not on here. His acting skills was just the same (on both movies) and he should work out his monotone voice. Mother Cecilia, played by Phoebe Walker won as a Supporting Actress for this movie but, I don’t think it’s enough, the role being portrayed is basically a mysterious one so she doesn’t need to act at all but I think that’s not enough for her to be the supporting actress. Yes, the character is in need to support the main character, Anghela, and also yes, Phoebe done it well, but compared to other nominees for best supporting actress I think other actress deserves the award.

Dizzy shot—there was this scene in the woods where Anghela was chasing Miguel and the shots was close up to Miguel ( I think with a GoPro or something) that makes me a little dizzy. I’m sure they can make that scene as smooth as possible but maybe there were factors why they didn’t make it like time, maybe it’ll going to eat a lot of time.

*screengrab from Youtube

Overall, it was a great and I can’t wait for another different movie that offers offbeat approach for it to stand out on that genre.

[a-lost-alnilam-blog]

MMFF2016: Maraming Magandang Filipino Films

This year’s MMFF was really surprising. Finally! Hindi na siya yung nakasanayan nating mmff. I can say na napakagandang changes nito sa industriya. Mas napopromote yung mga “mas” magaganda at makabuluhang mga pelikula, mas na eencourage nito yung mga kabataan na mag explore at mag diskubre pa sa industriyang ito. Ako, personally, hindi talaga ko mahilig sa mga movies eh madalas hindi ko natatapos at nakakatulog ako, lalo na sa mga local movies. But dati noong bata ako naging panata na ng pamilya ko na manood ng mmff entry tuwing pasko which is either enteng kabisote or shake, rattle and roll. At noong makaranas akong manood ng mga indie movies lalo na tong 2016 mmff entries napatunayan ko sa sarili ko na there are so much more sa mga local movies, na enlightened ako sa mga kung anong kaya pang gawin ng mga Filipino film makers. For the past years nagging consistent ang mmff sa mga pinapalabas nilang mga pelikula but this time they stepped up! Parang naging sugal siguro ito kasi akala nila lalangawin yung mga ipinalabas this year. Well, I felt sorry for those na nagsabi non sobrang nagging successful ng mmff ngayong taon. At nabigyan ng big break ang mga indie films, napakilala sila sa maraming kabataan ngayon. And I’m so happy na they finally made an announcement na i-eextend nila hanggang January 7 ang showing ng mga pelikula. (ngayon ko lang nabalitan medyo nag dadrama pa ko don sa previous reviews ko about saving sally and die beautiful haha) Anyway, I would try na mapanood talaga lahat kahit sobrang sakit sa bulsa ng presyo ng cinema ticket ng mga malls, kakayanin.

This year’s mmff entries really gave the true beauty of the Filipino films and revealed the undeniably talents of the Filipino film makers. I’m definitely looking forward sa susunod na mmff at sana ganito din ka-solid yun. Salute sa mga gumawa ng Saving Sally, Seklusyon, Oro, Die Beautiful, Kabisera, Sunday Beauty queens, Ang babae sa septic tank 2, and last but not the least Vince and Kath and James. Sobrang salamat for making me, or we, realize na marami talagang magagandang Filipino Films. And I also want to thank my prof. from pup for requiring us to watch mmff entries. Sir kung hindi dahil sainyo di ako makakakita ng mga ganito kagandang pelikula shet.

So much love. Till next mmff! ♥♥♥

The photo from above was made by Mr. Vincent Aseo

[xannevii43-blog]

I want to watch this sooooo bad!!!!! 😭😭😭

[thewandroussoul]

The Real Filipino Film

As a kickstart for 2017, I spent the first 2 days of this year at the cinemas watching the MMFF films and I am glad to have all my time to binge watch with my iskwami man (idrk what iskwami is). All the stress I felt for getting the complimentary tickets was all worth it. I will probably write reviews about this year’s MMFF line up. So far for me, this batch has the best line up ever! It was also great that people are finally venturing to watch something new and I tell you people, they’re all intellectually stimulating and most of them open the doors into the reality.

