A Take on Documentaries in 2019: Culture. History. Advocacy.

There are different ways to tell someone’s story, whether it be by word of mouth, a news article, or in this case, a documentary film. There have been lots of stories told in a form of film, which interested the audiences because a documentary is not just a film – it’s the life of a real person or a group of people.

24 Frames members Mathew Quirante, Timothy Diaz, and Klarize Bangit are here to share their thoughts on three documentaries: Honey Land, Apollo 11, and Homecoming, respectively.

Honey Land

     Honey Land was nominated for Best Documentary Feature in this year’s Academy Awards.

 

 

A 2019 film by directors Ljubo Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska, Honey Land is about a woman named Hatidze Muratova being a wild beekeeper – harvesting honey the traditional way. Suddenly, a family of beekeepers come to her land and tries to take away her livelihood.

Mathew Quirante said that this film is one of the best examples of documentary film. “It’s quite unique for the fact that you feel so in it and the cinematography is so impressive. It took three years for them to capture a story of a woman who’s been raising bees and harvesting honey to go to town and sell her honey to bring some food home. And she’s taking care of her bedridden mother that she lives with.” Mathew adds that Hatidze’s motivation to carry on is her mother. “Even if they have a sustainability issue, she still tried to take care of her, spend time with her, and make her mother happy until her last moment.”

When he was asked about the ending of the film, he said that “it’s quite heartbreaking and I’m happy for her at same time because her duty as a daughter is fulfilled now that she can start a new chapter of her life. She found herself yearning to create her own family and continue being a beekeeper.”

Apollo 11

Apollo 11 was nominated for this year’s BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary.

 

 

Apollo 11, a 2019 film directed by Todd Douglas Miller, is about NASA’s Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins’ successful mission to the moon on 1969. In this film, never-before-seen footage was released, showing the viewers a new perspective on the moon landing mission. Timothy Diaz said that what makes this film different from other documentaries is that this shows us how historical this event is. “It’s the first time that humans will go to the moon. Also, they introduced the astronauts in order to know more about them, where they came from, and how they became an astronaut. This film focuses on the experiences encountered by the astronauts throughout their journey to the moon and of the people working at NASA during this event.”

Diaz thinks that what motivated the people in the film is that they want to share how historical this event is – being the first ones to reach the moon. “NASA was motivated because of the people guiding them, supporting them, and praying for them, especially the moment when the President John F. Kennedy talked to the astronauts, praising them for making their way up to the moon successfully.”

He added how the ending satisfied him as an audience. “As one of the people who likes this kind of topics, the film’s ending satisfied me because of how the film showed how the Apollo 11 landed on Earth safely and the processes after their expedition before they go out of the quarantine and come home to their families. It’s also satisfying because their expedition was a success and also shows how happy the people are when they succeeded.”

Homecoming

Homecoming was nominated for the 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.

 

 

The 2019 Netflix documentary, Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, is about the iconic 2018 Coachella performance of Beyoncé and process of creating and rehearsing for the said music festival. With her most awaited performance also dubbed as Beychella, Beyoncé prepared something more than just a performance.

Klarize Bangit explains that the documentary has a lot more to offer than just Beyoncé’s performance. “It tells us a different aspect beyond her songs that resonates the voices of the youth, women and especially the black culture. In this film, we are able to see the connection of the performance she made on stage and her personal life story and advocacy. Unlike other documentaries that I have watched, this film focused on how she wants to emphasize the beauty and the power of the African – American culture.”

Beyoncé served as a role model to millions of people around the world. “Being able to be the first African-American woman to headline Coachella, she made sure that she made use of that chance to make the people well represented on stage”, she added. “Throughout the entirety of the film, we are able to feel how she is driven to advocate for the empowerment of women. Not only were we able to see a series of montage and clips of her personal life and relate to how she overcome her hardships to balance her life as a performer and a mother, but also that her family always comes first as well as on how she led the rehearsals and made sure that each detail of her performance is done carefully. She made sure that it was able to tell a unique story through bringing different characters on stage to make each personalities shine.”

