MCL students to compete in an online international film fest
A short narrative film created by Digital Arts and Design (DAD) students of Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) is one of the 30 finalists from various countries that will compete in the 180 Microcinema Festival 2012, an online international film festival.
“Munting Alay” has been shortlisted from more than 200 entries to become one of the finalists in the competition. The team behind the film was ecstatic over their nomination.
Professor Mark Esguerra, whose class was involved in the production of the film, said being chosen as a finalist “is a victory in itself.” “I am just so proud of my students for their efforts in the film. ‘Munting Alay’ is a testament that we can all make things happen right here in Malayan Colleges Laguna,” said Prof. Esguerra.
Prof. Esguerra was the one who encouraged his students to submit their works for this year’s Microcinema Festival. The MCL professor was confident that his students would have a high chance of getting selected because of their talent and skills.
“I saw the winner from the 2009 Microcinema Film Festival and I thought to myself, ‘Had we known about this earlier, our students could have done better.’ MCL has a huge pool of young, talented students who are eager to learn and express their ideas through multimedia.
I told my students from DAD 141P B63 last term that I had every intention of winning this year’s Microcinema Film Festival. I never had doubts that one of our entries would make it to the festival,” he added.
Directed by student Jose Chavez, “Munting Alay” follows the story of a homeless boy who scavenges garbage and trash cans for empty bottles, which he sells to earn money. To celebrate a special occasion, he decides to spend his money for that day to buy “expensive” items – a pair of slippers, balloon and ice candy – as presents for someone special to him.
Chavez said he wants to show through his film that, while most people take for granted these things, they are already considered luxuries by others.
“For people who don’t have enough, they struggle just to buy things that are affordable to others. This film aims not to affect pity or sympathy for the less fortunate, but rather appeal to people to appreciate the things they have and to celebrate life,” Chavez said.
First-timers
Chavez cast Paolo Garcia to portray the boy in the film, which runs for three minutes. The production crew and other actors were his fellow students. Adriana Garcia and Francis Ricarte were the screenwriters, while Julian Reyes, Ken Samalio, Rutger Buenaventura were the videographers and production assistants.
A meager budget and the fact that most of the production crew were beginners in filmmaking did not stop them from creating a touching narrative movie.
“We were able to push through with the production of ‘Munting Alay,’ convinced that we can achieve something that will establish Malayan Colleges Laguna as a potential ground for the development of talents,” Chavez said. “We are proud to say that our collective efforts have taken us somewhere new and exciting.”
Chavez has so far directed five videos. Although he is more into graphic design and traditional arts, he is happy that filmmaking gives him a new venue “where I can express my creativity.”
“I am truly happy and grateful for all the support we’ve been getting,” he said.
He is particularly grateful to Prof. Esguerra for encouraging and inspiring him and his fellow students to pursue filmmaking. Prof. Esguerra, who has been making videos since 2000, used to be part of “Lakbay TV” (now “Living Asia Channel”), “Fashion TV Asia” and “Fashion TV Europe.” He now runs his own production company.
More than the cash prize of $30,000, Prof. Esguerra said it is an honor to represent MCL in the international competition.
The film fest is ongoing and people may view the top entries on the Microcinema film fest’s website.
The judges, led by 2011 Academy-Award winning producer Stefanie Walmsley (God of Love), are composed of producers and people behind critically-acclaimed films.
The film who has the highest votes online will win the People’s Choice award. To vote for “Munting Alay (A Small Offering),” click here.
The awarding ceremony will take place at the Power Plant Cinema, Rockwell Center on March 17.
