16.6.13

REKORDER: Post-Modern Movie Experience

This year's CINEMALAYA Film Festival has got some big shoes to fill in, since last year's films have stirred conventions in the world of local filmmaking and Filipino movie enthusiasts are eager for more. Most films have not released their official trailers yet and we are still more than a month away from the festival week, but it seems like we are not up for an upset this year, because there is one film that can pretty much carry the entire festival itself- in my own irrevocable opinion.


It is through a lifestyle-oriented program that I have seen how interesting Rekorder is. The thing is, if you have been following my CINEMALAYA updates on twitter, I have once proclaimed that this year's line-up does not get me giddy at all. Good thing though, someone sort of slapped me for concluding stuff way too early.

21 year-old Mikahil Red's Rekorder tells the story of Maven, a former film cameraman from the movie industry in the 80's who now works as a film pirate in present day Manila. He is a cammer (someone who smuggles camcorders into cinemas to illegally record films) and one of the last of his kind as illegal camcording is becoming more and more obsolete due to the increasing security measures versus piracy and due to the development of the digital realm (torrents, digital downloads, etc.). Conflict ensues when Maven unintentionally records something, as the footage goes viral Maven is forced him to face his demons, both from his crimes and from his past.


Rekorder somehow revels on the brilliant irony of the obscured problems of pirate film producers as it unravels the evolution of Philippine Cinema towards the 21st Century. Through Maven's interchanging lens, we will witness a psychological thriller cloaked as a mixed-media film, utilizing several digital formats (from professional cameras, to CCTVs, to hand-held ones and others) as well as shifting perspectives from devices within the film to present a different post-modern narrative. It is also a cinematic experiment as it explores the different possibilities being brought by the new and old digital and video formats that has been developing through time.

"I imagined this type of treatment and storyline because I wanted to present something new with a modern approach." Mikhail Red answered about his inspiration in creating the film Rekorder during an online interview for Outrageous Writer.

"I consider myself part of a new generation of emerging filmmakers; I wanted to show something that clearly represents the New Breed category." Mikhail also added.

Mikhail Red is literally not a new-born in terms of independent filmmaking, as it is so reflected with his ambitious ideas. His father Raymond Red won the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival for his short film Anino. However, Mikhail did not stay that long within the shadows of his father as he have already made his own identity in the Philippine independent filmmaking industry at the early age of 17. His first CINEMALAYA entry is a short film entitled Harang which shows how distrust, deception and social barriers can destroy society.

"I was lucky that the film had the opportunity to be part of Cinemalaya and was surprised when I was awarded Best Screenplay for my work." Mikhail humbly said.

A year later, Mikhail submitted yet another short film entitled Hazard, a crime drama that tells the story of a father who takes his son to the outskirts of the city for a driving lesson and stumble upon a disturbing crime scene which ultimately makes them realize the differences in their moral stances.

"Rekorder is much more daring, pushing cinematic boundaries further." Mikhail said. He also added that we shall expect the similar aesthetic flavors he has used with his short films before, especially in terms of the film's over-all mood, atmosphere, and surreal sequencing.


On the question about his decision of taking Ronnie Quizon as his lead star, it seems like it had been planned even before the official casting of Rekorder started.

"Back in 1997, my father Raymond Red, made a film entitled Kamada. As a child I remember watching that film and I was always fascinated by the character in the film that was played by Ronnie Quizon." Mikhail said and added that he had always thought that Ronnie Quizon will fit the character peg of Maven.

Even though he has been exposed to the world of filmmaking, Mikhail Red feels like he is doing everything for the first time since it is his first full-length film.

"I was used to my own process when making my short films, doing everything independently with a skeleton crew." Mikhail admitted. He also said that he felt overwhelmed with the larger scale of production, more people getting involved, and more sequences to be shot.

Mikhail did not deny that even though their family has PelikulaRED to back him up, he still had a hard time gathering the funds needed to complete Rekorder.

"We had to find producers, people who believed in the vision of Rekorder, and we had to make sure that we could make the film a reality with the limited resources that we had."

In spite of all the challenges he have been through just to finish his full-length film, Mikhail is nevertheless grateful.

