11 May 2016 - The Filipino independent film “Iisa” (As One) by Director Chuck Gutierrez was among the international films featured at the 27th Ankara International Film Festival (AIFF) running from April to 28 May 08 at Büyülü Fener Cinema in Kızılay, Ankara.
True to this year’s AIFF theme of “Sight and Sound,” the AIFF organizers chose “Iisa”, a dramatic film that depicts the devastating effects of typhoon “Pablo” on a community in Compostela Valley in Davao region in the Philippines in 2012. The tragedy caused the members of the community to unite and be as one. The film was chosen because of its outstanding cinematography and score.
Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez, Director Gutierrez, more than seventy members of the Filipino communities in Ankara and Istanbul, officers and staff of the Embassy of the Philippines, and quite a few Turkish guests attended the successful first screening day of the film on the evening of April 29 at Büyülü Fener Cinema. Welcoming the moviegoers were the organizers of the AIFF led by Mustafa Kerem Yüksel, World Cinema Programme Coordinator. Minister and Consul General Robert gave the welcome remarks on behalf of the Embassy.
Immediately after the premiere showing, Director Gutierrez welcomed several comments about the film. One of the Turkish moviegoers reconfirmed the organizers’ comment on the film’s outstanding cinematography while another Turkish movie enthusiast said, “The film was a powerful movie of images instead of words.”
Ms. Carmen Martin, President of Filipino Community in Istanbul, also said, “It was a lovely film about Filipinos’ solidarity despite the tragedy.” Filipino student Abdulrahman Edding said, “It was a great film and the music was very good.” Ms. Nalida Bonto, one of the Barangay leaders in Ankara, after watching the film, posted on her Facebook account, “Ang natutunan ko sa pelikulang ito ay iyong faith nila sa Panginoon ay hindi nawala kahit ganon ka tindi ang sinapit nila still they are one gusto parin nila makinig ng salita ng Dios at pilit nilang itinayo ang krus ni Jesus. Kaya sana lahat ay isa puso lagi ang Panginoon at laging no. 1 sabi nga with out God we are nothing.” (What I learned from this movie is the people’s faith in God that despite the tragedy, they stood as one. I hope that all of us keep the Lord as number one in our lives. As it is often told, without God, we are nothing). The film accurately reflected the sufferings of Filipinos during natural or, in this case, man-made disasters due to poorly-regulated mining operations.
The AIFF which was established in 1988 is the most significant film event in the capital city of Turkey. This year’s festival features a total of 213 films and 197 directors from 45 countries. END