RANKING FOR SINEHALAGA 2021 SHORT FILMS
The Sine Halaga Film Festival is worth your time.
The 12 short films are uniquely different from one another. Some good and some not. But all of them partake in adding Filipino elements into their story.
Promoting Filipino values, which is the festival’s mission, is actually not that prevalent among these films. Nonetheless, expect to see some traditions, folklore, culture, relationships and other qualities that make us Filipino.
Here are the ranking for the 12 short films, based on Goldwin Reviews.
SINE HALAGA 2021:
1️⃣ BLACK RAINBOW (4/5)
by Zig Dulay
An Aeta kid was told to quit school for financial reasons. How will he pursue his studies now?
Putting education at the forefront, this film speaks volumes. It radiates a positive aura that didn’t fluctuate from start till end.
All the elements present in this film are used for the greater good.
A sight to behold, the cinematography highlights the richness and beauty of our culture. The scoring uplifts our spirit, making the scenes more emotional and touching.
The raw portrayal of the Aeta community added authenticity to the film’s message. The purity and optimism of the characters are infectious.
Simple ang istorya. Derecho ang mensahe.
Tapat ang pelikulang ito sa kanilang hangarin.
Dahil dito, lumalabas nang kusa ang angkin nilang ganda.
Katulad ng isang bahaghari, magandang panuorin ang pelikula kahit saang anggulo mo siyang tingnan.
Reminiscent of a rainbow, this movie is beautiful no matter what its color.
2️⃣ DANDANSOY (3/5)
by Arden Rod Condez
A young boy and an old manananggal went on a journey together to chase life and death.
The eccentricity of the plot made this film consistently intriguing. It’s fascinating to witness how they transformed an infamous Filipino folklore into something humane and relatable.
Napaghalo nila nang maayos ang konsepto ng buhay sa isang manananggal na pumapatay.
The irony makes it more charming.
The bond between the main characters could have been strengthened to provide more support and impact to the life-changing decisions they’ve made.
Nonetheless, it calmly sets the mood in giving a fresh and creative outlook on our culture, myths and life in general.
3️⃣ MASALIMUOT YA TIYAGEW ED DAYAT / SUMMER BLUES (3/5)
by Jan Carlo Natividad
Two old friends reunite by the beach.
The serene beach setting amplified the silent tension between the characters. While the film’s warm tone complemented their warmth and longing for each other.
The events leading to their ending felt forced. And the finale needs a little push to fully capture the gloominess of the situation.
But the actors are vulnerable enough to share a piece of their heart.
Kahit wala silang sabihin, nadarama mo pa rin sila. Sapat na ang kanilang mga haplos para kausapin nila ang isa’t isa.
Ramdam mo ang bigat at gaan ng kanilang pakiramdam sa bawat paglubog at pag-ahon nila sa dagat.
The camera shots going underwater and rising from the waves aided to get the message across.
The overall ambiance of this film indeed can make you feel blue.
4️⃣ BAKIT AKO SINUSUNDAN NG BUWAN (3/5)
by Richard Soriano Legaspi
This movie has the potential to affect many lives, since the story is easily relatable. But the script, being excessively formal, hinders the characters from expressing themselves naturally. With the help of the haunting soundtrack and the actor’s dedicated performance, the plot twist instantly navigates us through a time of sadness and grievance.
5️⃣ SALOG NING DIKLOM / BLACK RIVER (2/5)
by Jordan Jose dela Cruz
The nonlinear flow of events allowed them to share the complexities inside the character’s mind. But at the same time, it disrupts them from building a solid experience and forming a strong emotion for the character. With a believable voice-over and performance from the actors, the ending scene still had its special moment.
6️⃣ LORNA (2/5)
by Noel Escondo
Angeli Bayani stands out from this movie with her impeccable portrayal and her inspiring character story. Hindi siya OA. Hindi rin siya nagkulang. Nakuha niya ang katatagan ni Lorna. Her courage could’ve been more rewarding if there are suppressed doubts and fears behind it. Her journey could’ve been more triumphant if her hardships and failures were also shared.
7️⃣ UGBOS KA BAYABAS / TENDER LEAVES OF GUAVA (1/5)
by Manuel Magbanua Jr.
Peer pressure is a common issue among kids, and this film didn’t handle it well. Imbes na labanan ang mga tukso, nagpadala sila rito. Imbes na ayusin ang sistema, naging parte pa sila ng problema. Though we cannot deny that the main character deserves a commendation in showing bravery to overcome his battle. For that, the kid deserves a star.
8️⃣ SA BALAY NI PAPANG / IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE 🚫
by Kurt Steven Soberano
This movie is undecided whether it wants to be a rags-to-riches story or to do a tribute video for the late Peque Gallaga. But one thing is noticeable… it is pretentious and it likes to show off. Thus all throughout the movie, it’s merely exhibiting all the glamorous shots, camera angles, video transitions and production skills that they want to showcase. They try telling a message at the end, but it felt insincere and forced. Puro pakitang-gilas lamang.
9️⃣ HADLOK / SCARED 🚫
by Ralston Jove
Dahil “hadlok” ang pamagat ng pelikula, kailangan nilang mag-mukang nakakatakot. Panay sinisingit ang paksang mananaggal sa mga eksena. Maliban sa manakot, gusto rin nilang mag-drama. Kaya binigyan nila ng problema ang mga karakter. Pilit nilang ginagawang nakakatakot at nakakaiyak ang mga bagay-bagay. Ngunit dahil sa kawalan ng direksyon, wala rin silang napupuntahan.
🔟 13 FEET 🚫
by Carlo Obispo
Everything it wants to say are buried deep underwater, hiding through imageries and personifications. The chance to share a voice about the environment got defeated by its ambitious attempt to be symbolic.
🔢 LOOKING FOR RAFFLESIAS AND OTHER FLEETING THINGS (-1/5)
by James Fajardo
The film had a promising concept combining social injustice, folklore and sexuality all at the same time. But just like its title, all these elements are fleeting—with no unifying vision to solidify their message. Their voice is muffled by their lack of direction, resulting to a chaotic mess rather than a beautiful disaster.
🔢 MINA’S FAMILY HISTORY (-1/5)
by Christopher Gozum
The movie, being in black and white, literally represented the lack of life and color in their story. It’s emotionless, monotonous and dragging. Most scenes are just there to prolong the film with no path to take, making it look funny and pointless.
Date Released: August 25, 2021
Movie Review Ranking by: Goldwin Reviews
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