"History is written by Victors. People like Victory, not justification, once you are victorious, that's it." - Samir Khader, Senior Producer of AL JAZEERA
Look at the poster / image above, isn't it ironic?
The film explains how Al Jazeera reported the War in Iraq. The Western government despised, criticized Al Jazeera's stand, of the waging war. Why is it that Al Jazeera only shows how poorly Iraq has been treated? and their response is, "That's the only image we have, you want us to show their attack on you (US) where are those images?" with that said, it has been inconsistent.
Its amazing how Journalist or mainly media can interfere and "Control" the situation in one "Room". Controlling, Manipulating what you see is something Media is very good at. There are various of point of views out there that show their own objectivity on how they right their news. Al Jazeera just took it to an "Eye-opening" level, where they ask themselves, "hey, all these news about the war are one sided, how bout we give our side?" AND SO THEY DID. On a controversial note in fact.
I never once saw Sadam popped in, in this film. I remember a part of the film telling that the people of Iraq wouldn't celebrate if Sadam falls, they would most likely feel relief, and go to mosques and pray.
There's also many instances that I heard the world "liberated". My inner voice keeps screaming, "ARE YOU BLIND? DEAF? or lost your brains? these people don't know the word. Sorry to burst a bubble, but they have the most conservative culture/religion/way-of-living in the entire world and even if one SADAM HUSEIN rules over them, they always have their own god to look up to, pray over to..."
Well, that's just me...
Samir Khader, stated promising words to describe what they do in AL JAZEERA. I believe that there is a reason which we don't see, why they are famous in middle east.
... and here I/we were taught that America is a powerful country. Sure, I guess if you mean in terms of money and "controlled, demoralized people".
From Michael Moore's "SiCKO", most likely he's coming from an activist slash comedic sarcastic point of view who advocates to the rights of people. Basically, explaining it in the context of a controversial subject in America which is their expensive Health Care Services.
Moore defies the subject matter in a form of 'mockumentary' which presented some kind of sarcastic factual point of view and mockery to their target. Eyeing on government control, and corruption, Michael Moore shows depth in presenting the knowledge of the matter as to which we all should be concerned. How is it that a third world developing country such as Cuba, can have or implement a law that will give Universal Health Care to its people? How come United Kingdom and France are able to listen to the voice of their people? Surely it is evident in this film that these three countries are merely a sample of their practice of governing their country lies to the voices of their people.
WARNING: you might want to live in France once you've watched this film. (HAHA)
Based on personal observation, in real life the higher ups in the broadcast media field really has the power to control anything under them especially if it means they will gain high ratings, and viewership.
Even if it means destroying the original story and play with it until it makes a perfect mixture. On the movie, THE TV SET, the writer (David Duchovny) envisioned a show that is dramatic and that can reach to the audience the same emotions he imagined while writing the story. At the same time sharing his own personal experiences from which he wrote this particular story based on his real experiences.
As the story develops, it shows that the writer is playing a game with his bosses. He already expected that this production or rather his vision will be severed by the impulsive network president (Sigourney Weaver) thus finding his way in a roller coaster ride on trying to stay true to his vision, and faces the insanity of prime time scheduling. This movie really showed how the writer's dreams (visions) were cancelled.
___________________________________________________________________________________ ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK __________________________________________________________________________________
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank is a variation of genres written all in one independent film. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank is a satirical indie film that showcases How you make an Independent Film. I have probably watched this film a bunch of times already, and I notice how it feeds me new knowledge about Independent films like how the research process goes, the production planning, writing, acting styles basically it's like a entertaining tutorial of making an indie film.
I love how the Writer, Producer, and Director, are in charge of everything and creates a strong vision for their story.
Its satire construction made the entertaining component even more rich this is why it was easily marketed in the mainstream industry. Actually, this is the debut of the Ang babae sa septic tank's Director, Marlon Rivera, usually in a Martinez-Rivera tandems the Director and Writer would commonly be Chris Martinez but this time it's the other way around, Marlon Rivera gets to debut his Directing career. Director Marlon Rivera is notable in the advertising and fashion industry, if we look at it now, Director Marlon Rivera is a organized creative person which we can conclude that he has carefully succeeded in producing his and Chris Martinez's vision of the film, which is an important factor of why the film's a success.
This post is dedicated to these three 'must see' films. The Quiz Show (1994), Shattered Glass, and Jay. This films have one thing subject in common, it is to present ethical issues made by the media.
