Transforming awareness into action

Joining Re:PubliKo Democracy, Justice, Human Rights and Integrity Week, Dakila Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism held a special screening of human rights films on December 7. The screening is part of the Active Vista Film Festival, which has been bringing films that promote the importance of human rights in nation building since July. The festival has already reached 17 cities nationwide. "These are films about the struggles of everyday people in asserting their rights. Human rights without which people cannot survive, develop and live," explained festival director Leni Velasco before the screening. The audience at the University of the Philippines Film Center was composed mostly of college students, based on the registration sheet, and the noise level in the theater. While most politely kept quiet, or at least toned their voices down to an acceptable volume, some went on chattering throughout the duration of the screening. "The power of cinema to make us think, question, move us to action, through one cinematic shot makes it an effective tool for human rights education. While cinema, like every art form, may not change the world, it can change the way we view the world," Velasco said, barely audible over the chatter. I began to worry that the noise would continue even during the screening. As I feared, a couple of students beside me did not stop their running commentary, and they broadcast their opinions rather inconsiderately. They were relatively quiet at the beginning, perhaps because they didn't have much to say about The Irony of Apo Island by Hannah Pa-a, Florence Sanos and Hyacinth Ann Santos. The film is a mini documentary of Apo Island, home to over 650 species of fish and 400 species of corals. A world-famous diving spot, the island seems to have it all. However, residents of the island lack one very basic thing - water. "Wala silang tubig," said the student beside me. To his credit, that was indeed the problem. They had even less to say about Jerrold Tarog's Faculty, a talkie that lets the audience in on a seven-minute conversation between two teachers in a private college. Though the ending suggests it is futile to instill a sense of social awareness at the college level, the film raises several important questions without being in-your-face. My seatmates were suspiciously quiet during this film, perhaps they were busy digesting the issue. Brillante Mendoza's Ayos Ka is a catchy sing-along music video which juxtaposes romantic lyrics and real scenes from the Philippines. While not being particularly moving, the song is a real earworm, and I could still hear it in my head after the film ended. The film, which was X-rated by the MTRCB for being "defamatory to the country," cannot be aired on television.

As with Endo, Jade Castro's knack for character shows in 'Di Ako Makatulog Kapag Wala Ka Sa Tabi Ko. In less than nine minutes, the audience feels as if they know J.C., whose epistolary narration is funny and touching at the same time. Thus, when the film ends, the issue of health care is much more personal than the numbers that are presented. The story is as delicate as the flowers in the closing montage. "Ang ganda rin, ano?" one student asks the other, who replies, "Oo nga, kahit may bayad, papanoorin ko ito." In contrast, Ana Matutina's Hingalo focuses on the health care issue with the less personal story of a man who goes from hospital to hospital with his wife, who is bleeding heavily. Though she has suffered a miscarriage, the impossibly busy hospitals have no choice but to turn them away. The film ends with the man heading home, an empty seat beside him. Those who prefer to get to know the characters would be disappointed, but the couple stands for many others like them without access to proper medical attention. Ellen Ramos' Wasteland shows the long, difficult road to education in a third world country. Without any dialogue, the animation is charming despite the grim landscape. By this time, my seatmates had disappeared. Perhaps it was too much human rights in one sitting. Hanapbuhay by Henry Frejas subtly tells the unusual tale of a man tasked to make a living off those who die. The slow buildup effectively keeps the audience wondering up until the surprisingly humorous last scene. Jeffrey Jeturian's Ganito Tayo Ngayon, Paano Tayo Bukas? follows a questionable headline from scene to scene in Metro Manila. Shoeshine kids, beggars and informal parking attendants are juxtaposed with a seemingly apathetic twenty-something year-old man. Although a bit too obvious, this film shows the irony of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's "strong economy." My seatmates were most excited by this film. "Symbolism yun! Kasi pinampunas niya sa tae yung dyaryo!" said one to the other, who nodded in agreement. Emerson Reyes' Ang Telenobela ni Juan at Luzviminda tells the love-hate story of Juan and his country with plenty of drama and special effects. True to its telenovela style, the script is rather wordy, and the audience is left with little more to do than sit back and watch the fireworks. Judging from the audience reactions however, this was one of the favorites. Another crowd favorite, Erik Matti's D’ More, D’ Meniyer is so entertaining, you almost forget it's about human rights. Sidesplitting and witty, this tongue-in-cheek version of Genesis raises several questions about the still-hot issue of reproductive health. Much of the film's strength lies in the humor, which would unfortunately be lost in a retelling of the story. This is a film I wouldn't mind watching over and over. The films that were screened are very different from the usual fare. Most people like happy endings, because they watch movies to feel good. But these films aim to bring attention to human rights, which are often trampled in a third world country like ours. "While watching these films today won't feed a hungry child or give land to the farmers, the power of art cannot be rivaled," said Velasco. The Active Vista Film Festival ended its five-month run on December 10, and marked the beginning of the more important journey - the transformation of awareness into action. "It is a challenge for you, the young audience, to change the way you look at things. We hope that after watching, you will be inspired to tell your own story, to take part in the collective struggle of the protection of human rights," said Velasco. - GMANews.TV