Philippine Independent Film Dominates Gawad Urian 2008

Gawad Urian, which is now on its 31st year favors Philippine Independent film more than the mainstream Philippine movies. This could mean that Pinoy indie film is more widely accepted now and the critics are taking notice. Recognition is also an indication that the Philippine independent film industry has matured.

The trend in recognizing Philippine independent film goes back four years ago when the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino started giving major awards to Pinoy independent movies.

The Manunuri nominated five mainstream movies. Jinggoy Estrada is nominated as Best Actor for “Katas ng Saudi”; Judy Ann Santos (“Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo”); Lorna Tolentino (“Katas”) as Best Actress;
“Katas ng Saudi” for Best Screenplay; and Liza Lorena (“Katas ng Saudi”) for Best Supporting Actress.

Just a bit of trivia from Bayani San Diego Jr. of Inquirer, the Best Film Award has been given to Pinoy Indie movies since 2003.

For the Gawad Urian 2008, the Best Film nominees are all independent films. Sorry mainstream folks, Philippine independent movies are taking centerstage! This year, all six nominees for Best Film are “Confessional” (by Jerrold Tarog & Ruel Dahis Antipuesto); “Endo” (by Jade Castro); “Foster Child” and “Tirador” (both by Dante Mendoza); “Death in the Land of Encantos” (by Lav Diaz); and “Tribu” (by Jim Libiran).

This is the first time in the 31-year history of the Manunuri that independent films dominated the Manunuri. Both Lito Zulueta and National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera praised the passion and the enthusiasm of indie film-makers.

Other nominees are as follows:

Veronica Velasco and Pablo Biglang-awa’ s “Maling Akala” for Music, Cinematography, and Production Design; Lawrence Fajardo’s “Prinsesa” for the Best Actor Award. For the Best Actor Award: Jason Abalos (“Endo”), Jerrold Tarog (“Confessional” ), Roeder Camañag (“Death in the Land of Encantos”),
Romnick Sarmenta (“Prinsesa”) and OG Sacred (“Tribu”).

For Supporting Actor, the following have been nominated: Publio Briones (“Confessional” ), Benjamin Fileo (“Tirador”), Alcris Galura (“Endo”), Emilio Garcia (“Selda”) and Coco Martin (“Tambolista”). For the Supporting Actress: Malou Crisologo (“Tribu”), Eugene Domingo (“Foster”), Anita Linda (“Tambolista” ), Ara Mina (“Selda”) and Angela Ruiz (“Tirador”).

Glaiza de Castro (“Still Life”), Ina Feleo (“Endo”) and Cherry Pie Picache (“Foster”) were nominated for the Best Actress Category.

Hail to the Indie Filmmakers! the Natatanging Gawad Urian will be awarded to Kidlat Tahimik.

Since these indie films aren’t your usual Pinoy movie flicks, citing them for Awards may become more controversial come Awards night. Will the mainstream movie makers cry out against these choices? Or will they also re-formulate their movie formula, following that of the indie films’? On the other hand, will indie film be co-opted by the mainstream, thus losing its identity?

We’ll know in the near future.

But I daresay, the choices of the Manunuri this year will help improve the lot of Philippine Cinema. Mainstream filmmakers will strive to make more “artful” films with mass appeal. Hopefully, Philippine moviegoers will be more educated, too. So that the problem of the money and commercial appeal will not fall far, far behind. An artful film without bringing in money wouldn’t help Philippine Cinema in the long run.

Tags: Gawad Urian, Gawad Urian 2008, independent movies, indie film, Kidlat Tahimik, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Philippine Cinema, Philippine independent films, Philippine movie, Philippine movie industry, Pinoy Indie film