After watching the film, Klarize was moved and empowered. “Her narrative is very relatable most especially to young women who don’t want to be kept inside a box and want to explore their capabilities in a large extent. She was able to voice out for a lot of people who are marginalized. This film made sure that each of us have our own freedom and we are powerful as individuals. We should not be labelled because each of us can transcend the standards the society sets for us and we should not be afraid to voice out for our rights.”

 

 

Stay tuned for more film reviews on Wednesdays and follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events.

It’s Part of the Job: An “Ekstra” Film Review

A film with an extra as the lead role? You got it. The 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival’s Best Screenplay, Jeffrey Jeturian’s Ekstra, is about Loida Malabanan’s life as an extra in a television show, hoping to get her big break as an actress, as well as to earn enough money to fund her daughter’s tuition. Based on real-life events, this drama-comedy film shows the harsh reality of being in a television production, no matter what position you have: an extra, director, production staff, and the like, using a comedic take to show it.

From left to right: The assistant director (Vincent de Jesus) watching Venus (Tart Carlos) and Loida’s acting chops to get picked as a maid in the show.

Loida’s life throughout the film is very relatable, especially to those who are trying to find their way in the film industry. When asked who they can relate to besides Loida, Graphic Head Joshua Asi answered that he could relate to Marian Rivera because at times, “nakakalimutan ko rin ang linya ng aking sinasabi” when it comes to spilling lines during a scene. Finance Manager Dean Pineda and Media Head Sam De Asis said that they could mostly related to Olga, a newbie in the extras. Dean said that “she’s doing everything in order to excel in her field by taking up acting classes even if it’s expensive. That’s why I see myself in Olga.” Sam added, “because just like her, almost everyone in the film industry would really work a lot for the passion that we have in us.” As for Assistant Secretary Chris Holgado, he states that “I can find a part of myself on the director who takes up on his job without question, even if it burns himself out being a glue that tries to stick everything together because the minute I find something that I know gives me purpose, I’ll pour myself into it, even if it drains me.” Business Manager Zel Salcedo talks about how she could relate to Josie, the talent manager, because of how she really cares about her talents. “Kahit kailangan niya iplease yung mga director by being on time and assigning the perfect people for the role, she puts herself on to her people’s shoes kahit minsan siya na rin na papagalitan.” She added that one of the things she likes the most about Josie is how she takes the blame of the problems instead of putting the blame on her extras. “‘Pag may problema, andiyan na ‘yan. ‘Di kailangan dramahan ‘yan para mawala, inaayos ‘yan.”

Loida and Ms. Amanda (Pilar Pilapil) shooting a scene for the tv show.

 

For most people, they would think that shooting a show or a film is just simple as showing up, taking the video, editing the show, and premiering it on TV. When, there’s a lot of work behind a show. So, did the film portray what happens in a production? Sam answers, “it portrays how things really go inside a set or a shoot and stressful things could be”. She added that despite the problems, a production team would still push through no matter what happens. Joshua agrees that the film is portrayed realistically. “Hindi maiiwasan ang ano mang uri ng problema at dahil may hinahabol na deadline ay kakailangan talaga magawan at baguhin ang mga nakatalagang plano. Kung sa maliit na set ay may problema na, paano pa kaya sa malalaki?” Chris stated that the film was portrayed perfectly, “from the minor roles up to the major ones, everyone that makes up the set, takes an equal amount of tension on themselves. That means everyone is a victim of the work that they shoved themselves into.” Dean explains that the production in the film is accurate, especially in our country. “They handle their “extras” like livestock. They get paid little money and get treated poorly. The film in the movie looks like a highly budgeted film, even getting a sponsorship from a well-known brand (GSM Blue). But with all that, they still fail to treat their crew right, like how the “extras” was made to ride a packed low budget car.” And lastly, Zel stated that it was accurate by how it portrayed the handling of the budget for the production, deadlines, casting, production design, and even catering. “It was all real when creating a film kahit school stuff lang ang production ko. I experienced all the hassle at hirap sa paghahandle ng lahat na yan, behind the prod palang yan!  Mahirap.” Furthermore, she said that the portrayal of the production is accurate, however, she hopes that how they treat people in the film isn’t the case. “May posibilidad na ‘yon ang realidad pero may konting pag-asa ako baka ‘di naman ganon kalala. Lahat naman tayo naghihirap at ‘di mawawala ang mga taong mas naghihirap sa’yo. I just think it’s unfair for being treated poorly from people who are selfish for their own entitlement.”

