1. "Dory" by Beverly Ramos
This film tells the story of Theodoro Ilagan best known as Dory, a 101-year-old homosexual who lived in Tondo, Manila. Dory is a transwoman who used to have 4 beauty parlors and 25 employees. Her female pseudonym is Dory Hernandez, she said that Hernandez came from his past lover's surname. Dory is someone who firmly believes in the word of God, hence even though she and Tony lasted for years, she forced Tony to marry a woman to have his own family. As selfless as she is, Dory only wished for her lover's happiness.
I liked the realistic approach of the film, given that it's in the form of a short documentary. I also liked the flow of the interview as it truly gave the gist of Dory's life. The video quality is quite presentable and the camera movements were stable. Thus, I like to commend the screenplay writer for delivering a great message from Dory's story.
The film to me is very much substantial because I got to learn the kind of hurdles and struggles the LGBTQ community could go through as they reach old age. I also find the story inspirational because of Dory's resilience and perseverance regardless of everything she went through. I can also see how faithful she is to God especially on the part where she was praying before she heads to work. No one is taking care of her but I believe God is guiding her side even to her last days. The memory of Dory being a good person will always remain in this world.
2. "Aswang" by Hannah Grace B. Maur
Aswang for me is a film that is quite interesting. It tells the story of a young boy named Ruben who suspects her neighbor Lilith of being Aswang, a Filipino term for shape-shifting evil creatures. Lilith is a beautiful girl who shares a suspicious interest in Ruben's family. Ruben's mother is currently pregnant hence he developed a hunch that Lilith is Aswang as she visited their home to give her Mother some sweet potatoes. His hunch built up as Lilith asked him about the baby's gender. However, the surprising twist made the whole story interesting when Ruben found out that Lilith was not a shape-shifting monster but is actually a mistress of his Father.
As for the film's quality, I think its strength was the animation shown in the initial part of the film that is quite attractive. I like the creativity in that initial part because it's quite catchy. The videography is also cinema-worthy especially the filter and colors used, as well as the camera angles.
To me, the film carries a heavy message which caters to a timely realistic approach. Ruben, being a young innocent boy who lives in fantasy by reading horror comic books, was traumatized by what he had ascertained. His innocent hunch was tainted with realistic truth, as he discovered the real relationship of Lilith and his Father. He was hurt, confused, and traumatized by that truth, especially with the fact of not knowing how to tell his pregnant Mother. The film overall tells the reality of most families. It is a fact that the children are most affected when their parents commit such mistakes. The most traumatizing part is when the child himself witnessed his parent's sinful act. Children could bring those terrible memories into their adulthood, hence most people contain childhood traumas. The movie overall contains depth and substance when you rationally think of it.
3. Sariling Guhit by Ron Nigel Mosot
This short film is quite entertaining to watch. I liked the transition of the images because it oozes unpredictability. The film felt like I'm watching a real comic movie. I admire that there's simplicity in most drawings but it doesn't compromise the emotions in the characters. The background sound also gave more aesthetics hence I enjoyed watching it. The sound and moving pictures are so complementary to the story. It reminds me of my childhood where I'd be sitting in our living room right after breakfast to watch some nickelodeons.
Moreover, the video quality is quite fun and presentable. The video screams artistry and creativity. I also like how they included the recorded video of the artist creating his masterpiece behind the scene. Artists in our country sadly don't receive that much recognition as people are not that supportive in this field especially by most families. However, I admire all the artists in our country who continuously follow their passion regardless of all the stereotypes in their chosen field.
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