Kontra-Agos
A Resistance Films Festival
Robinson's Galleria, IndieSine
Quezon City, The Philppines
December 5-11, 2007
Mindanao Short Films
Me’guyaya
Documentary
Me’guyaya is a Te’duray term for merry-making or thanksgiving. In 2003, an active and concerned group of people in Upi, Shariff Kabunsuan initiated a festival that would unite all residents in thanking God for the abundant harvest. Since then, it has become a big town event that celebrates the richness and diversity of the Muslim, Christian and Lumad peoples of Upi.
The documentary delves on how the Me’guyaya serves as a catalyst for cultural unity as everyone gets involved in the festivities.
About the Director
Eduardo C. Vasquez, Jr., OMI is a Catholic Missionary priest who belongs to the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI). He is presently assigned as the parish priest of the San Isidro Parish in Upi, Shariff Kabunsuan. He is the founder and the present director of the “I-watch Team” which produces short video documentaries advocating Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. Fr. Vasquez has earned his Masteral Degree in Pastoral Ministry at the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University where he graduated Cum Laude. In 2003, he earned his diploma on Religious and Social Communication in CREC-AVEX, Ecully, France.
Tranquil Times
Documentary
The documentary delves on the good governance efforts of the private sector, civil society and the local government unit of Wao, Lanao del Sur working together to erase remnants of the religious and ethnic clashes of the 1970s. It explores how peace has been achieved in this multi-ethnic town, propelling the once-turbulent municipality into its present agricultural renaissance.
About the Director
Loren Hallilah I. Lao is an Instructor at the English Department and Communication Studies Program of Mindanao State University, Marawi City. A lawyer, she is also a Lecturer at the College of Law of the same University. At the same time, she writes fiction and dabbles in filmmaking.
George’s Town
Documentary
George Sabandal is one of about 2,500 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have sought refuge in the town of Buluan, Maguindanao as a result of the “all-out war” in 2000. Refusing to go back to the place of his origin, he has created a new life for himself and his family in their ideal town.
About the Director
Born in 1980, Moises Charles Hollite initially wanted to pursue a career in music. But having worked as production assistant in four documentaries changed that. Influenced by MTV, George’s Town is his first directorial film.
Sulu
Documentary
Born of a Muslim mother, young writer Arthur Sakaluran Abasalo decides to visit Sulu despite the perceived strife and presence of Muslim rebels and Abu Sayyaf terrorists. In Sulu, he meets a former Muslim rebel-turned policeman who tells him about his life story and how he got separated from his family for more than a decade. He returns to Sulu to start a new life after being reunited with his family.
Arthur returns to Manila after a short stay in Sulu, bringing with him memorable stories and truths about the island feared by many as a dangerous place to go.
About the Director
l Jacinto is a freelance journalist, a photographer and a budding independent filmmaker. He co-produced a 10-minute documentary-MTV on the poverty situation in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines entitled Pobreza en Zamboanga. And made a full-length film entitled Sultan in Mindanao and several short photo-documentaries about poverty since 2006.
Sulu - the trailer
Biniton
Feature
A story depicting the process of preparation and cooking of a dish called Biniton that is particular to the community of Saniag, Ampatuan. The process of cooking, in the eyes of an old woman, brings to life the hardships they experienced amidst armed conflict at the same time the process of preparation, through the experience of Amel, her grandson walks us through the current situation of their community. How amidst the hardships and diversity in culture they had all managed to bounce back and become united.
About the Director
24-year-old McRobert Nacario has worked in various documentaries and feature films. His keen eye for detail is evident in his works making his films a sumptuous visual feast.
A Step for My Dream
Feature
Seven-year-old Abdul dreams of becoming a leader of his town. He has natural charisma and easily becomes friends with people even if he hasn’t known them for long. But his grandmother reminds him of their peasant roots which is no match to the traditional ruling family. Undaunted, Abdul sees it as a challenge envisions his future.
About the Director
A computer engineering graduate, Mona Labado was gravitated to the world of cinema when they were asked to make video projects in college. Together with her friends, she has made a few documentaries and short films. A Step for My Dream is her directorial debut.
Dreams
Feature
Nine-year-old Satra has been mute for as long as she could remember. But her determination to secure a good education reverberates clearly amid the strictures of her Yakan culture.
About the Director
Sheron Dayoc is a philosophy graduate of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. Trained at the UP Film Institute, he has produced several documentaries on the untold stories of marginal people and different tribes in Mindanao that has enriched both his personal and creative life.
Dreams - the trailer