Review: Cinemalaya 2024 Short Film Features Set B

Minda, a 45-year-old mother, wants nothing but to join and win in a popular and high-paying television game show “My Amazing Mama.” But in the Philippines, where thousands of people rely on entertainment shows to earn money, Minda endures several hilarious and often-times demeaning obstacles just for her to have a chance to win the daily cash prize. And while her child’s condition worsens at home, these hurdles will transform her into a more devoted mother who everyone will look up to.

 

A satire that will make you laugh and touch your heart at the same time. This short film is a hilarious and biting commentary on the absurdity of television industry and entertainment with its clever writing, impressive cast, and timely commentary.

My Verdict:  4.5/5

 

 

 

It has been eight years since former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the killings of innocent people under the guise of eliminating drug use in the country, yet families of the victims are still seeking justice to this day. Mama follows two mothers, Lydjay and Mary Ann, whose children were killed in the war on drugs. Taking on a solemn, yet hopeful tone, the film examines how they manage to move forward for the children they still have with them, and how they fight for the ones they lost with the support of their faith and their community.

 

This short film is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the devastating issue of extrajudicial killing, showcasing the harsh realities and human impact of this phenomenon. The documentary is both chilling and difficult to watch, as it confronts viewers with the brutal consequences of these senseless killings, often perpetrated by those who are supposed to protect and serve.

My Verdict:  3.5/5

 

A film director goes back to his hometown, Chinatown, to make an autobiographical film. When he visits the place, he is greeted by abandoned and demolished places he once grew up in. He wanders through the streets of his hometown and realizes things have changed. What he once knew are all gone and replaced by ongoing constructions of high-rise buildings. He stays on the newly-built bridge and contemplates on how he would make his film.

 

An insightful and exciting travelogue that let you ride in the memory lane of Chinatown.

My Verdict:  3/5

 

Mila struggles as she remains unpaid at work and a love interest becomes a source of comfort through his constant phone calls. But a promise of hope may also lead to tragedy and sad love songs.

A simple but effective storytelling. Less is more in this film but it successfully conveys a profound message and evokea a strong emotional response.

 

My Verdict:  4.5/5

 

 

 

Des, a sixteen-year old, has experienced being fingered as early as the age of seven. At age fourteen, she was raped by the same uncle and was sold by her aunt to Foreigners. She was brought to PREDA for her to recover from the incidents that happened. As she evolves and heals from it, she builds up her life again by staying and graduating junior highschool. Her graduation also marks her release from this facility. This sets her into a new journey of adjustments and new beginnings as she starts her studies in senior high.

As she opens up to a new beginning, her story complicates with the law cases filed against her uncle and aunt.These cases are ongoing and the trials are yet to be made. For a young child that only wants to move forward with her life she is faced with the fear of the past.

 

A sensitive story that needs to be told and requires attention.

My Verdict:  3/5