Embedded in diverse forms of social realism, Cineberde rolled out its 14th iteration more than a month after its previous edition at SM City Lipa Cinema 2, Nov. 16.
Various social issues such as deaf awareness, workplace patriarchy, and gentrification, among others, were tackled across 10 different entries:
- All things Unsaid (Drama)
- Beyond the Screen (Documentary)
- Dapit-Hapon (Documentary)
- Dress Coded (Psychological Thriller)
- Himig ng Hangarin (Musical)
- Lila sa Gitna ng Asul (Documentary)
- Liwanag sa Palayan, Ginto sa Gitna ng Gutom (Documentary)
- Pasaan na, Pasasaan pa? (Drama)
- Sari-Saring Storya (Documentary)
- Timpla (Comedy-Drama)
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Communication Department Professor Joanne Marie Jumarang expressed in an interview that since its origin, Cineberde has been an avenue to expose these issues and provoke public action.
“Lahat ng mga films, kahit pa ‘yung kauna-unahang batch, […] mapakita natin sa mga manonood na ito ‘yung nangyayari sa society and we have to take action on it,” said Jumarang.
In connection to this tradition, Himig ng Hangarin Director Yna Hernandez highlighted that the poor state of the Philippine creatives industry influenced them to create their musical.
“Ang Himig ng Hangarin ay reflection ng inner thoughts namin as filmmakers kasi rito sa Pilipinas, ang hirap ng creative industry talaga. Ayun ‘yung naging inspirasyon namin, as well ‘yung pagpili between passion and practicality,” said Hernandez.
Meanwhile, Princess Ramos, Cineberde 14 Project Head, said that despite coordination problems and ticket selling delays, they were satisfied with the festival’s success.
“Coordination with the people […] and delays sa ticket selling kasi nagsasabay-sabay ‘yung mga event sa school, […] and natuwa kami kahit maraming challenges, maraming nag-abang for Cineberde 14,” she said.
Ramos also shared that Cineberde 14’s early showing became an opportunity to showcase the differences and similarities in artistry among batches.
“Di rin namin inexpect na ganito kaaga siya […] pero mas nabigyan kami ng opportunity […] para mapakita namin na […] through the years, hindi kami pare-parehas, pero lahat magaganda [ang mga piyesa],” said Ramos.
With the theme “Ang Iba’t Ibang Kulay ng Indie Dine”, the film festival hosted three consecutive viewing sessions at the theater, which was open for both Lasallian and non-Lasallian viewers.
Reports from Gabriel Lacerna
