1st Mogwai Film Festival

THE FIRST UNOFFICIAL MFF (MOGWAI FILM FESTIVAL)

This “festival” was inspired by a conversation.

In 2006, when attempting to discuss the problems of the Metro Manila Film Festival with one of the Philippine’s most prominent female film directors, I was told “what do you want from me? A quote?!

… that was disheartening.

Later in the conversation the former FDCP head said “why don’t you just start your own festival!?”

And so it is.

From December 28 – December 30, and continuing from January 2 – January 13, bar/arts space MOGWAI in the Marikina Shoe Expo will hold something like a film festival.

As we all know, the annual Metro Manila Film Festival is problematic: it is under the authority of the same people that handle our garbage (…literally). If it is, as we believe, a form of oppression to have our viewing options from December 25 – January 7 limited to the films of the MMFF, then consider this, the first “MFF” our attempt at liberation.

The MMFF’s criteria for selection (ever-evolving, this year worse than ever) is this: 50 percent commercial viability, 40 percent creativity and innovativeness, 10 percent cultural and historical values.

The MFF’s criteria for selection is this: 100% good cinema, in all shapes and sizes (with special attention paid to films that deserve more of an audience than they have had).

The Mogwai Cinematheque is attempting to build an audience; a community of informed and active viewers, that enter into a dialogue with the films they watch. Screenings will be followed by discussions (with the director or someone intimately involved in the film). Screenings are free. Donations are welcome. Come often, but come early: the venue seats a maximum of 35 people.

- Alexis A. Tioseco, Editor, www.criticine. com December 2007

SCREENING SCHEDULE:

December 28, Friday, 1pm
Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino (Lav Diaz)
(Evolution of a Filipino Family)

December 29, Saturday, 1pm
Heremias, Unang Aklat: Ang Alamat ng Prinsesang Bayawak (Lav Diaz)
(Heremias, Book One: The Legend of the Lizard Princess)

December 30, Sunday, 1pm
Kagadanan sa Banwaan ning mga Engkanto (Lav Diaz)
(Death in the Land of Encantos )

January 2, Wednesday, 9pm
Otros Trilogy + Todo Todo Teros (John Torres)

January 3, Thursday, 9pm
Sa North Diversion Road (Dennis Marasigan)
(On the North Diversion Road )

January 4, Friday, 7pm & 8pm
Antoinette Jadaone shorts
Roxlee Animated shorts

January 5, Saturday, 7pm & 9pm
In Da Red Korner (Dado Lumibao)
When Timawa Meets Delgado (Ray Gibraltar)

January 6, Sunday, 1pm
Kagadanan sa Banwaan ning mga Engkanto (Lav Diaz)
(Death in the Land of Encantos )

January 7, Monday, 9pm
Sa Aking Pagkakagising Mula sa Kamulatan (Ato Bautista)
(Awaken)

January 8, Tuesday, 9pm
Short Works + Huling Balyan ng Buhi (Sherad Anthony Sanchez)

January 9, Wednesday, 9pm & 10pm
Otros Trilogy + Todo Todo Teros (John Torres)

January 10, Thursday, 9pm
In Da Red Korner (Dado Lumibao)

January 11, Friday, 9pm
When Timawa Meets Delgado (Ray Gibraltar)

January 12, Saturday, 7pm & 9pm
Raya Martin Double Bill:
Maicling pelicula nañg ysañg indio nacional (O Ang Mahabang Kalungkutan ng Katagalugan)
(A Short Film About the Indio Nacional (Or, the Prolonged Sorrow of Filipinos)

Autohystoria

January 13, Sunday
Discussion Day

Mogwai Cinematheque
62 and 63, Cubao Expo,
Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, QC
+632.913.1060
+63916.778.5665
+63922.987.9157
mogwaifilm.multiply.com
Open daily from 6:00pm to 2:00am.