from left: Goethe Inst Phil Dir. Petra Raymond, MCL Founder Prof Jonas Baes.
and Francis De Veyra (RADIOACTIVESAGO PROJECT). Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

“How do we link young people to their responsibility for development? A silent film festival is an entertaining way to think about how to take over responsibility, how to take care, how to engage and not all things are irrelevant. Musicians from the country can relate to films from other countries. It shows that culture has no border. Silent films as language and music are able to overcome borders,” said Goethe Institut Philipinen Director Dr. Petra Raymond.

Raymond is referring to the 8^th Edition of the International Silent Film Festival to be held at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from August 28-31, 2014. This is the festival where Filipino musicians score silent films from different parts of the world live. This year will also feature a world-renowned pianist from France Hakim Bentchouala-Golobitch. The screenings are free and open to the public on a first come first served basis. Every year there are long queues so make sure to check listings and schedules.

Der Mude: Catch Germany’s DER MÜDE TOD (Destiny) with MANILA COMPOSER’S LAB in cooperation with Dr. Pierre Oser. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

USA-CITY OF LIGHTS starring Charlie Chaplin with RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT (Aug 28), Germany-DER MÜDE TOD (Destiny) with MANILA COMPOSER’S LAB in cooperation with Dr. Pierre Oser (Aug 29), France-VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE (Verdun:Versions of History) with pianist HAKIM BENTCHOULA-GOLOBITCH (Aug 29), Italy-MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love Everlasting) with Caliph8 & Soprano Fame Flores (Aug 30), Japan- CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) with KAAPIN (Aug 30), Spain- CURRO VARGAS with GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS (Aug 31), Philippines- ANG TIGMO SA AKING PAGPAULI (Riddles of my Homecoming) with KALAYO (Aug 31).

The silent film festival has been going on at the Shang Cineplex for 8 years. The event has hosted films contributed by embassies and is anything but profit driven. French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal said, “The local cost of organizing a film fest can be prohibitive. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shang Rila Plaza for hosting the festival.”

from right: FDCP Exec Dir. Teddy Granados, Shang Rila Plaza Mktg. Div. Head Marline Dualan, FDCP Head of Cinema Evaluation & Coordination Wilma Isleta. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Film Development Council has been part of the fest for several years, sponsoring and organizing the Philippine entry. FDCP Executive Dir Teddy Granados adds, “I would like to congratulate organizers and the different embassies. We from the FDCP have told them the Silent Film Festival is the most difficult fest to organize. Looking for a suitable material is very difficult because you’re looking deep into your archives to look during the Silent film era in the 20’s or earlier. And it’s really difficult to find material that’s suitable for showing in a cinema. Especially if it’s already been restored. Finally another difficulty is getting the musicians to play in the festival.”

from right: Fame Flores and Caliph8 will score for Italian entry Love Everlasting. You can catch Fame at Bar 360 in Resort’s World Manila. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Goethe Institut is one of the founding members of the fest. Dr. Raymond took over from previous director Richard Kuenzel since 2012. She goes on, “When I came to the Philippines years ago and I was inheriting the participation of the Goethe of this festival. I was asking myself what could we do with this to continue? Do we have enough silent films to present? That was my first question. I went back to the archive and thought ok Germany has a big archive. So this is not the problem.”

The next question is being able to justify the effort and expense. After getting to see the fest she sees the benefits are truly worth it, “I find the construction of this festival very convincing. It is unique it is experimental. It has connections to cultural heritage and traditions. We are able to target young audiences in the Philippines. In the Philippines most of the people are young so how do you connect young people with understanding history? We relate to a lot of issues. This year we commemorate the start of the First World War a hundred years ago. All of a sudden we see not so many things have changed. The world is again in danger.”

Seated from left: Fame Flores, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Carol Bello (KALAYO), Shang Rila Plaza Mktg Div Head Marline Dualan, Italian Language and Culture Officer Prof. Emanuela Adesini, Goethe Inst Phil Dir. Petra Raymond, Manila Composer’s Lab– Melita Cruz & Marie Luise Calvero. Standing from left: Razorback Mgr. Patrick Pulumbarit, Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori, Rotsanjani Mojica (KAAPIN), FDCP Exec Dir. Teddy Granados, Sammy Asuncion (GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS), Inst Cervantes Mla Mng Dir Dr. Carlos Madrid, Caliph8, Francis De Veyra (RADIOACTIVESAGO PROJECT) and MCL Founder Prof Jonas Baes. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

She hopes the fest will be an ongoing event for years to come, “I hope that we will find again next year a group of countries who would like to organize the 9^th Edition. When Martin (Macalintal) presented his film & music and he was missing. That is also an invitation to other countries, always an open call who would like to join, participate next year. This is an experiment and is working out very well. Maybe we can have deeper relations than just diplomacy.”

