Minda Salida

In this episode, John and Karma talk about the implications of using the terms “regional” and “national” when talking about films from different parts of the country. Highlighting the efforts of the regional film movements over the past decade, they discuss the advantages—and the downside—of referring to films and other artistic productions as “regional.” They also ask each other how useful the term is for marking differences and asserting perspectives. 

In this episode, we talk about our experience watching recent national film festivals online: the 2020 Cinemalaya Film Festival and the Bangsamoro Short Film Peacetival. We discuss the main competition entries in Cinemalaya, including top picks and least favorites, and the selections from Mindanao in the IndieNation section. We also discuss two films about the Marawi crisis featured in the Bangsamoro Short Film Peacetival.

In this special episode in collaboration with New Durian Cinema, John and Karma talk with returning guest Gutierrez “Teng” Mangansakan II and filmmaker Najib Zacaria about Moro Narratives in Philippine films. They discuss representations of the Moro in Philippine films, the changing politics of identity surrounding the Bangsamoro, and how Moro filmmakers are changing the ways stories about themselves and their communities are told. The guests also speak about the challenges of telling their stories and keeping true to their vision.

In this episode, we invite back filmmaker and editor of New Durian Cinema Teng Mangansakan to discuss the status of film criticism in Mindanao. We give a brief rundown of reviewers who actively appraise films about Mindanao. Teng also shares his views on the importance of criticism to filmmakers, and on the downside of pandering to trends and perceived tastes of influential critics and programmers in festivals. 

In this episode, the hosts talk with two up and coming filmmakers from Cagayan de Oro: Jeffrie Po and Orpheus Nery. Apart from their beginnings, they discuss their process, collaboration with other filmmakers, and the “documentary fiction” form they are both drawn to. They also share what they learn about the scene in Cagayan de Oro and the experience of working with bigger studios.

In this episode, our hosts talk to two young directors Shai Advincula and Ram Botero—from Koronadal City, South Cotabato and Nabunturan, Davao de Oro respectively—who took different paths in realizing their dreams of becoming filmmakers. We also pick up what we began last episode when we talked about the rigors of making films about Mindanao, specifically the indigenous groups, and other minorities. Lastly, our guests speak about the progress they wish to see happening in the coming years.

In this episode, the hosts ask each other what's keeping them busy during the quarantine and recall the first time they saw a movie about Mindanao, its people, and concerns. John, Kikko, and Jay also discuss specific films about Mindanao and the Sulu islands by filmmakers who are not from these places. They reflect on some filmmakers' impulse to make movies about cultures other than their own, the implications of striving for authenticity, and the responsibilities of the storyteller as an outsider.

In this episode of Minda Salida, Jay, Kikko, and John talk with assistant director, line producer, and production manager Elreen Bendisula about how she got started into filmmaking, learned the tricks of her many trades, and began directing her own film. Later, the hosts speak with actor Krigi Hager about career false starts, his succeeding collaboration with Mindanao directors, to his upcoming film role.

In this episode, Kikko, Jay, and John talk to a breed of filmmakers lighting up the scene in Zamboanga: Ryanne Murcia, Aedrian Araojo, and Xeph Suarez. Ryanne, Xeph, and Aedrian discuss their beginnings in college, mentorship from homegrown directors, the process behind their films, their creative outfit Hombrella Pictures, and the future that lies ahead.

In this episode, John, Kikko, and Jay look back on the last decade of Mindanao films with acclaimed director and writer Gutierrez “Teng” Mangansakan II. Teng also talks about his process, reception to his films, putting up the Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival, and how the COVID-19 crisis affects cinema.  NOTE: This was recorded two weeks ago.