For the month of June, Cinemata is hosting the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Pride and Independence screenings that celebrate both Pride Month and the month of the Philippines’ Independence Day. The set of films in the Pride and Independence screenings are a part of the larger CCP Arthouse Cinema event, which brings together a careful curation of indie films, award-winning animation, and documentaries.
Among the works from the screenings one can catch on Cinemata is Eddie Romero’s iconic TV series from the early 90s, Noli Me Tángere. The series is based on an 1887 book by José Rizal, which served as a significant cultural force against the Spanish colonisers in the 19th century.
Also part of the screening is Paolo Villaluna’s 2001 short film Palugid, which explores the social marginalisation of homosexuality through the director’s own experiences as a teenager. Other films in this set of screenings include Tricia Sotaso’s Ang Pagkalaglag ng Ginintuang Salamin ng Pagkakilanlan and Petersen Vargas’ Lisyun Qng Geografia.
The Film Broadcast and New Media Division of the CCP is a driving force of independent filmmaking in the Philippines, running the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and the Gawad Alternatibo awards, among several other events and initiatives.
This partnership with the CPP is only the first to come for the Cinemata platform, which highlights social and environmental issues in the Asia-Pacific. The open source video platform offers independent filmmakers and human rights defenders a free and secure space to screen their films and have engaging discussions with their audiences.
EngageMedia, through Cinemata, is also a community partner of the Burma Spring Benefit Film Festival, which is set to end on June 20.
