ALIPATO AT MUOG

Alipato at Muog / Flying Embers and a Fortress (Cinemalaya 2024)

Directed by: JL Burgos

This is a rabbit hole documentary that you don’t want to enter because you might get locked up inside—and it’s scary as hell.

When JL Burgos showed his lens to us,

he also shared his courage.

Nakakahawa ang kanilang katapangan. Kahit paulit-ulit silang tinatapakan, nananatili silang nakatayo. Lumalaban pa rin sila gamit ang katotohanan. Kapag may dahas, boses ang kanilang naging sandata.

Masakit at nakakagalit panuorin, pero kailangang harapin. Hindi nila hinayaan na magsara ang ating mata sa mga nangyayari. Ang paghahanap sa hustisya ay hindi nawawala. Ang pag-asa ay parating andiyan.

Lagi niyong tatandaan… Bilog ang mundo.

𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘶𝘰𝘨 has highs and lows with many beginnings and endings. The editing could’ve been smoother. Series of footages are loosely stitched. Presentation style varies from time to time. The arrangement of scenes could’ve been better. Some of the lengthy texts can be converted into scenes. The title couldn’t been utilized further in presenting the whole story. Nonetheless, it remains to be powerful because of its subject.

This documentary takes us on a rollercoaster ride of extreme emotions—with seatbelts unfastened. Danger is omnipresent. Lives are at risk. Without knowing where it’s headed to, you follow their journey. Without precautions, you never left their side.

If this documentary helps us build a fortress to face the forthcoming challenges, then allow us to enter. Count us in. There is strength in numbers. There is power in truth. Let the ember turn injustice into dust.

𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗨𝗢𝗚

Rating: 3/5

Release Date: August 3-11, 2024 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Greenbelt, Trinoma, U.P. Town Center, and Market! Market! for the 20th Year of Cinemalaya

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews