Ilonggos: Vote for Sirko
An entry in the 180 Microcinema Festival
For more details about the event and how to vote for Sirko before or on Sept. 30, 2009, view www.180cinema.net
“Sirko” is the lone Ilonggo entry in the Narrative Category of the Microcinema Festival, hosted by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). This is a nationwide online film competition.
Its filmmaker is Marcelo Tolentino IV, 29, an established events photographer and videographer from Alimodian, Iloilo. He had been in this line of work for five years, thus the transition to cinema is natural in his field.
He owns and manages Block 50 Photography located in Alimodian.
His first film was “Quakery”. He is currently putting together a longer version of ‘Sirko’s materials, among other endeavors.
So, what is Sirko about? “Basically, it’s a reflection. My own or anybody else’s, who has gone, is going and will go through life’s ups and downs. It’s finding your place amid the chaos and confusion of the material world. In which, there will be a continuing struggle for we have falsely identified our existence as material and mundane,” said Tolentino.
“To quote a comment, ‘A highly expressive metaphorical interpretation of life’s common misinterpretations. Through a haunting soundtrack, filtered imagery and meaningful transitions, one is ‘drawn to a world’ that is deeply personal yet, humanly universal. A cinematographic portfolio of the director’s competence and potential,’” he added.
According to Tolentino, the shooting took place at a built set along the bank of Alimodian’s Aganan Rivera for three rainy nights. The cast and crew consisted of 20 friends and acquaintances. The whole film preparation lasted for 10 days.
The cast consists of Karen Joy Amargo, 18, as the sirkera; Kirk Almira, 18, as the unano; Patrick Jhan Medez, 18, the barako; Marilou Martinez, 53, the tiketera; Manuel Jose II Alibagon, 16, the suki; Cleo Cassandra Corook, 17, the payaso; and Maestro Julie Mark Alitre, 27, as the choreographer. The cast consists of ordinary individuals – in between jobs, unoccupied, driver, barbecue vendor, student, among others.
“I invite all interested Ilonggo filmmakers to take advantage of this opportunity to start, finish, or expose the “movies in their minds”. They have until October 26 to do so. Everyone is also encouraged to view this year’s 180Microcinema Festival entries, register, post their comments, and most importantly, vote. Independent and short films need your support. In particular, the cast and crew appeal to all Ilonggos to “Spin the System”. Give three minutes of their time to view and take ‘Sirko’ into consideration. Also, to remind everyone that the cut-off date for voting for the First Round is on September 30.”
He adds, “On a personal note, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the people who, and will, volunteer their time, mobilize their resources, activate their networks and put on their red noses for the success of this project. Competition or not, it already is. With special shout out to Corazon Berjes,” said Tolentino.
For more details about the event and how to vote for Sirko before or on Sept. 30, 2009, view www.180cinema.net.
Tolentino’s Block 50 Photography is located at Cañonero Street , Alimodian Public Market, Alimodian, Iloilo. He can be reached through email elod4th@yahoo.com or mobile number 0918-4682517.