TWO THOMASIAN filmmakers from UST’s fine arts school bagged titles in this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival awards ceremony held Aug. 12 at Ayala Malls Cinema in Parañaque.
Named best director was UST advertising arts graduate Jaime Pacena II, who marked his transition from the canvas to the silver screen with his directorial and film debut “Kono Basho.”
“It’s been a dream,” Pacena said as he accepted the Balanghai, the trophy resembling the balangay boat’s sails given to Cinemalaya winners. “I’m 44 years old; this is my first film. It’s not too late.”
“Kono Basho” found its locus in Rikuzentakata in Japan, which was struck by a devastating tsunami in 2011. The 85-minute film revolved around the relationship of half-sisters reunited by the death of their father, whose funeral was held at the then-distraught Japan town.
“As a resident, going back and forth to Rikuzentakata, it really helped me see the slow reformation of the city and that really inspired me,” Pacena told the Varsitarian. “When something happens in my life, my own personal tsunami, in a way, I hold on to their reformation and I find myself being healed.”
The film also won Best Production Design (Eero Francisco), Best Cinematography (Dan Villegas), and Best Actress (Gabby Padilla, alongside Marian Rivera of “Balota”).
Earning the Special Jury Prize for a full-length film is “Alipato at Muog,” a documentary by JL Burgos, who studied painting at the old UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts, about his older brother’s enforced disappearance in 2007.
Jonas Burgos, brother of JL and a farmer and activist, was abducted by suspected military personnel 17 years ago, the jump-off point of the 96-minute documentary.
“Pumunta kaming Cinemalaya, hindi namin hinahangad ito e,” said Burgos, referring to the award. “Nais lang naming magpahayag. Nais lang naming hanapin ang kuya ko.”
JL and Jonas are sons of late press freedom icon and former Varsitarian editor Joe Burgos.
“An Errand” won the Best Editing (Dominic Bekaert), and Best Sound Awards (Jedd Dumaguina and Mario Consunji).
Directed by Dominic Bekart, the 83-minute drama was an adaptation of the titular short story by UST Publishing House author Sarge Lacuesta, who also produced the film.
Cinemalaya 2024 was the 20th edition of the premiere independent film festival. It ran from Aug. 2 to 11. John Kobe S. Balod
