Cotabato City and the good Maguindanaons certainly know how to welcome their guests as they have shown when internationally-acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza brought his film ‘Mindanao’ last January 7 to AlNor Cinema for its red carpet premiere in the Bangsamoro region.
This is what happens when people open their hearts to a good message and choose to understand, therefore encouraging fair dialogue on issues—which is the intention of the film Mindanao.
Together with Vince Rillon and international film festival veteran and multi-awarded actor—MMFF 2019’s Best Actor—Allen Dizon, Mendoza was treated to a lavish lunch which they enjoyed and also had a very simple press conference at Cafe Mindanaw.
They were also interviewed by Ms. Nikki ‘The Monster’ in the studio of 92.7 Happy FM Cotabato where Brillante Mendoza gamely and easily answered all the questions and clarified matters especially the issues that critics have raised about the film.
At 7 pm they proceeded to the red carpet screening, where the audience cheerfully received them. The event was presented by the government of Cotabato City, Anak Mindanao Partylist, and also graced by the presence of the good LGU officials such as the Mayor of Datu Odin Sinsuat Maguindanao, Cheryl Mary Rose Ann Lu Sinsuat, BARMM Assistant Secretary of Tourism Bai Shalimar Candao, OIC City Treasurer of Cotabato City Mr. Teddy Inta.
It was also graced by the kind Bai Annisa Alonto Biruar—Royal Ladies of Lanao; Datu Manny Balabaran—Board of Trustees NDU Alumni Association; Ms. Conching Mistral—President of Metro Cotabato Chamber; Atty. Jamar Kulayan; Architect Marlo Basco of AlNor Complex and Ms. Fatima Kanakan, NCCA Representative for Indigenous Tribe; Cotabato City Media Groups, BARMM Employees Group and Cotabato City Bankers Group.
Even before this screening, Mendoza already had a fondness for the city and the Maguindanaons, having visited the area previously. We were able to interview him about it.
OPF: Congratulations on your film. How does it feel that the people received it so warmly?
Mendoza: I cannot name all of them but I want them to know that I am thankful to all those who made this happen—those who invited us, those who came to watch and supported us. Sukran! I have to say, I never once doubted the kindness and the civility of the Cotabateños and the people of Maguindanao, because I have travelled there before, and they treated us well. I never forget those who receive us kindly. I appreciate them more than ever.
OPF: How was your previous visit to Cotabato/Maguindanao?
Mendoza: You know I just smile when some angrily say that I do not know its geography because they are so wrong. We don’t announce what we do but we’ve travelled around, in fact we’re familiar with AlNor because my people have stayed there…the streets, the tricycles ..we ate pastil and drank coffee at the newer market—because unfortunately the older one got burned. That really made me sad. A lot of our wardrobe, we bought it here. We visited the Pink Mosque, the Golden Mosque, we bought bananas to feed the monkeys who live near that old tree which has its own story. We watched the traditional dances and heard them play their musical instruments at the back of the (B)ARMM building, it was admirable although I was told the ‘village’ was taken down later (as they only display that at a certain time). I value those things. I tell people, we should treasure and protect these places, and tell their stories too. I wish I could do more for them.
OPF: What is your message to the audience who will watch in Cotabato and those in Mindanao?
Mendoza: We always say, that depending on who’s watching, the film may not be perfect— and the film I made is still a piece of the whole, for two hours is not enough to cover all the stories of Mindanao—but we’ll get there, step by step. What we are trying to do—and have accomplished—is putting Mindanao up there—on the world’s spotlight—so they will know that Mindanao is about people supporting each other, people who aspire for peace, people who know how to love, mourn, and laugh; people who bear burdens just like the rest of us—mothers and fathers tenderly raising their children, children who need our care, Moro and non Moro soldiers who fight against evil, people who serve the nation—that whatever difference we may have there is so much beauty and love we can find in Mindanao.
There is so much in Mindanao, stories that must be told, the stories of the Maranao, the Tausug, the Yakan, the Sama and the rest…that is why I support Mindanaoan filmmakers and hope they’ll be up there too to tell their own stories because they know their details better. Like I said, we’ll get there. What we have done through this film—this is just the beginning; we’re just opening a door. In everything, our goal is towards peace.
OPF: What do you think of your critics?
Mendoza: Should I? (Laughs) Well first, criticism is important, that will help in your growth, and as long as it is fair and helpful, we listen and think of it; on my part I am a director. It is not my way to sit about criticizing other filmmakers’ works because if I do we’ll certainly find so many holes but there is no honor in that. It is wrong to elevate ourselves—make a name—- by dragging somebody down out of envy or politics. That’s how little minds work. I listen to criticism, I tolerate even the harshest words but I do not honor those who have malice and show ill manners. Me, when I have a concern I’d rather directly message them, write, call or talk to them face to face, compared to those who’d rather be noisy online or spread gossip. I thank God I reached this place without having to resort to low things. I prefer to work and give glory to the country, at the same time awakening people around the world about issues with relevance.
OPF: Your message to those who will read this?
Wherever you may have been born, rich or poor—let us unite and work for peace in our own ways, whatever your field may be, however small you may be in society. All these kind actions will have a good result—you may not see it today, but it will have its effect in the future. Thank you for supporting Mindanao. Thank you for your kindness. That is what matters.
Well, we think that the film Mindanao is a success, and with its local and international awards and more than a hundred cinemas that showed it, a lot of good reviews it will be very difficult to dispute that.
Good luck to your future works! Guess which filmmaker we will feature next?
***The red carpet screening of Mindanao was also presented by Revita Wellness Team in collaboration with NDBC, Fitnessity Gym, NDU Alumni Association.
**We accept correction and more details for the article provided it is given in a very polite, tender, and even romantic manner.
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