Inspiring works of ten budding young filmmakers from around the world were chosen as finalists for the 7th Manhattan International Film Festival (MIFF), an annual cultural initiative of the World Youth Alliance (WYA), a global organization that acknowledges directors committed to exploring the depth of human condition.
After meticulous screening processes, promising films from Mexico, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, the Philippines, and the United States of America, which exhibit technical excellence and content relevant to the mission of WYA made it to this year’s roster.
The selection included in previous installments of the festival have portrayed themes on family, community, suffering, empathy, happiness, truth, and transcendence. This particular year, MIFF 2019 delivers pieces that speak of human dignity in the context of migration, sickness, war, and death.
The Philippine entry is Indak ng Panahon by Jose Bryan Nonay and Aurea Marie Bueno, both Digital Filmmaking (DFilm) graduates from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA), narrates the story of Daniel, an aspiring dancer who struggles to pursue his dreams after the unexpected death of his beloved father-mentor. In the midst of his battle against his own anxieties and fears, he meets a girl named Cecile, whose presence revives his passion.
Daniel is portrayed by Cultural Center of the Philippines’ resident dance company Ballet Philippines dancer Mark Anthony Balucay, while Cecile is played by multi-awarded Adlib Dance Company member Sasa Cabalquinto. Thespians Lito Capina and Lee Jairus Ramirez give life to the characters of the father and the young Daniel, respectively.
Creative duo Nonay and Bueno believes their project relays the all-important message there is still someone who can give a shed of light even in the lowest points in life.
“All we wanted to convey through our simple story is to never give up—nothing can hinder us from aspiring and dreaming,” Bueno shared. “It may sound clichéÌ but sometimes we just need to be reminded we must keep moving forward. There may be burdens and difficulties along the way, but it can’t stop you. There are people who are willing to help and motivate you.”
Last year, Indak ng Panahon participated in the Ika-30 Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video and was also part of the non-competition selection of 2018 Viddsee Jurree PH, which celebrated the entertainment industry’s pick on Asian short films.
In addition to Indak ng Panahon, the choice films include Build Ramps Not Walls by Brian Adamkiewicz of Mexico, The Mirror of the Artist by Tamino Parren of the Netherlands, and Father of the Man by Tommy Creagh of United Kingdom.
Daybreak by Daniela Maria Magsaysay is the second selection from of the Philippines, while the USA fields five movies, to include Finding Refuge by Caitlin Brunnock, Year Zero by David Siev, Bitter Sweet by Jacqueline Prata, Jesus Loves Bikers Too by Will Garofalo, and Bow with Me by Erin Cutler and Emily Weiss.
MIFF 2019 will open its doors to the public on March 25 at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York City. The winners will be screened in WYA regional offices in New York, Lebanon, Mexico, Belgium, Kenya, and the Philippines.