Not content with taking majority of the awards in the 5th Mindanao FilmFest in 2009 for his film “Sandugo,” Ronald Gary Bautista entered two films for the 6th Mindanao FilmFest. And once again, Bautista and his Studio Beta Productions took home four trophies.
His film, Bakak gave Bautista his second Best Director trophy, the Best Guerilla Film Award, and the Best Film Award. According to the jury, composed of this writer, Teddy Co of the NCCA, and local artist Rudolph Alama, Bakak’s technical excellence and innovative story-telling set the film apart and make it stand out from the other films of the festival.
Bautista and his film represents the future of filmmaking in Mindanao, one that is creative, excellent, and deserving of accolades from both the critics and the viewing public.
Bakak tells the mysterious events that happen when a teacher and his students enter an allegedly haunted building and not all of them survive the excursion. Through the use of a first person point of view in the story-telling, the viewer feels like he is involved in the film.
While the film does not highlight Bautista’s technical expertise, it shows how Bautista can excellently execute a film. The first person point of view is not off putting or annoying and does give the viewer any dizziness. The lighting, the sound, and the cinematography are done well. The film could have failed greatly if not for the excellent editing and direction by Bautista.
The actors, while not required to do any heavy acting, manage to act naturally and well enough for you to believe that they are actually experiencing what their characters are experiencing. They act convincingly and manage to hold the viewers’ interest and sympathy, when necessary. Much kudos to Bautista, Diana Grace Juaban, Mary Carmelle Jumawan, and Kristian Somera.
The story is intriguing but not too complicated or contrived. It’s actually a simple story told in a very interesting manner and in a technically excellent way.
The film might not seem extra interesting or overly dramatic to many viewers and that’s exactly why it succeeded and won awards. It is a simple story executed magnificently. Definitely something different, something that will make you look forward to more films by Bautista and by other Mindanao filmmakers.
Once again, congratulations to Gary and his Studio Beta Productions!
Bakak and Ang Sipyat will both be shown during the Cinema Rehiyon 2011 to be held here in Davao City from February 9 – 13, 2010 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao. Admission is free of charge.