The Entertainment and Cinema in the Cordillera Administrative Region are locally producing short films that showcase the Igorot culture.
Nestor C. Clemente from Kankanaey Benguet made the film Ganab di Anos, a Cinema Region entry in Davao; Ganab di Talek, and Into payda Ama en Ina, a film that focuses on the fruits of perseverance and trust. Each of the films are more than an hour long.
Clemente is from Kananaey Benguet, a director and event organizer and is part of the Cordillera Indigenous Audio and Video Association (Producers) or “CIAVA”. His films are based on true to life stories that feature the Cordilleran way of life.
According to Clemente, there are challenges in filmmaking. First is the budget, which should include sponsorships and a starting budget of 100,000-150,000 PHP. Second, the production of one man including equipment, and lighting. The third is the marketing of house to house and pirating issues. Fourth is the distribution that includes pirating and pricing.
There are remedy measures employed on the challenges encountered along the following. First, the budget through sponsorships and promoting the business. Second, for the production, the film should can only start shooting when a budget is readily available. Third, the marketing will have a house-to-house along Cordillera and an outlet in the market. Fourth, the distribution around Cordillera, its distributors, and wholesalers.
While focusing on the Status of the Cordilleran film Industry in Baguio City, there are advantages and disadvantages of Cordilleran Filmmaking to the filmmakers. The advantages are the promotion of culture and arts, developing talents, income generating and promoting values. There are few disadvantages in the long-term in taking films, crab mentality, modern films, long absence of family and financial struggle. Despite this, it helps us understand the status of the local film and filmmakers. Cordilleran films show the rich cultures in the Philippines and we suggest everyone experience watching a Cordilleran film.**By Ahmet KIRAN, UB Intern
