| Danial Norjidi |
FOCUS on the story and gain exposure to various arts – these were among the points highlighted by three members from the Philippine film industry while sharing advice to budding filmmakers in Brunei Darussalam.
The trio, a film director and two film critics, were speaking to the Bulletin on the sidelines of the celebration for 100 years of Philippine cinema which recently took place at the Mahakarya Institute of Arts as part of Brunei Film Blitz (BFB).
“Story is more important. I think they should develop their skills in writing stories more than the technical side,” Kita Kita Film Director Sigrid Bernardo advised Brunei potential filmmakers.
She added that the technical aspect is very important, but story is still paramount.
“Like what BFB Director Siti Kamaluddin said, movies are a reflection of ourselves and society, so it is very important for filmmakers to be observant, especially of their countries or in their relationships, and then you can definitely see stories everywhere,” she explained. “Focus on the story and everything will come after.”
On how budding filmmakers can make a name for themselves and their work, she shared, “My main goal was not to make a name for myself when I was just starting. My main goal is to have a good film.
“So I think filmmakers should focus on that, because if you have a good film, everyone will look for you. They will invite you, and they will make a name for you. It’s not a case of you making a name for yourself, it’s that they will make a name for you.”
The importance of story was also highlighted by film critic and entertainment editor of the Philippine Daily Enquirer Rito Asilo.
“It’s important to tell stories that you’re passionate about, to tell your own story,” he said. “I think that’s what happened with Filipino independent film-making. It’s actually our third golden era. We’ve had three and this latest one, including the films of Sigrid, are responsible for that third golden age of Philippine cinema, because the filmmakers started veering away from formula, and it’s very important because people are used to watching commercial films.
“Maybe you’re telling a similar story, but looking at it in a different way, a fresh way of looking at things – a different perspective.
“So my best advice would be to tell your own story and not acquiesce to the whims of commercial filmmaking, and be independent.”
Meanwhile, member of Filipino Film Critic Dr Roland Tolentino said, “My advice is to expose oneself to the various arts that are available in this country and beyond.”
Examples, he noted, include the events of Brunei Film Blitz, such as the showcases of French, Indian, Pakistani and Philippine cinema, as well as the masterclass on scriptwriting.
Dr Tolentino highlighted that if one aspires to be a writer or a filmmaker, then they need to learn about the great works that are “out there”.
“You cannot just assume that you will be a genius who will be able to produce masterpieces,” he advised. “Also, all arts have their own legacies, their long histories, and one needs to be exposed to the various traditions that are out there and come up with the best practices.”
On how one can gain exposure for own work, Dr Tolentino shared that one can start by making small films and sharing them on social media.
He explained, “Eventually a filmmaker really needs to go through the level of being able to do short films, and graduating to feature-length films or documentary films, or even multimedia experimental works that collaborate with a lot of participants.
“Film is really an industrial kind of art, which means you cannot do it alone. You cannot be the director, cinematographer, boom holder and actor. So it’s also kind of managerial. You also need to apply a managerial skill which you need to learn over time. It’s not just ‘one production and you’re good to go’.”
“As we all know, as writers or filmmakers, you’re as good as your last work, your last piece, which means that it needs to be a sustained kind of endeavour, a committed, creative kind of engagement, and not just simply a shot in the dark kind of effort,” Dr Tolentino added.