The Quiz Show ________________________________________________________ "...I thought we were gonna get television, but the truth is, television's gonna get us..." -Richard Goodwin (The Quiz Show 1994) ________________________________________________________
If I were Charles Van Doran, and I have a well off family with a reputation, I would not take that Quiz Show offer. I guess he was blinded by the easy instant money he will get. In the scene where Charlie was given the question he already knew the first time he joined Twenty One, he knew that it was all a set up, he was already thinking of not answering or answering, then greed takes place, he should not have answered.
Herbie is no excuse as well, when he was asked to "dive"? He shouldn't have, he should have answered "Marty"! For pete's sake! (and I thought he cared for his family...) He still has his rights even if the producers threaten him, Herbie can just quit the show afterwards he didn't need to lose his dignity (and control) in national television.
As for Richard Goodwin, he's fighting the possibly impossible, which proves he's last statement towards the end of the film w/c was, "I thought we were gonna get television, but the truth is, television's got us..."
The film carried the four dimensions of mass communication: Political, Social, Economic, Cultural.
(1) The owner of NBC cared about the company and how the jury's decisions affect/damage their company. So he asked Charlie to make a statement, and during the hearing for the President of NBC and Gerotol, they denied whatever is accused to them, protecting their economic value. (2) One of the Producers said that T.V. is for entertainment, and they're just doing what they can to gain audience in a way therefore somehow admitting the manipulation of their audience. "The audience didn't tune in with just the amazing display of intellectual ability, they just wanted to watch the money..." stated by Martin Rittenhome (GEROTOL) during his talk with Goodman.
Dan Enright: "Yes, we did one thing wrong, we went too successful, those advertising dollars came from somewhere why do you think the magazines and newspapers are making such a big thing about this?..."
Freedman: "Well sir, I don't know what else to say, give the public what they want, it's like business, it's not like the quiz show is a public utility, it's entertainment, it's not like we're hardened criminals here, we're in show business..."
"You have to know who you're writing for, and you have to know where you're good at. I record what people do, find out what moves them, what scares them, and I write that down, that way they're the ones that tells the story, and you know what? those kinds of pieces win Pulitzers' too..." Stephen Glass (Shattered Glass)
If I were Stephen, if he really was a good journalist? I would personally know how unethical it is to possibly even make this mistake. Fabrication is a big "NO" in journalism. It's a source of FACTUAL INFORMATION. He seemed Psychotic in the movie. Anyway, the process of checking the facts wasn't thorough. Maybe because the staff seems to trust Stephen that much. Besides, out of 41 articles published he did have 14 'real' articles, which may have proved his credibility as a Journalist at some point. But even the smartest has its flaws, it just differs from circumstances. To be a Journalist he/she must abide by the rules and conduct proper writing. Its not enough for Stephen to memorize the Code of ethics, I think he needs to print and frame it. He thought of too much 'entertainment' because he probably thought it would help "The New Republic" to gain more audience, and of course his followers. Well, he's young, his bosses claims, guess, he has the right to make his mistakes, and get back on track, which he did eventually.
Stephen Glass: There's so many show offs in Journalism, so many braggers and jerks, there always selling, always working in the room, always trying to make themselves look hotter than they already are. The good news is, reporters like that make it easy to distinguish yourself. If you're even a little bit humble, a little self a facing or solicidist, you stand out. So you bring a co-workers lunch when she's buried in her deadline, you remember birthdays. It's true Journalism is hard work, everybody's under pressure, everybody's grinding to get the issue out, nobody's getting any sleep, but you are allowed to smile every once in a while. I mean one word in Bernstine went out for burger now and then, and they will appeal to. Some reporter thinks it's political content that makes their story memorable, I think it's the people you find, their querks, flaws, what makes them funny, human, Journalism is just the art of capturing behavior..."
There goes the television acting. I still can't believe the re-enactment of those dramatically shot scenes. But I guess Jay (Baron Geisler) was just following orders from his Producer to make a better shot/scene, to create more audience. But really, if I were to cover this kind of story? I would have hired actors to do an re-enactment or such, I should have stuck to the original shots, so it will give a sense of reality. Actually, come to think of it, it's a challenge of how you as a journalist can show "reality in reality". The ethical issue of honesty. How far can you act on something that is not acted? Grabe! hirap i-explain! nosebleed na ko! Basta! dito sa palabas na to, pinapakita kung pano nagiging peke ang totoong pangyayare, na tolerated by media (kuno).
