Review: Cinemalaya 2022 Short Film Features Set A

 

Amid the pandemic, friends Ara and Hiro visit Google Earth for the first time which takes them to different places such as Quezon, Banaue, and Disneyland, among others. While virtually visiting these places, the two friends talk about random topics, including Hiro’s dream to become the president. Their fleeting happiness comes to a halt with the power interruptions. Coming back to their reality, Ara insists Hiro to become an electrical engineer, instead of president, to solve the immediate problem in their town.

Cute, relevant and uniqe way of telling a story

My Verdict: 4/5

The falls is omniscient; it is power-giving to those generous to her demands. When she does her bidding, what are you prepared to commit?

Shocking, gripping and eye opener

 

My Verdict: 3/5

 

The world is about to end. Maya is forced to go home to Zambales. There, she confronts her childhood house that terrorizes her as frogs rain outside.

 Out of the box, imaginative, something to ponder on and creatively done

 

My Verdict: 4/5

 

 

After the lockdown silenced the Higantes festivities, Tupe finds himself jobless and isolated. He sees a glimmer of hope when he qualifies to receive financial help from the government. But getting his hands on that money is not as easy as he thought it would be.

A cute combination of reality and cheesy romance trope.

 

My Verdict: 4/5

 

Three young boys wake up to an announcement on a new educational system where parents must take an exam to determine whether they are fit to teach their children. Knowing that their parents are not as privileged and knowledgeable as they are, Makoy, Kaloy and Buknoy try their best to teach their parents what they needed to know for their exam. The film depicts how parents become teachers to their children, and how children become teachers to their parents.

Engaging, relevant, timely and slice of life when reality bites. A cute take on the reality in our society. Well executed, clever and well written.

 

My Verdict: 4.5/5

As Zamboanga City celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, couple Elena and Nasser try to survive the devastatingly low yield of their flower farm and raise money for the birth of their first child. As luck would have it, Nasser gets invited to join a peace rally in exchange for some money – a solution to their problems that is too good to pass up.

A good story with multiple layers of message to tell. A deep closer look on the victims of war

My Verdict: 4/5