If you guys haven’t seen any of the entries, I oblige you to please watch and support Filipino films. It’s about time for independent films not only to get noticed internationally, but also locally. Let’s not delve too much into the basic romcoms or comedy films we’ve been watching since forever. These kind of Filipino films deserve more attention and adoration. There’s nothing wrong with wanting entertainment, but just to make it balance maybe we should also engage ourselves into watching films that will make us think.

I salute the filipino filmmakers who aims to show their viewers the reality of life that may help people collect not just real possibilities but they may also get ignited by the ideas the film tries to convey.

People may say that these kind of films aren’t uplifting for most of them shows plight, distress, horrible circumstances, conflicts and vulgarity. Well first of all, they are not meant to entertain people. It’s objective is to mainly spread awareness, attention, intelligence and information. Second, those interwoven conflicts carried by the film are what makes it more interesting to those viewers who would like to think deeply not just to what the film have shown but also to what could be the possibilities of what the film have missed to show. The thinking part is the best part tho.

I have nothing against mainstream films but don’t you guys think that they are just a bunch of repetitive scraps made with connected portion of ideas from different films turned into a new recycled material. All the films with mistresses, love stories with lots of hugot lines that makes me cringe, love triangles and so much more cliche films. I am sick of that, I hope you guys are too. But truthfully I believe that most people opt for foreign films and series which is indisputable, however.

Well anyways, as I’ve said a while ago, I will try to write about my film reviews towards this year’s MMFF. Hope I won’t get too late for it. Lol.

So again, support Pinoy films in all genres whether if it’s independent or mainstream. Maraming Magandang Filipino Films! This is true. Let us practice to watch films like these, let us try to recognize the Filipinos’ different way of storytelling. Let us discover reality through this medium. Let us support our own. Mahalin natin ang pelikulang Pilipino!!!

[lissiewizzie]

“Seklusyon” was amazing, wtf

I haven’t watched a decent Filipino horror film in ages and this kind of restored my faith in such films. 

Did have some thoughts, though (WARNING: SOME SPOILERS BELOW): 

- “Seklusyon” definitely felt like an extended version of Erik Matti’s short film “Vesuvius” (yeah, same director. But I was extremely reminded of the latter when those Virgin Mary scenes popped up in the movie)

- Loved the music (especially the one in the credits - checked the credits and two of the singers are familiar names from St. Scho’s College of Music.)

- Personally, I wish they added ways to make the four deacons-in-training more distinguishable, aside from their respective temptations. (not counting that one guy with the glasses - the rest all looked alike to me.)

- *whispers* Resorts World Manila. 

- If you find a piece of paper sticking out of your wall, don’t reply. 

- Little girls who spit out goo are creepy. Plus they probably need to have themselves checked. 

Also, note to self: do not get a life-sized statue and put it inside my room. 

[the-in-news]

“The road to beauty is ugly”, and that is a path explored in all of its grim glory in the 2016 tragicomedy film Die Beautiful. (via Die Beautiful is ... Beautiful )

[graceelicious]

Best Supporting Actors for Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 & 2017 👏👏👏 @christiaaan06 and @ea_guzman ✨ #MMFF2016 #MMFF2017 #ChristianBables #EAGuzman #DieBeautiful #DeadmaWalking

[enriqutierrez]

MMFF 2016- VKJ: A Movie Review

 Vince and Kath and James (VKJ), Star Cinema’s romantic- comedy entry for the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival under Dir. Theodore Boborol (the director of—My Big Love 2008 and Just The Way You Are 2015) stand to be in the top 4 grossing films on the festival’s first day despite of being a mediocre film. Masses, especially young people, liked the movie considering that it was from a viral ‘textserye’ online and it has the same lifestyle they are doing (and they admire to do). Plus, the performance of novelty actor and actresses like, the prettiest of all barrettos—Julia Barretto, Star Cinema’s Young Jhon Lloyd—Joshua Garcia and #Hashtag’s kilig king—Ronnie Alonte.

Since it was my first time to write a review (on my personal blog *as part of the course requirements*), let us talk what I liked, and I didn’t like (as advised by my professor * hi sir *) by looking through those VKJs: Vadly Keeps the Joy and Vaguely Killed the Joy. 

