RANKING FOR CINEMALAYA 2023 SHORTS
1️⃣ GOLDEN BELLS by Kurt Soberano
- The movie looks like an advertisement promoting a new business. Nonetheless, the product works and it sells. The whole story felt personal with its sincere storytelling. A son’s dedication was felt. A routine that seems mundane was translated into excitement. The scoring is captivating. Memories of a son turned into gold through this film.
2️⃣ KOKURYO (The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019) by Diokko Manuel Dionisio
- This film has a low quality but it ended on a high note. The ensemble is entertaining to watch, even though most of them can’t act. The scoring is weirdly effective. They made the most of what they have.
3️⃣ HINAKDAL by Arvin Belarmino
- What’s absurd and normal these days? On the first minute, you’re trying to figure out what is this all about. Then you stop asking questions and just enjoy what they’re doing. Reading subtitles is a must in this short film and they’re fun to read. The captions are well-timed.
4️⃣ SIBUYAS NI PERFECTO by Januar Yap
- Even though the storytelling is almost dry, the movie’s last statement leaves an emotional moment, capturing people’s humanity in an instant.
5️⃣ ANG KINING BINALAYBAY KAG AMBAHANON KO PARA SA IMO by Kent John Desamparado
- Cute bonding between apo and lolo. But lacks effort in telling a story beyond those moments.
6️⃣ SOTA by Mae Tanagon
- Facts are being spoonfed to you through long paragraphs on screen. The interview doesn’t have a good flow. The movie mostly says what you need to feel instead of taking you there.
7️⃣ TONG ADLAW NGA NAG-SNOW SA PINAS by Joshua Caesar Medroso
- The message was there but it leaves no impact due to its very short running time. The movie didn’t have to chance establish anything. It ended before it even started.
8️⃣ HM HMM MHM by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan
- The doll concept is promising but the movie felt like a creative talent exhibition more than a storytelling, failing to make an impact on its supposed message.
9️⃣ MAKOKO SA BAYBAY by Mike Cabarles
- A long music video of people wandering and walking amidst the visually-stunning beach background. There’s a line here that says “Nakatulog ka ba?” which perfectly describes the film.
🔟 MAUDI NGA ARAPAAP by Daniel Magayon
- The character’s supposed trauma was not translated into effective jumpscares. Instead of being scared, you ended up feeling nothing. The movie looks good, but the storytelling’s bad. It’s dragging you to a horrifying movie experience.
Date Released: August 5, 2023 at the PICC
Movie Review Ranking by: Goldwin Reviews
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