Forum of Independents - Competition 2013 / Mamay Umeng / Philippines 2012
A picturesque Philippine village full of busy people, but also home to an 84-year-old man waiting for death. This exceptionally perceptive picture offers a fascinating look at aging, and although it may not present it as something desirable, it mediates a welcome break from the rapid passing of time.
Although the old man is present at the birthday celebration he apathetically avoids taking part. He is similarly weary of his siestas by the transistor radio. Mamay Umeng observes the world around him but he isn’t exactly sure what he’s perceiving. His only concern is death, and it’s difficult to say whether his behavior betrays more of the equanimity of wisdom – or simply resignation. The film is fascinating for its concentration on the title character’s perspective but also on his mortal frame, which it handles with respect but without unnecessary idealization. Indeed, this characteristic applies to the picture’s overall attitude towards old age. The film follows the tempo of its protagonist, reflecting the way he perceives his surroundings. But the magic also arises from the jungle environment and the tranquility of the film, and from the behavior of a man for whom life holds no more surprises. The overall mood of the film thus finds harmony with an entirely different perception of time.
75 min / Color, DCP
European premiere
Director Dwein Baltazar
/ Screenplay Dwein Baltazar
/ Dir. of Photography Neil Daza
/ Music The Strangeness
/ Editor Benjamin Tolentino
/ Producer Joenathann Alandy
/ Production Outpost Visual Frontier, Cinema One Originals
/ Cast Gerry Adeva, Sue Prado, Crizzalyn Enriquez
/ Contact Outpost Visual Frontier, Creative Programs Inc.
Dwein Baltazar is a director and screenwriter. She earned her Bachelor’s in communication arts from Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila. Her first work in movies came with the independent picture Final Stop (dir. Alvin Yapan and Paul Sta. Ana, 2008), and she still works as a stylist on a variety of productions. Mamay Umeng, supported by a grant from Cinema One Originals, is her feature debut. The film received a great reception at home in the Philippines. The director is currently working on her second feature: I Love You with All My Hypothalamus.
Outpost Visual Frontier
40 M. Miranda Street, 1500, San Juan City
Philippines
Phone: +63 917 853 2616
E-mail: [email protected]
Creative Programs Inc.
c/o Ronald Arguelles, 8th Floor, ELJ Building, ABS-CBN Communication Center, Mother Ignacia Street, 1103, Quezon City
Philippines
Phone: +63 241 522 72 loc. 3171
E-mail: [email protected]
Joenathann Alandy
Festival Organizer
Dwein Baltazar
Film Director
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