Raya Martin's critically acclaimed films Independencia and A Short Film about the Indio Nacional will be screened at the University of the Philippines Cine Adarna from September 14-19, 2009.
The
two films form the first two parts of a planned trilogy. The concept of
the trilogy has two basic premises: first, that each film will be set
in (not necessarily about) a particular period of struggle in
Philippine history (the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations);
and second, that each will be made in an aesthetic prevalent to the
period in question. Their narratives aren't causally linked, only
thematically. The third film is in pre-production.
Raya Martin's Independencia is the first Filipino film to screen in Un Certain Regard, an Official Selection section of the Cannes Film Festival 2009. The film stars Sid Lucero, Alessandra de Rossi, Tetchie Agbayani and Mika Aguilos.
Independencia has been invited to several international film festivals namely Munich, Brussels, Toronto, Bangkok, Vladivostok, Rio, Calgary, Sitges, Sitges, New York, Pusan,
Valdivia, Antalya, Vienna and more.
Meanwhile, A Short Film about the Indio Nacional (Or the Prolonged Sorrow of the Filipinos) which is Raya's first film, won the Best Film at Pesaro Film Festival in 2006. Both films are shot and will be screened on 35mm film.
The films are directed by Raya Martin, one of the most talented young filmmakers in the Philippines, whose films have been garnering critical acclaim both in the Philippines and around the world. His other film, titled Next Attraction, won the Grand Jury Prize in the Cinemanila International Film Festival 2008, and another work, Now Showing, was selected for the Director's Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival last May 2008.
The films are presented by Cinematografica Films. The screenings are dedicated to the memory of Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc.
The schedules are as follows:
A Short Film about the Indio Nacional, September 14-16, 5 PM
Independencia, September 14-17, 7 PM and September 18-19, 1 PM
Independencia synopsis, 35mm, 77 minutes:
Early 20th century Philippines. The sounds of war signal
the arrival of the Americans. A mother and son flee to the mountains,
hoping for a quiet life. One day, the son discovers a wounded woman in
the middle of the forest, and decides to bring her home. Years pass.
Man, woman and child live in isolation from the growing chaos all over
the country. But a coming storm soon threatens their existence, and
American troops draw nearer.
A Short Film about the Indio Nacional synopsis, 35mm film, 96 minutes:
Set in the 1890s brewing revolution of Filipinos against Spain, "Maicling pelicula nañg ysañg indio nacional " is a collection of silent film actualities revolving around an indio, the common man during the colonial times.