____________________________________________________
How far can you go for something you want, have to do? Charlie, Stephen, and Jay, all three had a choice between right and wrong, but they shouldn't have made a 'choice' in fact, they don't need choices, everyone should do what's right. BUT, I guess, you can't really figure out what's right if you don't make something wrong... posted on: Ianebook, Rose Writes, and Media|Sanity
Cinemalaya was introduced to me during it's sixth year and the sense of this festival was still a blur to me. I quite comprehended that this event was organized to advocate for Independent films. But you see my perspective of Independent cinema was raw that time. I used to see Indies as boring, and mature films. My expectations did not fail me. Then again, it's not only my expectations that plays around my head. I also have some knowledge on how to read a film, thanks to our subjects and Professors, Film Appreciation (Jonathan Rondina) and Writing for Mass Media (Dennis Marasigan) respectively. Cinemalaya starts by July which means the semester has just begun, and my respective Professors still have yet to teach us more about Film, and Writing. So you can understand why my reaction was that broad (see the video below).
So yeah, I gave Indie a try, on the following year, Cinemalaya 2011, I came from a very different approach unlike the first time. Shortly after the 6th Cinemalaya film festival, actually, month of Feb. 2011, I joined the 1st Halo Halo festival, where in we participants must submit a 7mins. short film of any topic to be exhibited on the day of the event. So, fortunately mine got in, its really amateur, nothing to brag about, but at least I did it.
Peronally, I like the trailer more, but here goes my first amateur short film. Bare with me on this, the production itself was a one man/woman show.
Moving on, I was motivated to watch all the entries and know the Directors of this 'art films'. Yes, you read right! I said "ART" films... Now my perspective is more informed. Since I was teased to submit a short film script by our professor to Cinemalaya, I've been bothered by it yet again until recently when I saw my professor again at Cinamalaya. Straight to the point, he told me "ipasa mo na yung script mo, gawin na natin yan..." and I thought he forgot about it, I mean, I forgot about it. I've asked a few of my friends on this, if I should, and they affirmed. What's wrong if I submit it? right? I guess I never got contented with the thought that "I should submit it..." and hope for it to pass etc. Maybe the reason why I keep coming back to Cinemalaya, is to continue to discover what it is, and what it serves for. Especially the subject of Indie films. I've started talking to various Directors in last year's 7th Cinemalaya, and because of that, I learn little by little, not to mention being given tons of perks whether introduced to actors/actresses, or invited to movie premieres, slowly I learn things far beyond what the four walls of education can give. So for me, Cinemalaya has contributed a lot for communication students/film enthusiasts like me and eight years still are not enough to define what it is about, because it continues to change each year, developing, transforming, for something more far than it has gotten.
Eventually, I've grown tired of Cinemalaya, don't take it the wrong way though, tired in a physical way. I've been running around to there and there, continuing my personal research on films, continuing to develop bonds with the Directors, learning from every film, acknowledging them film makers, trying to develop a kin sense, critical viewing of these films. Everyday feels like "wow" to men that's why sometimes I feel like I want to explode especially whenever I get home 12 midnight because of 9pm film which got delayed for some reason, isn't that tiring?!
I still go by the saying of "Slowly but surely, whatever goal you want to achieve, and no matter how rough the road you travel may be, you'll eventually get there..."
The objectives of this Independent Film Congress is as follows:
to define the characteristics (a.k.a alternatives) and mainstream film making, and clarify the relations between them.
to see how indie and mainstream film making can benefit from each other of at all; and
to establish how each can contribute to the development of Philippine Cinema, either together or independently of each other.
On the first day, July 24, Sir Raul Sunico Ph.D. the President of Cultural Center of the Philippines stated his welcome remarks, and followed by Congress Director Nicanor Tiongson Ph.D. for the presentation of congress program and objectives (as you can read above). The keynote address was held by film maker and scholar Mr. Clodualdo "Doy" Del Mundo Ph.D. Some of his statements included the following:
The 1960's cheap film producing which was the "dead film era" in the Philippines.
Mike de Leon's "Itim" and "Maynila" films.
Gerardo de Leon and Lamberto Avellana's "G" films.
Lino Brocka "do good story telling, three dimensional, make socially involved films..."
1970's Sine Manila Film Festival
Commercialism still prevailed in the 1970's (e.g. the number of Nora Aunor (20) and Vilma Santos (22) films). Therefore the 1970's did not improve because of commercialism and the informal production of films
However, the 1980's New Wave Films subsided
Ishmael Bernal slowdown in film making
Only Lino Brocka made his films until he died 1990's, the new wave ended.
compromised 90's films are even more commercialized history of footnotes, did not develop that much
the advent of new technologies (New wave, New Millenium)
Ditsi Carolino Documentaries
Cinemalaya started 2005, and phenomenal Independent films prevailed
Distinction from Mainstream and Indie: Mainstream (Generic, Commercialized, dictated by corporations, genre movies, in studio production) Independent or Alternative, (1)takes risks, (2)anything that the mainstream is not, (3)not generic, (4)can be as short or as long, (5)independent from something mainstream, (6)commercial system is not needed, (7)how to market films and build audience.
