Earth Day 2021: 10 Must-Watch Filipino Indie Films For Wanderlusts
1/10 That Thing Called Tadhana (2014)
This much-loved romantic comedy film by Antoinette Jadaone takes us on a heart-wrenching trip to the north in an attempt to get over failed relationships. Get to see the busy streets of Baguio City where Mace and Anthony share their painful experiences on life and love and be amazed by the breathtaking views of Sagada as they attempt to mend their broken hearts.
2/10 Siargao (2017)
This romance film directed by Paul Soriano is set in the rustic and beautiful surf island of Siargao. The film focuses on Diego, a burnt out musician who returns to his hometown to escape his problems in Manila. There he meets Laura, a woman who went on a spontaneous solo trip to pick up the pieces of her broken heart.
3/10 Mr and Mrs Cruz (2018)
Sigrid Andrea Bernardo's 2018 film explores not only on the theme of love but also of destiny. This features Raffy and Gela, two people who share the same family name and were mistaken for a married couple by their travel agency. Ironically, the two went on their individual journeys to Palawan to deal with their failed weddings.
4/10 Sakaling Hindi Makarating (2016)
Ice Idanan's independent drama film follows Cielo in her pursuit of an anonymous individual who has been sending her postcards. In this film, we get to see various beautiful destinations in the country like Zamboanga, Batanes, and Marinduque.
5/10 Apocalypse Child (2015)
This 2015 independent film directed by Mario Cornejo features the local surf culture of Baler. It plays on the local legend that during the 1979 filming of Apocalypse Now in the Philippines, Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola conceived a son with one of the locals. His alleged son is the main focus of this film alongside themes of youth and confronting one's past.
6/10 Above the Clouds (2014)
This family drama directed by Pepe Diokno follows 15-year-old boy Andy whose tragic events in his life led to his encounter with his estranged grandfather living in Baguio City. With the lead characters' hiking trip to Mount Pulag encompassing most of the film, expect to see the beauty and flaws of adventure that unravel the family's pursuit of overcoming grief.
7/10 K'na, the Dreamweaver (2014)
Ida Anita Del Mundo's film entry for the Cinemalaya in 2014 tells the compelling tale of K'na, a young T'boli woman designated to become a dreamweaver. Set against the picturesque Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, the film gives a glimpse on a generally unknown culture and tradition.
See also: Filipino Independent Films You Can Watch Online And For A Cause
8/10 Birdshot (2016)
This Urian Best Picture coming-of-age film from Mikhail Red revolves around a farm girl who lives near a sanctuary of Philippine eagles but unwittingly killed one. Although shot in various locations to flawlessly render a '90s provincial setting, it lets us appreciate the beauty of the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary and reminds us of our responsibility to nature, wildlife, and human rights.
9/10 Mariquina (2014)
This 2014 independent film not only takes its location's name as reference in its title but promotes its rich culture of shoemaking as well. Milo Sogueco's movie tells the story of a shoemaker's daughter who arranges the wake and burial of her father who had committed suicide. This drama explores themes of nostalgia, depression, and family while rendering on the screen iconic landmarks in Marikina.
10/10 John Denver Trending (2019)
This 2019 Cinemalaya Best Picture portrays the deep struggles of a 14-year-old farmboy high school student as he deals with cyberbullying. More than its exploration of teenage issues and family drama, the movie highlights the unspoilt beauty of Antique Province that is rarely seen on media.
John Denver Trending is streaming on iWant starting 25 April