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Lights, Camera, Action: The Local Film Scene is Turning Up the Volume

It’s official—our local film scene is heating up, and if you haven't noticed, you might want to adjust your focus. While the blockbusters hog all the screens, there’s some serious filmmaking magic happening closer to home. Two films—Banjo by Bryan Wong and Amor Propio by Rain Ramas—are cranking up the volume, and trust me, you’re going to want a front-row seat for this.

Banjo: Bryan Wong’s No-Budget, High-Octane Masterpiece


Banjo movie poster

Imagine directing, writing, starring in your own movie, and doing it on a budget that mainly covers snacks and rides. That’s Bryan Wong for you. His action-packed film Banjo made its premiere at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2024, which wrapped up just last September. And honestly, this one hit like a classic FPJ film on steroids.

Inspired by the tragic loss of a friend on set, Wong isn’t just playing around here—he’s going full throttle. Filmed in Sarangani and Iligan, Banjo doesn’t skimp on the action. We're talking intense stunts, serious special effects, and a plot that’s both crazy and totally captivating. It also stars veteran actor Mon Confiado. 

Philbert Dy’s review called it “insane,” and you know what? That’s not a bad thing. Picture this: Banjo, our hero, snapping a guy's neck for grabbing a girl's wrist. Brutal? Maybe. Necessary? Well, in Banjo's world, it’s just another Tuesday. It’s wild and it's over the top.

On the brighter side, Wong’s editing skills won him Best Editing at Sinag Maynila, so you know this film has that sharp edge.

Banjo is getting a special screening at SM Cinema, SM City General Santos on November 17, 2024, 2:30PM. So if you want to see it, grab the chance to experience this action-packed madness.

Amor Propio: Taking it to the Global Scene

Then there’s Amor Propio—a short film that’s taking our local talent across the globe. Rain Ramas, along with director Allan Filoteo and co-star Michael Andrew Carbon, is headed to the International Film Festival Manhattan this October. Yeah, you read that right—New York City, baby!


Filoteo is no stranger to this festival, having flexed his directorial muscles there before. But Amor Propio's selection is a huge win for the team and a major boost for our local film scene. It’s proof that our stories, our voices, and our creatives are making noise beyond our shores. It's like seeing your hometown heroes going international—nothing but pride for this one.

A Renewed Passion for Film

I’ve had my own share of filmmaking glory, winning the Jury’s Prize in the Salamindaw Film Festival, with my film, Sanwé, which was also shown in Cinemarehiyon more than a decade ago. It was a wild ride back then, and it’s exciting to see how the landscape has evolved—-makes me want to dip my toes into filmmaking again.

Speaking of which, SOCCSKSARGEN is set to host Cinemarehiyon 2025, as announced by prolific filmmaker and Moro culture advocate Teng Mangansakan. If anyone can get this region buzzing with cinematic energy, it’s Direk Teng, a powerhouse filmmaker and writer who knows how to put local stories on the map.

If you thought the buzz stopped with these films, think again. Just last month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Sarangani held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to profile our creative industries. The arts scene here is building momentum, with local talents like fashion designer Jared Servano highlighting the importance of keeping our designs and stories authentic. It’s all about homegrown pride—and there’s a lot to be proud of. I hope that filmmaking will also be given support.

Honestly, there’s never been a better time to dive into the local film scene. With festivals like Sinag Maynila giving indie filmmakers a platform, and films like Banjo and Amor Propio making waves, the action is right here. So whether you’re a die-hard film buff or just someone looking for something fresh, you’ve got options.

Make sure you catch Banjo’s screening in General Santos, support Amor Propio as it represents us on the global stage, and stay plugged into the growing creative scene. The next big thing isn’t coming—it’s already here. All you’ve got to do is show up.

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Comments

  1. Avel ManansalaOctober 3, 2024 at 8:39 PM

    Looking forward to watch these movies! Mabuhay ang mga filmmakers ng Soccsksargen! Thanks for this info, Ariel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AyelOctober 3, 2024 at 8:46 PM

      Yes, with Sox Bloggers very own Rain Ramas and Michael Carbon pa. I hope this will pave the way for more local creatives to be more confident in sharing their art to the world. I know there are many talented locals who are just not given access to opportunities like this.

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