‘Yes, this is an emotional film and can be difficult to watch at times, but it’s uplifting too and Mindanao is a destination worth taking.‘
–Liisi Rohumäe
Perhaps, compared to others, Brillante Mendoza’s Mindanao may seem like a film that is not very easy to watch, especially this Christmas season. One may be led to think that—by the title and the photo of Allen Dizon in military uniform brandishing a gun—it will be a film focused on violence, war and all it entails, which may not be proper for the festive occasion. However, Mindanao has both light and depth; it will prove to be a fine choice should one decide to watch it.
The story of Mindanao revolves around a Muslim family—of Saima (played by Judy Ann Santos) who must strive to keep her cancer-stricken daughter alive while her husband, Malang Datupalo (Allen Dizon) works as a combat medic in anti-terrorism missions that take him around Mindanao.
The main thing you can say about the film Mindanao is that it is a film with a serious purpose. It is our opinion–and the opinion of many others who took the time to watch the film, whether locally or internationally, that Mindanao is worth one’s time, and here are some of the reasons we considered:
-Mindanao has a very positive message: that wherever we may live, whatever our difference we are one; that we laugh, we cry, we suffer and we hope for we are human beings, who are capable of so much kindness; that we can help each other, and make decisions to act in order to cure the ills of our nation—and there are so many great things we can do if we only focus our resources and energies for peace.
-It is good for the children, for the film has absorbing animation that is based on the legend of Rajah Indarapatra and Rajah Sulayman, two warrior-brothers who saved Mindanao from ravaging dragons. It uses Maguindanaon dialect.
-Mindanao educates; it aims to show the side of Mindanao that very often most do not see in the news; its culture and traditions, its languages and stories.
-It is a tribute to all who sacrifice and serve the nation, whatever religion or whatever position they may have in life.
– Mindanao wishes to further raise awareness about child cancer, and the support the children and their parents/carers need; it is created in partnership with Kythe Foundation, and the House of Hope in Davao.
-It highlights the goodness of people; it does not rely on loud verbal quarrels or evil villains but teaches Filipino values.
-It shows the importance of love and the effects of our decisions—for the family, for our friends and the country.
-It shows how strong we can be as individuals and as a people—our women, our men and the children, our resilence and ability to stand and smile in the face of adversity.
-Last but not the least, part of the film’s earnings will be donated to the Kythe Foundation. http://kythe.org
And if it’s additional encouragement, the film has been recognized and awarded in international film festivals. Need we repeat that it won Best Actress Award for Judy Ann Santos and Best Artistic Contribution for Team Mindanao.
We encourage all to watch the films included in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. It is Christmas season, and let us choose what type of films please us most, and in what order we should watch them. Do you want to cry first and laugh later, or laugh now and cry afterwards?
See you at the cinemas on December 25!
One Philippines Filmmakers 