Here are a couple of indie films that tell us that maybe, it’s time to blur out—if not completely remove—the line between mainstream and independent cinema.
Photo from DEPAGINAS.ES
1. Auraeus Solito’s Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005) revolves around Maximo (Nathan Lopez), an effeminate 12 year-old boy who falls in love with Victor (J.R. Valentin), a policeman. It was distributed by Star Cinemas and was internationally acclaimed in Germany and Spain.
Photo from VIEWERDISCRETIONISADVISED.WORDPRESS.COM
2. Zombadings: Patayin Sa Shokot si Remington (2011) tells the story of Remington (Martin Escudero), a homophobe who slowly turns gay, like the people he made fun of. It was directed by Jade Castro and released in cinemas nationwide, grossing a total of almost P32 million.
Photo from EastAsia
3. Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank is a 2011 Cinemalaya film starring comedienne Eugene Domingo. This “film within a film” delves into the world of independent filmmaking and its romanticization of poverty. Directed by Marlon Rivera, it is the highest-grossing Philippine independent film to date, with a total of P38.4 million.
Photo from Listal.com
4. Marie Jamora’s Cinemalaya entry Ang Nawawala (2012) features Dominic Roco as Gibson, who has to pick himself up after the death of his twin brother. It was released in cinemas nationwide and will have its international premiere in the Slamdance Film Festival this 2013.
Photo from Inquirer.net
5. Antoinette Jadaone’s Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay is a 2011 mockumentary on veteran actress Lilia Cuntapay, who was nominated in a fictionalized award show for the first time in her career. It was distributed by Star Cinema and was released in Italy and South Korea.
