By Agustin F. San Andres Jr.
Photos courtesy of Orbit and Lucky 9 Productions

Out of 23 films included in the Cinemalaya 2020 Indie Nation Shorts Category, two  entries were directed by Far Eastern University (FEU) filmmakers namely Ang Nawawalang Haligi by Sarah Regacho and Orbit Productions; and Mata by Bryan Padilla and Lucky 9 Productions.

Carrying the theme of valuing family relationship, this is the inspiration of Communication alumna Regacho, 21, in crafting Ang Nawawalang Haligi.

“Madalas na binabalewala o minamaliit at hindi nabibigyan ng importansya [ang pamilya] ngunit kung tutuusin napakalaki ng epekto nito sa paghubog ng ating pagkatao (Sometimes [we] ignore or belittle and don’t give importance [to our family] but in reality they play a big role in forming our identity),” she stated.

In an online interview, Regacho shared the challenges and hardships faced by her team like script revisions, re-shooting and lack of budget.

As of writing, Regacho admitted that she cannot believe that their hard work and hardships had paid off.

“Ikinagagalak naming Orbit Production ang pangyayari at isang karangalan sa amin at sa ating paaralan ang mapabilang dito (We, The Orbit Productions are delighted with what happened and it is an honor for us and to our school to be included here),” she added.

On the other hand, Communication alumnus Padilla, 28, got his inspiration from extra-judicial killings and fake news in his film Mata.

Like Regacho, Padilla also encountered many problems in creating his film. This includes inadequate equipment, location set-up and their security since the setting of their film is midnight.

Padilla shared that he is still in awe after their film qualified in Cinemalaya 2020.

“Ito ay napaka-sayang experience para sa ‘min [ng Lucky 9 Productions]. May chance na kami na ipakita sa buong mundo ang aming ginawa. So far, magagandang mga feedbacks ang nare-receive namin mula sa mga suki ng Cinemalaya, (This is our [Lucky 9 Productions] happiest experience. We finally have the chance to showcase our craft around the world. So far, we received good feedbacks from people who already watched Cinemalaya),” he said.

Moreover, the alumnus challenged the Tamaraws and everyone to watch Cinemalaya despite that each film has its different form and content.

“Hinahamon ko kayo. Panuorin niyo lahat ng nasa Cinemalaya at subukan niyong intindihin lahat base sa kung anong nangyayari sa ating bansa at sa araw-araw nating pamumuhay (I am challenging you to watch all the films in Cinemalaya and try to understand it based on what is happening in our country and everyday life),” he ended.

Despite its virtual set-up, this year marked the 16th edition of the said film festival that will run from August 7 to August 16.