"It was definitely a learning experience for me." Mikhail proclaimed. His young and committed crew members also have had their fair share on this learning escapade.

When asked if he is expecting to win anything for Rekorder, Mikhail did not buckle on saying that he does not need it at all.

"I just want audiences to remember my films; I want them to think about it, it doesn't matter if they react positively or disagree with it completely. As long as they were affected by it, and they remember my work, then I believe I am successful in a sense. I don't need to win anything." Mikhail asserted beautifully.

Mikhail however admitted that he still feels a bit pressure albeit not expecting too much from Rekorder, pretty much how every filmmakers should be.

"I am just glad to be part of the program and I thank the festival for giving me the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience." Mikhail humbly said.

"Establishing myself as a filmmaker in the local industry and contributing to the heritage of Philippine cinema is already a victory for me." Mikhail also added, which immediately became the sweetest thing I have ever heard from a local filmmaker.

Mikhail Red, being an inspiration himself, has some compelling words to say to all the aspiring young filmmakers around the country:

"To aspiring filmmakers, all you really need is a concept and a camera, just go out there and shoot, be daring, do something new and don't be afraid to make mistakes."

Rekorder will have its public screening on July 26 to August 4, 2013 at CCP theaters, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma malls together with the other CINEMALAYA 2013 Film Festival entries.


I bet that is something you have never seen before.

For more updates and information about Rekorder, like the following facebook pages:

Rekorder 2013: https://www.facebook.com/Rekorder2013
PelikulaRED - REDFilms: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PelikulaRED-REDFilms

12.6.13

Bookayukay's Pre-Anniversary Sale!

If you are thinking of grabbing a handful of candies for your coins... wait! I say you hold on to those and go check out what could have been the closest thing to heaven here on earth!


I was so stoked when I first learned about Bookayukay. Even though I have swore fidelity to Booksale, I often find myself gushing about the fact that they do not have the books I want the most, let alone the fact that you have to go as Sherlock Holmes just so you can have the best finds. While in fact all along there has been a place like Bookayukay which is brimming with the books I have always loved and will soon love.

The euphoria.

What has got it a lot awesome-r is the fact that they are having a pre-anniversary sale this month of June!


I am quite puzzled and worried about their income since they already sell secondhand books at their lowest prices possible, but will still go on with a super sale. What I am sure though is that they are heaven-sent, that's all.

Books at 10 pesos! Drop your candy budget and pick one instead.


Comics for the geeks!


Past issues of different magazines. Good for throwback posts!


The books that you had loved, or will surely love.



Women in history set! If you are going through your monthly curse aka menstrual cycle and you are thoroughly regretting being a girl, this cannot get any better.


The best thing in Bookayukay.



See? Even bookstore owners despise it. Pun intended.

What are you waiting for?!

Bookayukay is located at 55 Maginhawa St. UP Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines. Store hours is at Mondays to Sundays, 1:00 pm to 12:00 pm. You can call or text them at 09054283125 or email at bookayukay@gmail.com.

ME GUSTA!


*Photos courtesy of Bookayukay facebook page

10.6.13

Music Monday: Dragonfly by M.Craft

I am officially starting Music Mondays, mainly because I have realized my Song of the Month routine is not enough to hold my entire playlist that is ever blossoming... and partly because I just need a reason to share this wonderful song.


Dragonfly
M. Craft

I can see it all tonight underneath a perfect sky
Where the universe revolves around the pupil of an
eye
And infinities stretch out from infinities within
And I'm a part of everything, I'm a part of
everything

Am I falling asleep? is it all just a dream?
Well, the cars are like water and the road is like a
stream
Rolling down through the city, flowing out into the
sea
Going nowhere like me, going nowhere like me

When the morning starts to glow out in the corners of
the sky
And the people come, and the time just passes by
Then I'm only gonna see it from the corner of my eye
When the planet spins it sings like the wings of a
dragonfly

I can see it all tonight
I can see it all tonight
I can see it all tonight
I can see it all tonight

If it was not because of Skins I would not have known the melancholy of M.Craft, and perhaps I would not have been sad during the last couple of days. I am still trying to figure out if I am happy or sad about it.

But classes have just started. And I do not know what to feel and think about it.
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