(photo
taken at https://www.facebook.com/iskalawags)
ISKALAWAGS
Review
It’s no surprise for a Cebuano filmmaker to capture the
humor of the visayan crowd. Iskalawags a 2013 film funded and distributed by
Cinema One Originals, story by Erik Tuban Screen Play by Keith Deligero, Remton
Zuasola and Gale Osorio and Directed by Keith Deligero a film shot at Camotes Island,
Cebu. Last September 19, 2014 Iskalawags was shown at the CAFA Theatre under
Binisaya Film Festival. The whole theatre was into it, even to the closest
detail.
One of the things
that catch my attention was the cast and how Keith Deligero formed them.
Iskalawags reminded me of the film “The Little Rascals” a 1994 American comedy
film directed by Penelope Spheeris with kids as the main actors. It was a
breath taking experience for me and to see those kids acting like professional
actors. It wasn’t new to me of how Keith delivers his directing to the kids, it
was very similar on how Remton Zuasola’s “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria” manages to
pull of a natural acting to its actors.
Keith Deligero’s approach to this film has a bit of a
touch from his past film; it has “Baboy Irong Buang” and “Kordero Sa Dios”.
From the color of the picture up until to the sound you can really feel the indie-ness
of it, the rawness and organic feel of the film. Punk soundtrack really sums up
its whole attitude.
Story was another reason that the film sticks all of my
senses until the last very end; I called this type of film a “Feel Good Film”.
These are the types of films were my grip to reality set loose. Last time I had
these “Feel Good Film” was watching a Wes Anderson Films were all the story
were based on the characters, revolves to the characters and all you have to do
is to follow what may happened to the characters.
Studio Ghibli’s
“Spirited Away” an animated film is also one of the feel good movies
that I saw. The feeling was really remarkable and you don’t want to miss a
single scene of it. Iskalawags showed these elements that I really adored. Very
nostalgic film, an autobiography probably of the writer, a pure nostalgic and
action scenes and don’t forget Jeric Raval! It is a combination of fun,
exciting and full of curiosity. It is a type of film that you hope and wish
that there will be a sequel.
Iskalawags a barrio-core film that really does showed
barrio stuff. This movie is something bisaya people from the province can
relate to, were limited information entertainment can sometimes have. This
movie we’ll surely give Cebuanos attention and make them proud to be a Cebuano.
It opens another light of hope to the Cebuano film
industry. It may not be that huge but from the reviews of this film it really
sure given us a chance to improve our industry. Iskalawags opened a lot of
possibilities and exciting upcoming films. Looking forward to Keith’s upcoming
project soon and to Remton’s upcoming “Soap O Pera”. Iskalawags is surely a
huge “#throwback” for me.
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