On its 14th year, Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival once again presented a compelling lineup of full-length entry films with the theme “Wings of Vision”. This year’s Short Feature B showcases different tales of struggling relationships that mirror real-life scenarios.
You, Me, and Mr. Wiggles: Marital and sexual relationship
Directed by Jav Velasco and co-written with Denise O’Hara, “You, Me, and Mr. Wiggles” shows how married couples sometimes struggle to make time for each other with their busy schedules. The film depicts how couples like Carlo (Kiko Matos) and Anj (Elora Españo) have to overcome challenges in their relationship, including sexual difficulties.
Synopsis: “Carlo and Anj, is a couple who seem to have it all, except for one for thing – Carlo’s erection. This turns one ordinary night into a night filled with emotional landmines as it challenges their relationship and force themselves to ask the question – can love conquer erectile dysfunction?”
Babylon: A fight between good and evil
Babylon is a satirical dark comedy film about a community in Barangay Babylonia ruled by a local dictator who managed to brainwash his people. Victims of his regime along with two young women who traveled through time, struggle to overthrow the system and kill the evil dictator to preserve goodness in the community.
Synopsis: “In a time before mobile phones, postmodern Erinyes come to Barangay Babylonia to kill a local dictator, a tricky job that causes several fatalities in the process. Strange things occur in this far-off land where roosters and bags of crisps can talk. Good always has lightning bolts on hand, and Evil only needs to intone a couple words to lull anyone within earshot. In order to find the dictator and complete their mission, two women ally themselves with the members of the local opposition.”
Kiko: The things and people who matter
Sometimes in life, we’re blinded by the material things or our earthly desires that we forget to look around us and appreciate what we already have. Kiko also shows us how we tend to realize the value of things and people who matter the most to us only when we are left with nothing.
Synopsis: “The story revolves around Kiko, a blind gay man in his sixties who makes a living as a laundress in a poor coastal community in Batangas City. He raises his eight year old adopted son, Ton-Ton, and supports his lover, Rex by doing his neighbors’ laundry. Despite being visually impaired, his hands and senses do wonders in delivering fresh clean clothes to his neighbors. Kiko’s whole life revolves around Ton-ton and Rex, and that of the drying well which has been vital to his livelihood. He knows his circumstances and had long adapted to them, taking the most of what he can. It’s the same when it comes to Rex, who never stopped philandering and engaging in dubious activities despite Kiko’s unwavering support. As long as he can take care of both of Ton-ton and Rex, Kiko is happy. Things go awry when Rex figures in a drug mess, is hunted by a local syndicate and runs away with all the money Kiko had – leaving Kiko with nary a dime, and void of dignity and pride. In the end, Kiko is left with nothing and no one else but Ton-ton. Depsite the ruckus, Kiko starts the day normally – washing clothes by the drying well. Realizing that there is more than just water in the well, a quick pause is all that Kiko needs to muster enough strength and face a new chapter in his life.”
Siyudad sa Bulawan (City of Gold): Siblings struggling to make a living
Three young brothers take a job in the gold mines of Mt. Diwalwal amidst life-threatening reality. “Siyudad sa Bulawan” shows not just the struggles of these poor kids who are striving to make it on their own, but also the alarming reality of the dangers of illegal mining especially for underaged workers.
Synopsis: “Yoyong (10) together with his siblings, Darwin (14) and Abet (12) work as child gold miners in Mt. Diwalwal, Compostela Valley, Philippines. Amidst the threat of a riot between opposing group of miners, the three brothers bravely decide to continue working in the mines for them to go to school and save enough money for the government housing project. Will they be able to leave Diwalwal or will their dreams crumble down like the giant boulders their small hands chip every day?”
Yakap: Between life and death
What really awaits us after death? “Yakap” tells a woman’s last few moments of life before crossing over to the afterlife through dance. It shows a contrasting scenarios between life and death — that of the woman who died and those she left behind.
Synopsis: A woman lays on a bed, barely breathing. In between life and death, her soul is surrounded by settings from her past. A familiar face comes to escort her to the afterlife.
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