By Gay Ace Domingo
The ShoutOut Pinas Festival of Pelikulove, an initiative borne out of love for Filipino cinema, goes to the Philippines’ biggest independent film festival.
On August 10, an anthology of five short films from Pelikulove’s first ShoutOut Fest will be shown in as an exhibition film at the 2023 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). For Pelikulove founder and creative head Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, the event marks a full-circle as her celebrated full-length film “Boses,” about a violinist and a mute boy, was a Cinemalaya finalist in 2008.
Just as Ellen, a director-producer, was given a chance to tackle her desired subject matter 15 years ago, she is now bestowing the same opportunity to new filmmakers, particularly to writers. Direk Ellen – as she is fondly called – was inspired by “Southern Winds,” a collection of short films from Southeast Asia of which Mike de Leon’s “Aliwan Paradise” was included.
Direk Ellen said, “I am really thrilled about this as this (‘ShoutOut’ anthology) was not part of the plan. Except that, the shorts were good and have much to say which is why I strung them into an anthology. I am thrilled because from shorts, the set of films and theater works is now a full- length film that hopes to reach and impact more.” She added that the timing of the screening is perfect. “Kakatapos lang natin ng SONA. This one is like SONY- State of the Nation’s Youth.”
While all local independent film festivals do offer cinema artists a venue to be discovered and create their dream films, ShoutOut Pinas is unique as it focuses on writers and provides a mentorship program with established industry professionals such as National Artist Ricky Lee, playwright Rody Vera, director Jeffrey Jeturian, theater stalwart Issa Manalo Lopez, actor Raffy Tejada and Direk Ellen herself. Furthermore, Pelikulove links the writers with groups, organizations and other advocates to turn the developed scripts into completed films. Even better, Pelikulove brings the films on school tours and special screenings to ensure the writers’ points of views are seen and heard.
The result is a most intriguing anthology comprising of unlikely subjects and various genres. ShoutOut Pinas shorts include “How to Make an Effective Ad Campaign” written by Quiel Dela Cruz which follows two ad makers working for an imprisoned political candidate; “No Trespassing,” written by Dada Grifon which is about two documentarists investigating violence in a farming community; the horror-romance penned by Raymund Barcelon entitled “When a Manananggal Loves a Man”; writer Ralph Morales’ treatise versus fake news “Libro for Ransom,” and “Quarantine 5,” a drama about five people reflecting on their lives amid Covid-19 written by Andrew Estacio.
The writers appreciate the way Pelikulove and their ShoutOut Pinas mentors amplified their voices. “It felt na hindi lang ito para sa isang festival,” said Andrew Estacio. “Nakakatuwa na mayroong pagkakataon na ipaabot ‘yung mensahe ng dula. At iyong damdamin ng panahon ng pandemya iyon ay naikuwento namin sa aming piyesa. Encouraging ito sa amin bilang manlililikha na maipalabas ito lalong-lalo na sa Cinemalaya.”
For Ralph Morales and Raymund Barcelon, the opportunity is a “dream come true.”
Ralph stated, “Matagal ko nang pangarap na makasama sa pagpepelikula. Dahil sa Pelikulove at sa Shoutout Fest, natupad ang pangarap na iyon. Nakakamangha na ang dating mga salita sa script mo ay malalagyan ng actors, actors magta-table read and pagdating sa shooting ang mga salita mo ay magiging buo at realidad na. Isang magical experience ‘yun.
“Lahat ng amateur filmmakers ay nangarap mapanood ang gawa nila sa big screen. ‘Yung binigay ng Pelikulove, hindi lang sa big screen kundi sa Cinemalaya pa.”
The screening at Cinemalaya is a big bonus for Raymund who relished the process of learning and collaboration through ShoutOut Pinas. “Very engaging, very collaborative and very exciting kasi new experience para sa akin. Grateful na naging part ng ShoutOut Fest kaya naging gravy na lang ang ibang bagay katulad ng pinapalabas sa eskwelahan, naging parte ng isang anthology, at naging parte pa ng papalabas pa sa Cinemalaya as an exhibition film.”
Although the ShoutOut Fest was held in 2022 online, additional screenings and campus tours will ensure that these relevant stories will make its way to people’s consciousness and will be talked about. As Quiel Dela Cruz said his election-related film has found an extended life. “Ang sarap sa feeling na meron kaming topic na sobrang relevant up until now.”
The support has certainly given these new filmmakers the confidence to keep creating. “Nakaka-inspire ito para muling magkuwento at maghayag at lumikha,” Andrew concluded.
“ShoutOut Pinas” will be screened as part of Cinemalaya on August 10, 6:15 p.m. at the PICC Bonifacio Room.