The things I liked—VKJ: Vadly Keeps the Joy

Joshua Garcia’s performance- Vince, played by the young Jhon Lloyd (according to them, and I agree ‘cause it cannot be denied) of the Philippine’s Show business—Joshua Garcia. He just gave a simple yet exemplary performance with effortless charm and appeal that the audience wanted to see, since he appeared in the movie—Barcelona by Olivia Lamasan

*screengrab from Youtube

Beyond expectation: Julia Baretto and Maris Racal Learns- Based on their previous performances on television and big screen. Julia and Maris, (I think) always perform with full effort to impress the audiences and to give justice on their role, na minsan nagiging over-acting at puro arte nalang, but in this movie they perform it right and well trained (thanks star magic workshop), Julia perfectly portrayed a boyish yet charming role and Maris as a funny, bubbly and cheerful supporting character.

Natural Lighting = Light Vibe — Lighting gives mood and vibe to the story that the movie trying to portray, VKJ gave a natural light that is not so vivid nor desaturated nor with such cinematic filter that apt to the story that they are telling.

Direction— I like how direk Theodore Boborol gave chemistry to the main actor and actress, Julia and Joshua. He completely touch and tickle the romantic excitement of each person in the cinema (seems weird, but direk got me too *lol*)

*screengrab from Youtube 

The thinks I didn’t like—VKJ: Vaguely Killed the Joy

Ronnie Alonte’s performance— Having a two entries for this year’s MMFF, VKJ and Seklusyon, I’m wondering where did he perform his best as an actor, because basically not on VKJ. I just don’t like the way he acts but the character is good, they should’ve think of other artist to do the character’s portrayal. He didn’t put much effort on his role, or if he did, he should undergo another workshop (in order for future it’ll become—Ronnie Alonte learns)

    *screengrab from Youtube

Product placement— At first I thought, it would be another Star Cinema produced film full of commercial products but I was wrong. Not full, just a little. There was a scene that Kath (Julia) was so depressed when his father came from abroad, his dad left them before and build his own family overseas, and then Vince (Joshua) came with an ice cream, Kath’s favorite food, again. Vince (Joshua) came with an ice cream, Kath’s favorite food, again. Vince (Joshua) came with a SELECTA Ice Cream, Kath’s favorite food. Then, she recovered from stress (thanks to Vince and to SELECTA)  

Basic cinematography/ camera movement— Basic, I believe that if people are doing something for business they should have known the basic and amateur thing. (But for ME, in this movie) All I can see is basic shots, I believe that every film student or students taking up prod subjects can also create (or surpass) those kind of shots. They should’ve shown an ‘instagrammable’ shot, for the young people are into it nowadays.

Mediocre storyline— I am looking for more socially relevant star cinema produced film, they could tackle a not so-fictional-yet-real-life-story happening that those young people encountered and the behavior they should possess (since that they r market), if u are looking for dept film VKJ is not for you.

Bonus point

Motion Graphics- I love the placements and tracking of the text’s motion graphics, simple, the color is not vibrant, as what I’ve seen on trailer (well, ofcourse, it’s only white strokes and text) ooops. And that’s the subsequent little thing I didn’t like—we, (or just me) cannot recognize from whom was the text that popping on the side of their cellphone. If that was the message they received or that was the message they sent (unless there were a name written or a color coding)

*screengrab from Youtube

[a-lost-alnilam-blog]

Die Beautiful (2016) Jun Lana

Die beautiful is a comedy-drama film about the story of a transgender woman, whose real name was Patrick then later on he, rather, “she” changed it to Trisha Echevarria (Paolo Ballesteros). Patrick totally changed his appearance and name after his father rejected him for being himself, a gay. He was emotionally abused by his father and sexually abused by his schoolmates back in his highschool days. Fortunately, Trisha have barbs (Christian bables), his bestfriend. He lived with barbs after he moved out of his father’s house then together they pursue their dream of becoming a beauty queen. Later on, He adopted a child, and named her Shirley Mae. Patrick Died after he won his dream title, Binibing gay pilipinas. And as barbs promised to her, he was going to do a make-up transformation everyday for seven days of Trisha’s wake at Happy Endings funeral homes.

