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October 23rd 2004 CHICAGO - The first annual Flip Flix was held this past weekend, October 23rd and 24th, at the Northside College Preparatory High School, at 5501 N. Kedzie Avenue. Even with the weather raining outside, people came from as far away as Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan to represent, and see what Philippine movie makers brought to the moving making table. "GOTHAM, IL" directed by Theophilus Jamal and "Lumpia" directed by Patricio Ginelsa were the features for the opening on Friday night. Both these movies were shot with a "home movie" style to them. But from the reaction to the crowd in the theatre, you could tell they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. All they needed was a tub of over buttered popcorn, along with a gallon of diet soda, to make the film fest complete. For more detailed descriptions on the movies check out the Filipino American Alliance site at http://www.fan-chicago.org. A short presentation by Theophilus and Patricio was provided before the movies started on Friday night. They presented their passion for making films, and provided a small glimpse of their dedication to their craft. After a couple of questions from the audience regarding financing their perspective movies, it was apparent that these guys weren't in the movie making business just for the money, or the lack of it yet, but that they want to represent their culture, their ideas, and their passions to make a difference, any difference to make this world a brighter place. Following the film presentations there was an after set at a nearby lounge called Orange. The noodles, beef and vegetables, and dumplings went fast, but they were quite tasty. The soju, flavored vodka concoctions, went quickly as well, maybe too quickly. They went down really easily, and the affects of the alcohol crept up on you very slowly. Saturday was a movie filled afternoon to evening session with back, to back, to back, etc., movies. Check out the FAN site for the specifics. Without a doubt my favorite film was "Magnifico" directed by Maryo J. De Los Reyes. As a courtesy to the viewers of Magnifico, there should be an opening disclaimer that the movie should be watched with a large box of kleenex at hand. The emotional roller coaster that movie takes you on can make a blubbering mess out of the most macho of men. It was a great movie definitely deserving of all the awards it has received. I only wish that it were available on DVD or tape, since my mother was not able to make the show. She would love to see the film. The film fest was not just entertaining but educational. With movies like " The Game of Solitaire", directed by Dillon Delvo and "An Untold Triumph: America’s Filipino Soldiers" directed by Noel Izon, a glimpse of Philippine History 101 was presented in a long awaited format. It is a shame that most of our education in our History classes come from a Western European perspective. With the continued diversification of our society, it's good to see a broader perspective of the role Filipinos had in history and are having for our future. With just a few technical glitches to overcome like movies stalling and sound levels not being consistant, the film fest went off relatively smoothly. Hats off to Northside College Prep for providing a great venue for the film fest. Sala Cafe came through with snacks between movies. All the volunteers with the FAN organization, there are never enough thanks that can be made to you guys. There was even video coverage from ABS/CBN and Kyclops. There was also a feature story placed in this weeks reader featuring the film fest. With the 1st Annual Filipino American Film Fest under FAN's belt, they should be proud of all the work they have put towards this project. From vague conception to realisation, kicking and screaming, with shear determination, you guys pulled off a great program showing how people can work together towards a common goal. Here's looking for ward to next year's Flip Flix. Charlie Mortel |
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