File under "What I Did This Summer"
Arkipelago hosted a reception for Filipino filmmakers whose films are being featured in this year's AAIFF. Last night's gathering with the filmmakers, producers, ACV folks, actors, artists and groupies was a very succesful event. We had in attendance at least 50 people. We bought drinks for the filmmakers and provided finger foods for everyone. LP gave maARTe stickers to the filmmakers to wear with pride. We made LP's copy of the AAIFF program book, the official Arkipelago "slam book" and had the filmmakers and ACV staff present sign it. We had a blast!
Some in attendance included: Marilou Diaz Abaya - Dir of Bagong buwan, Jose Rizal, Muro Ami; Angel Shaw - Acting Exec Director of ACV; David Maquiling - Festival Co-director; Jeffrey Jeturian - Dir of Tuhog, Pila Balde; Chris Castillo - Dir of The Sky is Falling, son of Celso Castillo; Sari Lluch Dalena - Dir of Memories of Forgotten War, Bullet Days; Keith Sicat - filmmaker; Mark Bella - Dir of She; Don de Leon - Dir of Passport, RP63 Productions; Roger Garcia - Film Critic;
Noel Shaw - Dir of The dreams stuff is made of...
I was pretty disappointed that only three Arkipelago members came to it, considering we were the hosts. Sayang, it was a rare experience. And dobleng sayang if the reason some didn't come was out of intimidation... It was actually cool, kasi, ala "mutual admiration society" many of the folks there actually READ maARTe. It sorta lessened the possible intimidation coz they had that respect for what we did too. I'm always surprised and super kilig when people I haven't previously met tell me they read maARTe. I'm such a dork. Hehe...
B and I bought tickets for Lav Diaz's Batang West Side on Wed, Tuhog on Thurs, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Bagong Buwan on Sat. Will we see you NYC- based guys there??
