In the past couple of years, Philippine cinema has seen revived interest and enthusiasm from local viewers, thanks to a slew of low-budget but exceptionally crafted independent films. Most of these movies have gained local and international recognition. Indie films defy the standard formula of their mainstream counterparts, thus offering a fresh and quality alternative for Filipino moviegoers. More importantly, they paint a more realistic picture of the problems and situations that beset Filipinos.
If you’re a film buff and you’ve seen most of the Pinoy classics, then it’s time you consider exploring the world of indie films. The following are seven highly recommended Pinoy indie films.
- Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros)
This Aureaus Solito masterpiece is perhaps the first indie movie that made the Philippines proud, as it garnered numerous awards from various international film festivals. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros is a poignant story of an effeminate 12-year-old living in the slums. The protagonist faces a dilemma between his admiration for a good-looking police officer and his love for his father and brothers, who happen to be small-time criminals. It was written by Michiko Yamamoto, who previously did the screenplay for another critically acclaimed movie Magnifico.
- Serbis (Service)
The movie shows an interesting snapshot of the Pineda family’s travails in an old, dingy movie house that also serves as their home. Directed by Brillante Mendoza, Serbis tackles issues such as male prostitution, unwanted pregnancy, and bigamy. This indie film won the Palm d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.
- 100
Totally unconventional in its treatment of death as a theme, 100 follows the remaining three months in the life of a cancer-stricken woman who made a list of tasks she has to accomplish before her death. The movie won many awards in Asian film festivals. Palanca-awardee Chris Martinez wrote and directed the film.
- Jay
The film is about a gay TV producer named Jay who documents the brutal murder of a man with the same name and sexual orientation. As the story progresses, Jay discovers more about the personal life of his subject. According to the movie’s director Francis Pasion, Jay is his commentary on Philippine media. And for that, the film bagged the Best Film award in Cinemalaya 2008.
- Kinatay (Butchered)
This is the movie that paved the way for Brillante Mendoza’s distinction as the first filmmaker from the Philippines to earn the Best Director award in the Cannes Film Festival. Kinatay tells the story of a man who takes a high-paying job to make enough money so he could marry his sweetheart. But it turns out that he will be paid to commit murder.
- Yanggaw
A horror-drama in Ilonggo dialect, Yanggaw revolved around the struggle of parents to protect their daughter who developed a mysterious disease and eventually turned into an aswang. The movie offers a different and fresh angle on the local myth involving creatures like aswangs.
- Torotot
With crime of passion as its theme, Torotot tackles infidelity of two couples, how it ruined their relationships, and the violence that ensued. This internationally acclaimed movie was directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes.
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7 Most Recommended Pinoy Indie Films
0In the past couple of years, Philippine cinema has seen revived interest and enthusiasm from local viewers, thanks to a slew of low-budget but exceptionally crafted independent films. Most of these movies have gained local and international recognition. Indie films defy the standard formula of their mainstream counterparts, thus offering a fresh and quality alternative for Filipino moviegoers. More importantly, they paint a more realistic picture of the problems and situations that beset Filipinos.
If you’re a film buff and you’ve seen most of the Pinoy classics, then it’s time you consider exploring the world of indie films. The following are seven highly recommended Pinoy indie films.
This Aureaus Solito masterpiece is perhaps the first indie movie that made the Philippines proud, as it garnered numerous awards from various international film festivals. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros is a poignant story of an effeminate 12-year-old living in the slums. The protagonist faces a dilemma between his admiration for a good-looking police officer and his love for his father and brothers, who happen to be small-time criminals. It was written by Michiko Yamamoto, who previously did the screenplay for another critically acclaimed movie Magnifico.
The movie shows an interesting snapshot of the Pineda family’s travails in an old, dingy movie house that also serves as their home. Directed by Brillante Mendoza, Serbis tackles issues such as male prostitution, unwanted pregnancy, and bigamy. This indie film won the Palm d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Totally unconventional in its treatment of death as a theme, 100 follows the remaining three months in the life of a cancer-stricken woman who made a list of tasks she has to accomplish before her death. The movie won many awards in Asian film festivals. Palanca-awardee Chris Martinez wrote and directed the film.
The film is about a gay TV producer named Jay who documents the brutal murder of a man with the same name and sexual orientation. As the story progresses, Jay discovers more about the personal life of his subject. According to the movie’s director Francis Pasion, Jay is his commentary on Philippine media. And for that, the film bagged the Best Film award in Cinemalaya 2008.
This is the movie that paved the way for Brillante Mendoza’s distinction as the first filmmaker from the Philippines to earn the Best Director award in the Cannes Film Festival. Kinatay tells the story of a man who takes a high-paying job to make enough money so he could marry his sweetheart. But it turns out that he will be paid to commit murder.
A horror-drama in Ilonggo dialect, Yanggaw revolved around the struggle of parents to protect their daughter who developed a mysterious disease and eventually turned into an aswang. The movie offers a different and fresh angle on the local myth involving creatures like aswangs.
With crime of passion as its theme, Torotot tackles infidelity of two couples, how it ruined their relationships, and the violence that ensued. This internationally acclaimed movie was directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes.
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About the Author
Named after the Roman deity of love, Venus is no romance guru or hopeless romantic. Her opinions on love and relationships border on the radical. This practical and independent person would rather spend time working on her laptop or doing house chores than going on dates or looking for “the one.” Not that she shuns company—she is just happy and content being alone. A journalism graduate from the University of the Philippines, Venus, 25, advocates a free, ethical, and responsible media. Writing is her passion, and teaching is her first love. She currently works for the Web content development team of a U.S.-based company and takes freelance jobs when she has time to spare. Yes, she is an insufferable workaholic, but she doesn’t mind juggling different tasks because it pays the bills and keeps her sane.
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