Tumandok (Cinemalaya 2024)
Directed by: Richard Jeroui Salvadico & Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay
This film features The Ati, a Negrito ethnic group in Western Visayas, who fights to reclaim their ancestral land. In every other scene, we learn something personal and factual about them. In every song they played, we heed their call.
When confronted with a story about indigenous people, you are always compelled to listen. That’s the very least thing you can do as an audience.
When you see that all the actors are local, you’d know that this film values representation above anything else. Hearing them speaking in their native language is the most powerful voice. Having an ethnic group who experienced the situation firsthand is the most powerful ensemble.
When a fight for land leads to violence and harassment, it doesn’t sit right. When lives and dreams are at stake, that’s when you realize that being an audience is not enough. Sitting and watching this film is barely enough. We have to make a stand and do something about it.
As a human being with feelings and a sound mind, we need to use our platform for the better good.
At this point in time, it doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of the movie’s technical aspects or not. Whether you got bored at some parts or whether it lacks further push in storytelling, it doesn’t matter anymore. What matters the most is for The Ati to secure their land, and 1 million pesos is needed to fast-track the processing of their title.
There’s no information mentioned within the film on how you can donate, and it would best if there is. So if you wish to help The Ati, here’s the account detail of the film’s producer Southern Lantern Studios: Landbank (067-1056-30) or GCash (0956-993-6130) then kindly note “TUMANDOK”.
This post alone may be not enough for you to be part of the cause. But hoping it’s enough for you to watch the film. After you’ve seen it, that’s when you would truly feel its importance. You can’t help but to also cry for help.
𝘛𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘬 has the power to move you in ways you can’t say no. If you have the opportunity to help, then grab it. Afterall, this is why cinema exists: to tell stories like 𝘛𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘬 and hopefully to make a positive change in people’s lives.
Let’s all take part and be part of it.
𝗧𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗞
Rating: 4/5
Cast: Jenaica Sangher, Felipe Ganancial
Screenplay by: Arden Rod Condez, Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay
Presented by: Southern Lantern Studios, Cinemalaya
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
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