Filmmakers Ricky Lee, Carolino, Barit Lead UPV CineMatahum 2024 Talks

By Mariela Angella Oladive

CineMatahum 2024, the University of the Philippines Visayas’ annual film festival celebrating the tahum or beauty of local cinema, will bring three acclaimed Filipino filmmakers to Iloilo City for exclusive talks.

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, renowned documentary filmmaker Ditsi Carolino, and award-winning sound designer and director Glenn Barit will lead discussions on filmmaking on Nov. 15 and 16 at the UPV Cinematheque.

Lee, one of the Philippines’ most prolific screenwriters, will hold a session on Nov. 16. Known for writing iconic films such as Himala, named CNN’s Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time in 2011, and Moral, a groundbreaking film on women’s empowerment, Lee has crafted more than 190 screenplays and won over 80 awards throughout his five-decade career.

During his talk, Lee will share insights into storytelling, drawing from his extensive experience and impressive body of work. The multi-awarded filmmaker is also celebrated for mentoring aspiring talents, including Ilonggo directors Kevin Pison Piamonte and Kenneth De la Cruz.

Lee’s books, such as Trip to Quiapo, a bestselling scriptwriting manual, and novels like Kalahating Bahaghari and Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata, will be available for purchase at the festival venue. A book signing session will follow his talk.

Lee’s appearance at CineMatahum is a rare opportunity, as he seldom holds film talks outside of Manila.

Carolino and Barit will take the CineMatahum stage on Nov. 15.

Carolino, known for her impactful documentaries on social justice and human rights, has earned international recognition for films such as Manila Lockdown, a poignant portrayal of pandemic hardships, and The Youngest, which helped advocate for juvenile justice reforms in the Philippines. Her work has been featured on platforms like Al Jazeera and won awards, including Best Director at the One World Festival in Prague.

As a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Carolino will provide insights on using documentaries to spotlight social issues and support marginalized communities.

Barit, celebrated for his innovative sound design and community filmmaking approach, will discuss directing non-professional actors and producing films on limited budgets. Based in Tuguegarao City, Barit built his career independently of a centralized film industry, offering relatable lessons for aspiring filmmakers in the region. His talk will focus on overcoming technical constraints and emphasize that filmmaking hinges on passion and sincerity over expensive equipment.

Barit’s debut feature, Cleaners, won Best Film and Best Screenplay at the QCinema International Film Festival in 2019, while his short film Luzonensis Osteoporosis has earned several prestigious awards. His session will inspire filmmakers to create meaningful films using local resources and creativity.

This year’s CineMatahum theme, “Films made by people like you, for people like you,” highlights the voices of youth, particularly students, as the heart of the festival.

“We aim to engage the general public in this celebration of cinema, and to understand our communities, we also need to explore the perspectives of the younger generation,” organizers said.

CineMatahum also champions regional narratives, promoting local languages such as Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Akeanon, and advocates for decentralized filmmaking.

The festival promises to be a valuable learning experience, especially for students, promoting films as educational tools. Students will have opportunities to immerse themselves in the filmmaking process, from research and story development to production.

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