by Karl Gaspar, CssR

Very interesting development re the Mindanao films recently shown at the Cinemalaya and Netpac film festivals at the CCP recently.  First Sheron Dayoc’s film Halaw wins as Best Film at the Cinemalaya, Arnel Mardoquio’s film Sheika wins Best Film at the Netpac.  Teng Mangansakan’s Limbunan did not merit an award at the Cinemalaya but is being invited to the Venice Film Festival where Pepe Diokno’s Engkwentro won last year! Teng’s film could duplicate what Diokno achieved at Venice!

As one can see, there is definitely a surge in the quality of films produced and directed by Mindanawons!  Congratulations all! Truly, Filipino cinema can no longer ignore the obras of Mindanawons! Thus the 3rd golden age of Filipino cinema is truly a national phenomenon as there are now films from all corners of the archipelago making waves here and in international festivals. May our young filmmakers be inspired by this development which is a boom for us cineastes!