(From PDI-Entertainment’s Indie Bravo supplement, published
Dec. 9.)
“Through cinema, we see who we really are,” said Kanakan
Balintagos, the filmmaker formerly known as Auraeus Solito (who directed “Ang
Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros”). Along with the name change— “Kanakan” means
“hunter of truth” in Palawanon—comes a renewed sense of purpose.
“My films are the interwoven images of our
culture, myth, ritual and modern issues that are threatening this way of life.
The ‘Palawan Trilogy’ is not a trilogy of plot, but of thought. ‘Busong
(Palawan Fate)’ is Palawan ’s philosophy. ‘Baybayin’ (The
Palawan Script)’ captures its culture. ‘Sumbang (The Palawan Deluge),’ will
present my people’s history.”
The first two parts were recognized in two
international film festivals this year. “Busong” won best international
indigenous film at the Wairoa Maori Film Festival in New
Zealand ; “Baybayin” was awarded best
indigenous language film at the ImagineNative Film Festival in Canada .
“These two awards are the most important in my
career, especially now that I have fully embraced my heritage by using my
tribal name,” he said.
“Film-financing competitions like the Cinemalaya and Cinema
One Originals have given way to more indie productions. A growing regional
cinema has empowered filmmakers from remote parts of the country. What we need
now is a concrete venue for these films, for the growing audience of this kind
of art films. We should produce DVDs, anthologies and compilations so
Filipinos abroad will get to see these great films.”
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