Film power

The recent win of my students whom I mentored in multimedia production for the Sinulog Film Festival still seems surreal. I still remember my apprehension to teach this course, as I am very embedded in journalism and broadcast. It was a challenge I took very seriously. This group, in particular, that created "Para Niya, Para Niya" was also one that didn't have a concrete story.

As a storyteller of news, it is basic knowledge to have a solid line. To me it is like a thread, you hold everything together in a manner where nothing is cut or too vague to disappoint the audience. That could be the least that I could impart to them. At first they wanted to give emphasis to a protest action, as a tool to stir the consciousness of the masses. Yet, the plot was unclear and the message was still hanging.

Here comes the role of the mentor to steer the direction of confused minds into a concrete anecdote. It requires constant coaching and pushing so they will be the best they can be. They are like seeds that need to be watered and cared for every day. The day will come when the fruit of their labor will finally be worth it.

But more than the experience was the story they had to tell. The realities of life that were untold became real through film. This is when I also realized the power of the platform. Film, as a medium, can tell very compelling stories that allow the audience to think. Not only to reflect, but to inspire others to take action. I admire filmmakers who have an advocacy to tell, not just dialogue. We play around with images and aural devices to get the message across.

I'd like to commend the organizers of the Sinulog Film Festival for giving the new breed of filmmakers an avenue to tell their story. It is like giving them power, one that they thought would never have as students. I did see members of the audience that frowned after their win, not to mention the one who won Best Film is just a senior high student. As a good sport we should feel good about others' success and support the next generation.

The Cebuano film industry is booming, on fire even. Not only are the veterans continuing their passion for the craft, but even the young ones are starting to get wind of its power. I do hope the local government units ride on this passion and continue to develop storytelling even in the darkest places of our city. There is so much to tell and so much to see. Only then will we only ever understand the plight of others if we peer into their life experience through different lenses. Cebuanos are artists, yes. But more than that title is their nature of being expert storytellers. As people of the orient, we thrive on stories.