We all know how Filipinos are fond of watching films as their source of entertainment. It serves as an avenue of reflecting our country’s culture and traditions. However, little did we know that what it reflects is a country showcasing and perpetuating colonial mentality as these films are always influenced by the Western culture. With that, the talk made me realize how films aren’t just a mere source of entertainment, we must dig deeper and look at its structure and the message it has within.
One of the speakers that really made the vent interesting for me was Ms. Jael Mendoza who is currently a professor in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. What caught my attention during her talk was her emphasis on the two sides of film making. She even specifically gave as an example of how if a producer make a film sponsored by Marcoses, however, its content contradicts their ideologies. At some point, they may be opposing them with their content, but the fact that they still agreed upon the sponsorship is quite questionable. Moreover, she also mentioned about how filmmakers have different approaches in the flow of their work. This is a very important aspect because it would affect how the audience would react in your film.
One point that also left a mark in me was, the normalization of people in the issues they encounter through the different mainstream forms of art. We somehow tend to appreciate the aesthetics instead of addressing the real problem being shown in the artwork. Thus, for a filmmaker, it is important to produce a film wherein they don’t assume to be one of those people involved in the issue. Hence, someone who could help those people and be the instrument to let other people understand what they’ve been through.
Other speakers such as Dennis Aguinaldo, Tristan Zinampan, and Carlo Catu were also very inspiring. They talked about the different forms and roles of the film industry. Also, they mentioned how people have different perspectives and interpretations, thus causing different criticisms ̶ positive or negative.
Before, I thought films were just about the storyline and the aspects of aesthetic. But it was definitely more than that. It is important for people to realize how these films are very influential in empowering different sectors in our society. Supporting mainstream movies is alright, however, we must also be informed that these kind of productions supports the status quo. Thus, it still perpetuates old unhealthy habits and colonial mentality. More than the entertainment value, these are fruits of every artist’s hard work.
Connecting the event to science, technology, and the society, this is one angle that can be considered on how films in the form of science and technology, could really influence and have an impact to their viewers. Moreover, the film industry also gets inspired by the different storylines through the different experiences of the people and the society.
Mia Carmela 