Overall, being in the film industry is something that almost everyone desires to be in. But with a film like this, showing the struggles of every character in the film, it just goes to show that this industry is not all glitz and glamor. That’s what makes this film worth it to watch.

 

Stay tuned for more film reviews every Wednesday and follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events.

 

 

24 Frames: A Fresh Year, A Fresh Start

“Have a fresh start, ignite your passion for film, and have the power to empower.”

24 Frames is making a fresh start with a new theme and new recruits this term. For this term, the officers have decided on being “fresh” as the core theme of its events and ethics moving forward. If you’re wondering what fresh means to us, Graphic Head Joshua Asi says that it’s about “a new start or there is something new”. Visual Head Zia Nape added that it’s about “coming back from our previous phase with a progressive mind”. Creative Head Denmark Mallillin said that being fresh is about “breaking all barriers of tomorrow to lead and to create a better student body, also taking this chance to breathe new colors, experiences, and opportunities this semester.”

Evolving in the organization is an important thing. When asked how do you evolve in the organization by being fresh, Media Head Sam de Asis said to evolve with the org by “sharing my fresh ideas, creative thoughts, and being open to learn new things”. Publishing Head Ella Mariano added that “stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring new things will help me evolve as an officer and a filmmaker”. For Production Head Gel Pande, “we evolve differently, but the idea of holding on to the positive effect of being new helps us inspire ourselves to develop more further each and every day.”

With the new term of officers in line, External Head Martin Pastor says that he expects great things from the new batch of officers.  “I really do believe that we have successfully put together people who share the same passion and love for filmmaking and will do whatever it takes to spread the beauty of films”. Internal Head Lloyd Canilang says that “I’m expecting fun activities in the organization to help the new and old members”. In addition, he wants everyone to be more hands-on on the activities to come. Marketing Head Marvin del Barrio shares the same thought on having more activities to engage with the members. “I would always love to interact with the members so I’m just excited for what our org, 24 Frames, can really bring to the table this year”, he added.

A fresh start comes with exciting activities and opportunities to learn more about filmmaking. Assistant Secretary Chris Holgado says, “being involved in the 24 Frames organization is a great opportunity for individuals to learn, discuss, and get their hands on filmmaking along with their fellow CIIT students because the first step into the growth zone is learning with others.” For Business Manager Zel Salcedo, “being a member of 24 Frames is a vital factor to gather various talents and by being involved in the organization, they are able to enhance and discover their unique talents to evolve as a team, as a production, and as a family.” Moreover, Finance Manager Dean Pineda says that “members should be involved in 24 Frames for them to grow in their field because we help members to evolve as filmmakers.”

As our family grows year by year, the future shines bright for 24 Frames. Vice President Angela Apostol says that “I can still see 24 Frames opening doors to new opportunities and building new relationships for aspiring filmmakers”. Secretary Melissa Garcia adds, “I see the future of 24 Frames with talented students who will continue to do their passion and reach their goal for film no matter what it takes.” And lastly, President Josh Roque says that “the future of 24 Frames is bright and clear with the fresh message we want to deliver: the time to start is now to be a filmmaker capable of change to empower lives of the people. I believe that the student leaders in this term will not only excel as overseers but as directors individually, and that they are just the beginning of a new generation coming together for the pursuit of Philippine cinema.”

Follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events, such as its upcoming General Assembly.