Pandayang Lino Brocka launched its 13th Political Film and New Media Festival last November 13 themed ‘Remembering History’ to challenge independent and critical filmmakers to confront the status quo given the evident state lapses and use their platform to remind Filipino people of their dark history.
“Layon ng programang ito makabuo ng network sa mga artista at manunulat natin na gamitin ang talent nila hindi lang para sa sariling kahusayan, ganoon din para sa ikahuhusay ng ating bayan,” Festival Director Juan Miguel Aguilar said.
[PLB intends to build a network for our local artists and writers to use their talent not only for their own excellence, but also for the excellence of our people]
“Lalo pa ngayon na tinatawag ng panahon yung husay ng mga intelektwal sa ating lipunan na gamitin ‘yong talento nila para sa pagpapaunlad at makapagambag ng kamalayan sa mas marami pang bilang ng mga Pilipino,” he added.
[Especially now is the time which calls for the skill of intellectuals in our society to utilize their talents for development and contribution of awareness to a greater number of Filipinos]
Bonifacio Ilagan – a multi-awarded and progressive filmmaker and writer, Gawad Plaridel awardee, a First Quarter Storm veteran, and a Martial Law victim was the first to discuss the topic on student activism.
He emphasized the importance of student activism and its relevance to current issues like the 2022 elections, especially now that the Marcoses and Dutertes are trying to return to power.
“Ang yugto ng pagiging kabataan estudyante ang pinakamainam na panahon upang itakda ng bawat isa sa inyo ang inyong papel sa pagbabago ng personal na buhay at buhay ng buong sambayanan. Wag ninyo sayangin ang inyong kabataan,” Ilagan concluded.
[Being a student-youth of your generation is the best time to set in each of you your key role in changing your life and the life of the whole people. Do not waste your youth]
His discussion was followed by the screening of the documentary film The Kingmaker.
Discussions on the following days are; Mobile Photography by Nikjo Cunanan and Audio-Virtual Storytelling by Mica Fernando.
On its fourth day, in commemoration of the 17th anniversary of the Hacienda Luisita Massacre, a discussion on News Writing was presented by Anj Manalo. It was followed by the screening of a remastered version of the documentary Sa Ngalan ng Tubo.
Afterward, a roundtable discussion commenced featuring farmers, peasants, and workers from different organizations to remember those who died and struggled while resisting from the hands of those who exploit and oppress. This is also to emphasize that their fight for justice, rights, and genuine land reform has continued until now.
There were also discussions on Photojournalism led by Mel Matthew Doctor, Third Cinema led by Revy Marata, Editorial Cartooning led by Max Santiago, Press Freedom under the Duterte administration led by Juan Miguel Aguilar, and Paco Perez for Student Leadership in the following days.
Other documentary and film screened during the 9-day film fest are as follows; Barikada, Padayon sa Pakigbisog, Dula-anan, Hacienda Yulo, Portraits of Mosquito Press, Atohan, Hindi Lang Numero, and Ang mga Alingawngaw sa Panahon ng Pagpapasya.
On ground discussions and film screening were also done in the following communities; Brgy. 101, Vitas, Tondo, Harbour Center Workers Union, University Hotel Workers Union, Maybunga, Pasig City, Brgy. 28, Caloocan City, Maysapang, Brgy. Ususan, Taguig City, Brgy. NBBS Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas City, and Pook Manatili, Brgy. San Vicente, Quezon City.
The event was made possible with PUP University Center for Culture and the Arts, PUP College of Education, PUP Department of Journalism, Philippine Normal University, UP Baguio, UP Mindanao, UP Manila, FEU Manila, TUP Manila, The National Teachers College, PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, New Era University, Ateneo De Davao University, Universidad de Manila, University of Perpetual Help System, CEU Manila, University of the East, Greenville Academy Sta. Clara, Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila, Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law to Malacañang, MAYDAY Multimedia, Sine Obrero Online, Film Weekly, Active Vista, Sining Bugkos, Musicians for Peace, UMANI Productions, Altermidya, Tudla Productions, and Manila Today.
