Bwakaw

I made a mental note that if ever I do get the time, I will indulge in watching

 indie films. I always thought these kinds of movies were more than their

 picture of violence, sex and Philippine poverty. It was a wake-up call that 

there are more pressing matters out there that are rarely addressed other than

 mistresses, rich chicks slapping each other really hard and men in swords living

 in magical worlds. In all honesty, I first thought indie films were doomed for

 gloom. But hooray for Jun Robles Lana's Bwakaw. It challenged the stereotype

 that independent films are all about negatives. I saw the trailer of the film in 

Cinema One and knew instantly that I HAVE to watch it.

Movie Review:

  

Bwakaw is a story about Rene, an old gay man who came out late in his life. He thinks it is now too late for love and that life has already passed by him. He finds companionship on Bwakaw, a stray dog that hangs around his house. Throughout the movie, he is seen preparing for his death- buying a coffin and writing his last will. But in a sudden twist of irony, Bwakaw suffers cancer and dies first. The whole scenario, although tragic, has led to a bigger realizations and understanding. Rene eventually finds solace in his new-found meaning of life and enjoys the little things it has to offer.

The mix of melodrama and comedy was something to look forward to in this film. As easy as it is a tear-jerker, it can tickle funnybones as well. It can be noted that Director Jun Lana wanted the mood of the movie to be light and accessible to any audience, but at the same time he aimed to expose some of human's vulnerabilities- topics about growing old and finding oneself.

As genius as its plot, the cinematography of the movie was not one to be left out. The seemingly sepia effect they did gave a sad vintage feel to the film making the scenes surrender into the same boring routines the protagonist, Rene, underwent. The colors were brought up as soon as the movie enters into the more positive events. There were barely musical accompaniments to the film. But it can be agreed that the lack of which only adds to the piercing sadness and silence in the old man's life. All in all, the experience of watching the movie was like scouring through a bunch of old timeless photographs and finding a beautiful story behind it.

Casting Eddie Garcia as Rene was a perfect puzzle fit. Six decades of experience in the business coupled with numerous awards and recognition, you would think the 83 year-old has had every role bagged. But the FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) Hall of Famer still has plenty of tricks up his sleeves as he delivers yet another breathtaking portrayal. The shift from playing villains in the '50s to a lonely gay man in his twilight years, Garcia proves to be a driving force of the movie scene and constantly keeps the people guessing what is next for the renowned actor-director. Along with other great artists like Rez Cortez, Bibeth Orteza, Armida Siguion-Reyna, the film becomes a buffet of talents engaging various critics here and abroad.

Since its premiere at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival last July 2012, Bwakaw received positive reviews and both local and international praises. The movie has then been getting a large following that bids for it to become the first Filipino film to be nominated in the Oscars Best Foreign Language category- a pretty big leap for a film whose director had very simple expectations for it.

I do hope more films like this get produced and shown. It would be a shame to think that a beautifully-crafted work like Bwakaw is being celebrated in other cities around the world meanwhile here in the country, only few people have seen it. As much as John Lloyd movies make us swoon, it's no crime either to go gaga over films that showcase everyday conflicts and scenarios. Be it as controversial as sexuality, as emotional as aging and death or as hilarious as slapstick comedy, life is there for art to imitate. Are we to be so focused on clichéd happy endings and computer generated special effects? Independent films await your response.

  ***

The independent movie industry has done it again, producing a masterpiece worth being catapulted for a shot at the Oscars. Jun Robles Lana's Bwakaw has then been receiving awards and positive reviews here and there as well as prestigious international recognitions. It can be concurred that the film's success was due to its magnificent story and storytelling- the yin-yang balance of melancholic emotions and laugh out loud humor used in subtly touching sensitive topics such as sexuality and religion has been a treat for all. But then again, it can also be attributed to Manoy Eddie Garcia's unparalleled genius in portraying the protagonist or Director Lana's wit in creating and delivering a subject so rarely given attention. In any case, it was a triple threat proving the indie film scene is still up at its game.

Critically acclaimed

The Cinemalaya festival is the country's premier go to for quality independent films. And last July 2012, Lana's Bwakaw became part of the Director's Showcase category of the 8th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and was able to win home an Audience Choice Award and a Best Actor Award for Eddie Garcia.

It was also recognized as the Best Film by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Awards. The drama-comedy has then been shown in various film festivals in New York, Hawaii and Toronto garnering reviews from film critics all over.

Throughout the movie's success, it has also bids to become the first Filipino film to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. Although being featured in the New York Times' award season blog, The Carpetbagger last December 2012 and receiving good reviews from leading Oscar prediction site, AwardsCircuit.com, the film being nominated for foreign language Oscar was still considered a long shot.

In an interview with Interaksyon.com, Lana admitted, “When we submitted this, we had very simple aspirations. We just wanted Eddie Garcia to win best actor at the festival for independent film in the Philippines. But this film has really exceeded my wildest expectations, and now that we’re here, we just want to see how far we can take this.” However, the film did not make the cut for the Academy Awards which premiered last February 24, 2013.

Jun Robles Lana for Indie

After years in commercial film-making, the 12-time Palanca winner decides to go back to his roots and take a break from the demands of mainstream.

“Writing, producing and directing “Bwakaw” was quite liberating. For the first time, there were no templates; I was on my own, relying on my instincts and resources,” he states in Philippine Daily Inquirer's online site.

Jun, 40, has been praised for his independent film, Bwakaw. And what's not to be praised? The humor and poignancy of the script as well as the brilliant choice of cast has been an edge itself. But aside from these, it has been pointed out how the director showed restraint in the movie process.

“From the beginning it was clear to me that the best way to capture the spirit of the film, especially the unbearable silences and sadness in Rene’s life, was to be sparing with my coverage and camera movement. I did not expect that by exercising a lot of restraint, audiences would respond even more positively,” he says.

Lana, a Communication Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, also shares how he got the idea for the film, saying “I wrote Bwakaw as a way of remembering my writing mentor, celebrated Filipino playwright Rene Villanueva, who died in 2007.” The late playwright happened to be Lana's mentor in high school. The former used to facilitate playwriting workshops and would supervise the latter's plays and scripts.

As for upcoming projects, Lana says he plans to do more of his own works.

“I am looking forward to producing and directing two old scripts of mine. One is an edgy comedy entitled “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes,” and the other a period film called “Kwentong Barbero,” about the first female barber in a male-dominated small town,” Lana shares.

Nuggets of Wisdom from Manoy

Hailed as the Filipino Clint Eastwood by several U.S based critics, Eddie Garcia is certainly the epitome of what acting is all about.

At 83, the Bwakaw star talks about professionalism in the showbiz industry and love for the art. “Para sa akin kasi, ang bawat role na ginagampanan mo, dapat pagbutihin mo. Because it will be the best recommendation for another role. Kahit gaanong kaliit, pagbutihin mo,” he says.

Garcia, who is a proud Bicolano, also shares his secrets for being able to stay in the industry for six decades now saying, “Ako kasi, I’ve always considered acting or directing as a job. So, you make the most of it. Give a veritable performance para magtagal ka. Para sa akin kasi trabaho lang ito.”

With that said, it is no question why wise Manoy managed to snatch himself a Best Actor award in the recent Cinemalaya Festival on top of monster feats: a FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) Hall of Famer in three categories: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director; an Urian Lifetime Achievement Awardee with some 34 trophies and 23 nominations from different award-winning bodies.

Also, the Juan dela Cruz star recently  tied with Alfred Vargas for Best Actor at the 10th Golden Screen Awards, in addition to his many achievements. 

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