FILMMAKERS shouldn’t aim to change the world with a single film but strive to inspire audiences to question what they know, the director of the film “Balota” said in a screening at the Central Laboratory Auditorium on Feb. 26.
Kip Oebanda, whose film was an entry to the 2024 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, said films have the power to inspire critical thinking, particularly in the context of elections.
“I think it’s a little megalomaniac to think that one film will change the world,” Oebanda said. “As a contribution of the film, just make people doubt. Kasi, doubt is your gateway to critical thinking. Doubt is your gateway to freedom.”
Set in 2007, “Balota” follows the journey of Emmy, a teacher portrayed by Marian Rivera, as she bravely guards a ballot box to prevent electoral fraud. It tackles corruption during elections, including vote-buying and manipulation.
Oebanda said selling votes has been normalized in the Philippines, partly because the electorate believes their votes don’t matter.
The filmmaker recounted how a security guard once questioned his stance on vote-buying after watching “Balota,” proof, he said, of how films could make people challenge their perspectives and beliefs.
“Okay na ako kahit ‘yon lang ‘yong impact ng film namin,” Oebanda said.
He urged Thomasians to scrutinize candidates before casting their votes.
“Mag-research na kayo. You do your own assignment as well kasi responsibilidad niyo rin ‘yon. Whoever you vote, ilang years natin titiisin ‘yong maling taong iuupo natin ron.”
Despite frustrations over the past election cycles, Oebanda remained optimistic that the younger generation of voters would eventually drive change.
“The bobo (dumb) season doesn’t last forever. The tide will eventually change. And hopefully, it changes with the younger generation,” he said.
The “Balota” screening was organized by the UST Department of Legal Management in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, GMA Pictures, and Cinemalaya.
It was also attended by “Balota” supporting actress Sue Prado and filmmaker Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan.
The screening was mounted in celebration of the Faculty of Arts and Letters’ 60th year anniversary and the 39th EDSA People Power Revolution.
