Conversations on Philippine Cinema Ignite at the NO SHOWING Booth at Art Fair Philippines

At the rooftop of the Art Fair Philippines, the NO SHOWING booth, curated by filmmaker Moira Lang, became an unexpected hub for in-depth discussions about the Philippine film industry. Under the disguise of a laid-back speakeasy, complete with a dance floor surrounded by vintage movie posters bathed in red light, the booth facilitated important dialogues among movie professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Engaging Dialogues Among Film Enthusiasts

Lang set the stage for an atmosphere where guests could comfortably sip their drinks and discuss matters ranging from film production challenges to the blurred lines between indie and mainstream cinema. During the fair, which kicked off on February 15, the space hosted filmmakers, actors, and critics all engaging in meaningful conversations about the future of filmmaking in the Philippines.

Reflecting on Cinema's Evolving Landscape

The subject of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and the success of movies like Gomburza, Firefly, and Rewind sparked considerable discussion. Veteran director Carlos Siguion-Reyna and National Artist Ricardo “Ricky” Lee expressed optimism seeing moviegoers returning to cinemas and embracing diverse narratives. Lee stressed his belief in the staying power of big-screen experiences despite the convenience of streaming services.

National Artists' Take on Film Industry's Prospects

Sharing insights with young filmmakers and fans were also Kidlat Tahimik and Ricardo Lee, offering words of encouragement. Rising film school alumni like Martika Ramirez Escobar and Petersen Vargas also attended, showcasing the promising talent emerging within the industry.

The Role of Archives in Film Preservation

Ricky Orellana, from Mowelfund Film Institute, emphasized the significance of improving access to film archives, signaling that digitization efforts and online catalogs are on the rise to support film-related research and preservation.

A Festive Finale

The event wrapped up with Moira Lang overseeing the disassembly of the booth, including the removal of posters that called for the release of filmmaker Jade Castro - a topic of conversation among the attendees. Lang reflected on the unexpected turns life can take, often mirroring the unpredictability of film plots.

cinema, conversation, industry