13 filmmakers win grants to make short films on human rights

Thirteen filmmakers were selected to receive the ALAB Short Filmmaking Grant to produce their advocacy-based pieces, which will be screened in the upcoming human rights film festival Active Vista in July. Festival organizer Dakila Artist Collective announced this year's finalists on June 13.

 

The finalists were among 57 applicants who underwent training on advocacy filmmaking with top caliber film industry practitioners such as premiere documentary filmmaker Ditsi Carolino, multi-awarded director Raymond Ang, scriptwriting guru Bing Lao, topnotch independent filmmakers Francis Pasion and Sherad Sanchez, and avant-garde film producer Raymond Lee. There was a total of 130 applicants, Dakila said in a statement.

 

The finalists include:

 

 

"Dakila believes that these 13 filmmakers will trailblaze a new path not only in independent filmmaking in the Philippines but also in the human rights movement. Their films, which aspire to depict compelling human rights stories hopefully will not only echo the stories of people whose freedom and rights are trampled upon or give voice to those who suffer in silence but also stimulate passionate discussion about human rights among the Filipino audiences," said Active Vista Festival Director and Dakila's Executive Director Leni Velasco.

 

According to Velasco, the finalists are an interesting blend of young filmmakers and seasoned human rights advocates. 

 

"Their fresh takes and innovative approaches to advocacy films contribute greatly into mainstreaming human rights into the consciousness of the Filipino public. The 13 issues tackled in these short films are the priority issues that our government needs to address, especially now that our nation is set to elect a new batch of leaders in 2013," Velasco said.

 

The Active Vista Film Festival challenges both filmmakers and audiences to make films that expose reality, and to change the way we see things.

 

"The worst load of bull ever said about cinema is that it can change society," pop culture icon and Dakila Artist Collective President Lourd De Veyra once said. The same holds true for the Active Vista film festival, Dakila said in their statement. 

 

"We have no illusion that a human rights film festival like Active Vista can change society. Even Lino Brocka's 'Orapronobis' failed to stop human rights violations after EDSA," said Noel Cabangon, Dakila vice president. 

 

Despite this, Cabangon said they "aspire to spark some change by daring filmmakers and advocates to get out of their comfort zones to make films that grab you by the collar, make you see the reality that surrounds you and move you into action." 

 

"By granting 13 filmmakers the opportunity to wield their vision into a reality, Active Vista hopes to at the very least make a dent by challenging its audiences to change the way they look at things with hope that maybe the things they look at may eventually change. Perhaps, one viewer at a time," added Cabangon.

 

The 13 short films are set to premiere in August, with the festival opening in July in Metro Manila. 

 

There will be screenings in 20 cities all over the country. Winners of the top prizes shall be awarded during the festival closing in December.

 

The festival is supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Movies that Matter, The Asia Foundation, and AusAID. –Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News