"Build great audience, before great film" by Lino Brocka
(1) Appropriation then (2) Re-Invention (more exciiting, coming&changing)
Mainstream hopefully would see wisdom to give freedom to new film makers
Mainstream and Indie will remain separate. This is how should be.
The first panel included the following persons:
from UP Film Institute Moderator: Patrick Campos
.."Bigyan ng matalinong pelikula ang Pilipino"
translation: "Give Filipinos 'smart' films"
Speakers:
recent films produced for Cinemalaya are "Amok" (2011) and "Posas" (2012).
Lawrence Fajardo
....."Gagawin ko yung pelikulang para sa akin ay gusto ko..."
trans: "I make films the way I wanted it.."
film mixer and film sound recordist
Mike Idioma
"we don't go for mediocrity, if you do film you have to do it with standards.."
"going to mainstream, you have money, Indie goes for socially relevant/educational films."
journalist, and educator.
Lito Zulueta
"Alternative films have spirit, freedom, and independence..."
"for me indie is educational, and an advocacy"
"film makers should guard themselves from commercialism.."
it's healthy to maintain terms & definitions for distinguishing the mainstream & independent films which give advocacy/freedom..."
Philippine Star, Free Press, and Twitch correspondent
Oggs Cruz
> "audience are catered from what they comprehend"
> "there are good films made from indie but they are limited to the acknowledgement they desire... we are creating a poor unhealthy cinema..."
The second panel still discussed or continued to tackle the first objectives, and they are as follows:
Moderator: Flordeliz Abanto
Currently a co-executive producer and co-host of Sugpuin and Korupsyon Walang Kukurap, a Catholic Mass Media Awards Hall of Fame Awardee for Radio Public Service Program and a co-production of DZRH and the CCP.
Speakers:
Award winning mainstream Director
Joey Reyes
"in mainstream, you agree with the rules of the film, may pananagutan ka parin..."
"television acting ruins an actor, because they are required to act 'acting'..."
"Break the film grammar, then make a new film language/grammar..."
"the term 'Indie' has been misused & abused during the past time... misbranded as (1) kabaklaan, (2) mahirap intindihin..."
"In mainstream, inaassume nila na 'bobo' and tao/audience.. there are also creatives who intervene in making films in mainstream, sa indie, wala, kung ano naiisip mo as film maker it happens..."
Theater and Film Actress Shamaine Buencamino
"it's different if you act in camera, it's scenes are not continues, you need to cut, retake, etc. when you're on stage you project your emotions, but in camera you don't show that much you hide it a little bit, mainly the camera shows it for the audience (camera angles, etc.)"
"to be an actor/actress in mainstream, i think you basically need marketable ability, and fan base..."
" most of the Indie film makers love the art of film making..."
Producer of Here Comes the Bride and Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Joji Alonso
"more actors are valued in Independent films.."
"I have been very fortunate, I treat all my films like my baby, I'm so involved in it..."
Actress Glaiza de Castro
"in mainstream, were given typical 'tested' roles, supporting roles, I was given a different role with Indie where in I had the chance to explore more with my acting skills..."
"in Indie, it's not T.V. acting, the hardest acting is not acting..."
"bilang artista, gumagawa kayo ng karakter on your own, not just the one based on the script.."
"indie is getting exploited by large corporations that make a Digital film subsidiary from the parent prod. company and produces cheap films and making it 'indie'..."
For Panel 3, they tackled the second objective where you defy how Indie, and Mainstream can benefit from each other.
Moderator: Mario Hernando, Film Critic and Journalist
Speakers:
Teng Mangansakan III, Moro film maker
Tammy Dinopol, Star Cinema's Creative Department for more than 10 years.
"mainstreams are based on consumption..."
"i have learned to 'live and let live'..."
Diwa de Leon, professional composer, arranger, all-around musician.
"(1) money, (2) audience pace, largely dictates what films to make"
"sometimes, audience doesn't know what they want until you give it to them", Steve Jobs.
"audience are hungry for more..."
"Directors are the boss in Indies.."
Executive Producer of Regal Entertainment Inc. Roselle Monteverde
"Indie has immersed new film makers and talents..."
"one cannot do without the other..."
Film/Commercial Director, Writer, Producer Chris Martinez
"mainstream and indie are friends and allies... my enemies are hollywood films.."
