Tag me an Indie
Posted: June 7, 2009 Filed under: Arkeofilms, movies | Tags: Arkeofilms, Danny Boyle, indie, indie films, movies Leave a comment »Shiver the thought, this label. Somehow, it sounds like bad porn. It’s shaky cameras and b-list actors. It’s dark lighting and self-conscious stories. I think it’s unfair–to automatically connect this combination as a bad movie. I mean, what about 28 days Later? It was by far Boyle’s better movie over Slumdog Millionaire. But it is understandable to connect this combination as an Indie.
I guess we just need a little more time to show you the breadth and depth local indies can take you. I ask for your patience as I summon some power to find the money. And also, we just needto get better, too.
cooperative independent filmmakers
Posted: February 8, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: cinemalaya, indie films, movies 1 Comment »The idea of a cooperative for indie filmmakers sounds like a good idea. Until you try running one and realize why certain artists had decided to be independent. For some filmmakers, their independence has taught them to be organized, no-nonsense and very independent thinkers. Unfortunately, there are also those whose independence has sharpened the lack of need for accountability, and the complete and utter disregard for the bigger picture. Sometimes I am just dying to ask them this: aren’t you wondering why you’re struggling all the time?
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On another front, Cinemalaya is starting to get the wrong idea about making movies. They seem to only want to produce movies of cooperative filmmakers. Tsk tsk tsk. There’s a big difference between cooperating and co-opting. I love what the festival stands for. It’s every greenhorn’s ultimate dream. But I have to admit, we got some major kinks to work on.
They did it right the first time in 2005, why mess it up in the consecutive years? I think once they greenlight a project, they take the risk with the filmmaker. They should trust the artist to make the decision, whether they’re good or bad decisions. The job of a monitoring committee should be literally, a committee that monitors. Backseat producing is the last thing a newbie needs. It should be emphasized that the advice handed to them are just that–advice. To you filmmakers, you have to sit back (not relax) and take it in; but should not feel obliged to follow the advice. Nobody knows the movie more than the filmmaker. And in this case, cooperation is not the virtue we need right now. We can blame Mother Lily or Malou Santos or Tony G or Robbie Tan; but in the end–it’s right back at you.
They didn’t make the bad movie, you did.
