By CHERRY SUN

 

 

Cine Totoo is the first Philippine International Documentary Film Festival that kicked off last September 24. For its festival director, Cine Totoo was like the proverbial chicken and egg tale.

 

“Parang chicken and egg, walang nag-uumpisa so wala ring audience na pumupunta; walang audience din kasi walang nag-uumpisa. It had to start somewhere and we’re hoping this is the start,” Joseph Laban said during the press conference.

 

Joseph has been in the television industry for more than a decade, starting his career with the now defunct Probe team. He is an award-winning independent filmmaker and the current executive producer of GMA News and Public Affairs’ Front Row.

 

“Parang I’ve been hoping na sana magkaroon ng parang documentary category ‘yung Cinemalaya or the other festivals para magkaroon ng support for emerging documentary filmmakers. It’s an uphill battle, obviously,” he shared, recalling how his frustration inspired him to pioneer the first documentary festival in the country.

 

GMA news anchor and host Rhea Santos shares the same sentiment but also expresses the same determination.

 

“The advocacy of GMA also is to create that kind of viewership - Filipinos who want to listen to intelligent conversations, to new information. We’re getting there, and I think with the presence of these filmmakers, kung patuloy 'yung suporta, [it’s possible],” she said.

 

“I think our age now, the era now, social media, we can make it happen. We can encourage some public to support Cine Totoo. I hope we continue supporting people like them para we can create, kumbaga level up ‘yung mga viewers na Pinoy. That’s also my dream actually,” she continued.

 

Cine Totoo offers 11 quality documentaries produced by home-grown talents.

These include: Agbalbalitok (The Gold Prospector) by Ferdinand Balanag, A Journey to Haifa by Nawruz Paguidopon, Ang Gitaristang Hindi Marunong Magskala by Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez, Ang Walang Kapagurang Paglalakbay ng Pulang Maleta by Richard Legaspi, Gusto Nang Umuwi ni Joy by Jan Tristan Pandy, Kung Giunsa Pagbuhat ang Binsayang Chopsuey (How to Make a Visayan Chopsuey) by Charliebebs Gohetia, Komikero Chronicles by Keith Sicat, Mananayaw by Rafael Froilan, Marciano by Ivy Rose Universe Baldoza, Migkahi e si Amey te, Uli ki pad (Father Said, Let’s Return Home) by Nef Luczon, and Walang Rape sa Bontok by Carla Samantha Ocampo.

 

The top three films under the Philippine section will receive the distinction as the Best Documentary Film, Special Jury Prize and Audience Choice Award. The winning filmmakers will receive trophies and cash prizes, while their films will be aired on GMA News TV.

 

Seven other films are also in competition under the festival’s Southeast Asian Section and are vying to be awarded as the Best Southeast Asian Documentary.

These are: To Singapore With Love by Tan Pin Pin, Once in a Lifetime: A Russian Song for Guian by Misha Anissimov, By the River and Boundary by Nontawat Numbenchapol, Denok and Gareng by Dwi Sujanti Nugraheni, War is a Tender Thing by Adjani Arumpac and The Songs of Rice by Uruphong Raksasad’s.

 

The Cine Totoo Awards Night will be held on October 2, 7 P.M. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

 

For updates about CINE TOTOO, follow the festival's Facebook and Twitter accounts.