Anong mga nagustuhan ko sa pelikula na ito? Para saakin lahat. Every little bit of it. First, napaka unique ng story! I loved the idea of the make-up transformation in paolo’s wake. Siya lang talaga makakagawa non. Sobrang napahanga nya ko sa movie niya na ito. Plus, his portrayal of Trisha’s role damang dama mo talaga yung character sakanya eh. And his outstanding acting skill na mas naappreciate ko sa movie na ito. He really deserved the awards! Pang best actor talaga. I have no idea na ganoon siya kagaling, well sa eat bulaga ko lang naman siya napapanood madalas. He is truly and undeniably a very talented man, mapa acting o sa pag me make-up sobrang galling niya. Pangalawa, si Barbs. Sobrang gusto ko yung character niya, lakas maka Best friend ng taon. Salute kay Mr. Christian Bables! Sobrang nabigyan niya ng justice yung character ni barbs. His acting skills in this movie was beyond amazing for me. Ngayon ko lang siya nakita ever in my life, and im asking myself  “Bakit hindi sikat ‘to?”, “Bakit ngayong ko lang siya nakita?”. The way he portray barbs was amusing, akala ko talaga gay siya in real life. Damang dama ko din yung character sakanya. Kayang kaya niya makipag sabayan sa mga ibang arista, especially kay Paolo.  Ang ganda ng tandem nilang dalawa. They’re both amazing actors. I think this movie was Christian Bables’ big break! Sobrang napapahanga talaga ko ng lahat ng cast nitong die beautiful. Pangatlo, yung idea na kaya kang patawanin and at the same time paiyakin nitong movie na ‘to. I love humor! And yung cameo role ni Ms. Iza calzado and Ms. Eugene Domingo. Yung scene ni Ms. Eugene sa wake ni Trisha na he was Julia Roberts for that day, na touch ako and at the same time natawa nung pinalitan niya yung gown ni Trisha hahahaha. Pang apat, makakalimutan ko ba naman yung exposure ng sintang paaralan sa movie na ‘to? hahaha kahit konting scene lang yun I feel proud hahaha na pa salita pa ko sa sinehan na “uy PUP!”  solo flight akong nanonood haha sakto naka pup jacket pa ko that day #feelingProud Lol. And lastly, I love how Mr. Jun Lana brought out the undeniably amazing talent in his actors/actresses in this movie. I’m super overwhelmed pagkatapos ko panoorin yung movie. Talagang hinintay ko hanggang mag black out yung screen. Nag stay ako hanggang matapos ipakita yung casts. Sobrang di ko inexpect na may ganito kagandang pelikula. Well, hindi naman kasi talaga ko mahilig manood ng movies specially yung mga locals. But, this film at lahat ng mmff entries this year made me realize na sobrang marami talagang magagandang Filipino movies. Sobrang nagbago yung pananaw ko sa mga pelikula dahil dito.

And of course, my favorite line from this movie was Shirley mae’s line towards Trisha na:

“Hindi mo naman talaga siya mahal eh, gusto mo lang siya kasi akala mo wala nang mag mamahal sayo” sobrang relate lang ako sa line niya haha napaisip ako na oo nga no may mga ganoong instances nga na hindi mo naman talaga mahal yung isang tao eh, gusto mo lang siya, pwede na, okay na, ganon. Kasi akala mo wala na uling dadating at mamahalin ka ng totoo.

Anyway, going back to the review! Ano ang mga hindi ko nagustuhan sa pelikulang ‘to?

As I said,For me,  I love every little bit of this movie. Kaya definitely wala akong hindi nagustuhan. They deserved yung mga awards na nakuha nila sa movie na ito. I’ll rate this movie a 10/10 and if I’m given a chance to live again… charot haha if I’m given a chance to watch this film again I definitely would, kahit ilang ulit pa. :) This is indeed a highly recommended movie. Umaasa pa din ako na ma e-extend pa ang mmff.

That’s all for my movie review about Die beautiful! ♥♥♥

[cutfelt]

MMFF2016