This 3rd year of our film showcase, we are very excited to present fresh new works from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora. But more importantly, I am very much honored to be able to share works by and about the people of the Cordilleras. 

One of the main goals of this festival is to showcase a plurality of voices to match the equally diverse Filipino experience. At the same time, it is very difficult to do this in a film festival because film and mass media texts are generally produced only by those with the opportunities and access to resources, leaving out segments of the population that are the most vulnerable and underrepresented. Oftentimes, these include indigenous peoples. And when they are actually represented, it is mostly to exoticize them (and titillate the audiences). One need only think of Gerardo de Leon’s epic “caveman drama” Banaue, starring Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon (not any indigenous person) in the leading roles.

In recent years, digital technology has democratized the means to make films. Although it has empowered some indigenous filmmakers to start sharing their voices, and regional film festivals are trying to decentralize film distribution we still have a long way to go in order to achieve full regional representation. Not to mention that film education and literacy has yet to be fully inclusive as well. This is where Diwa steps in and tries to make a small, but hopefully steady and meaningful impact.

In this year’s installment, we will be exploring indigenous women’s rights in Habi Collective’s Bontoc, Rapeless, the life of Fang Od, the Last Tattoo artist of the Kalinga in Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok, and learn more about regional and diasporic filmmaking in the many other short films we are sharing with the Seattle Community.

I hope you join us as we explore not only the highlands of Northern Luzon, but also the islands of the Philippines, and the imaginary landscaped of the Filipino diaspora. And I hope this year’s showcase leaves you more knowledgeable and respectful of the many cultures of the Philippines.