LITERARY works of Palanca Hall of Famers and former Varsitarian literary editor Ophelia Dimalanta and Special Reports writer Rebecca Añonuevo, together with UST alumna Merlinda Bobis were presented in Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (2011), written and directed by Alvin Yapan.
The story depicts Marlon (Paolo Avelino), a college student, who stalks his literature professor Karen (Jean Garcia) and learns that she moonlights as a choreographer in a dance studio. Though Marlon is frustrated over his performance in Karen’s literature class, he plans to impress her by learning to dance.
He hires Dennis (Rocco Nacino) to teach him to dance. The progression of the film exhibits how love blossoms unexpectedly, even overstepping the boundaries of age and gender.
The sonnet “Nais Kong Madarang” by Añonuevo and “Contrapuntal” by Dimalanta, which was translated by Añonuevo into “Kontrapunto,” are featured in the film. Works of Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Joi Barrios and Benilda Santos were also used.
“Poetry is a good vehicle of communication in film,” Añonuevo said. “It is difficult, yet [the film] succeeded with presenting it to the people.”
Añonuevo said she was flattered by the inclusion of her work in the movie. She even attended the premiere night at the Cultural Center of the Philippineswith Mabanglo, they were acknowledge along with the production staff during curtain call.
“Mahalaga ang tula dahil ito ang pagkakataon natin na matipon muli ang sarili at makapagnilay sa karanasan ng araw-araw at ordinaryong buhay,“ Añonuevo said.“Nakalulungkot ang buhay na di nakakilala ng karunungan at kabutihan ng tula.”
Aside from winning best cinematography and musical score in Cinemalaya 2011, Sayaw was nominated for a Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Feature Film at the Hawaii International Film Festival and won a Bronze Prize at the Bogota International Film Festival in Colombia.