The German film DER MÜDE TOD (Destiny) by Fritz Lang is accompanied by an orchestra using the work of Manila Composer’s Lab. Just like last year they consulted and worked with German composer Pierre Osser. Young composers include Pat Rodriguez, Mika Lopez, Marie Luise Caldero and Melita Cruz.

Manila Composer’s Lab from left: Anna Patricia Rodriguez, Ara Janelle Foronda, Feliz Anne Macahis, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos, MCL Founder Prof Jonas Baes, German composer Pierre Oser, MCL Exec Dir. Alexander John Villanueva, Patricia Baes and Nikka Mae Lopez. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Manila Composer’s Lab Director Jonas Baes said, “The thing about writing music for film, you have to situate yourself in another space in another time. This particular film put us in this space-time limbo. Just as that happens I asked the composers to think 1921 but also think here and now. That was more complex because the film will happen in 3 settings: China, the Renaissance and Venice. All of those had to be manifested in the music.”

Baes added that there will be more instrumentalists this year, “Music will create this whole environment, in a way, which the film is trying to project. In a way we are in dialogue with a film. The film answers in a way that is more subtle. So that is what we have been doing in the past 3 months. It’s a long film, we have 4 composers and we have a little orchestra, a bigger ensemble than what we had last year. We have employed 12 musicians and a conductor.”

Catch USA’s CITY OF LIGHTS starring Charlie Chaplin with RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

The International Silent film festival this year for the first time will have a film by icon Charlie Chaplin in his work CITY OF LIGHTS. It will be accompanied by the RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT, which is known for their quirky lyrics and booming horn section perfect for the slapstick film.

Catch USA’s CITY OF LIGHTS starring Charlie Chaplin with RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

CITY OF LIGHTS is the entry of the U.S.A. in the 8^th Edition of the International Silent Film Festival to be held at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from August 28-31, 2014. This is the festival where Filipino musicians score silent films from different parts of the world live. This year will also feature a world-renowned pianist from France Hakim Bentchouala-Golobitch. The screenings are free and open to the public on a first come first served basis. Every year there are long queues so make sure to check listings and schedules.

USA-CITY OF LIGHTS starring Charlie Chaplin with RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT (Aug 28), Germany-DER MÜDE TOD (Destiny) with MANILA COMPOSER’S LAB in cooperation with Dr. Pierre Oser (Aug 29), France-VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE (Verdun:Versions of History) with pianist HAKIM BENTCHOULA-GOLOBITCH (Aug 29), Italy-MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love Everlasting) with Caliph8 & Soprano Fame Flores (Aug 30), Japan- CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) with KAAPIN (Aug 30), Spain- CURRO VARGAS with GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS (Aug 31), Philippines- ANG TIGMO SA AKING PAGPAULI (Riddles of my Homecoming) with KALAYO (Aug 31).

Seated from left: Japan Foundation Proj. Coordinator Rolando Samson, Fame Flores, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Carol Bello (KALAYO), Shang Rila Plaza Mktg Div Head Marline Dualan, Officer for the Promotion of Italian Language and Culture Prof. Emanuela Adesini, Goethe Institut Philippinen Dir. Petra Raymond, Manila Composer’s Lab– Melita Cruz & Marie Luise Calvero and FDCP Head of Cinema Evaluation & Coordination Wilma Isleta. Standing from left: Inst. Cervantes Head of Cultural Affairs Jose Fons, Razorback Mgr. Patrick Pulumbarit, Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori, Rotsanjani Mojica (KAAPIN), FDCP Exec Dir. Teddy Granados, Sammy Asuncion (GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS), Inst Cervantes Mla Mng Dir Dr. Carlos Madrid, Caliph8, Francis De Veyra (RADIOACTIVESAGO PROJECT) and MCL Founder Prof Jonas Baes. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Francis De Veyra (RADIOACTIVESAGO PROJECT), Caliph8 and Fame Flores. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Francis De Veyra representing RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT said, “Music composed was also by Charlie Chaplin himself which made it difficult to change the original music. So we plan to make it close to the original music with modern arrangements. Its gonna be fun and the music is an integral part of the film. Live scoring is a double treat for an audience.” Lead singer of the band Lourd De Veyra is a famous commentator/comedian in several shows from the TV5 network: SAPUL SA SINGKO, AKSYON on TV5, TAYUAN MO AT PANINDIGAN, WASAK on AksyonTV and LUPET.

Catch Italy’s MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love Everlasting) with Caliph8 & Soprano Fame Flores. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

ITALY- MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love everlasting)

Italian entry MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love everlasting) directed by Mario Caserini is one of the diva films, one of the most famous silent cinemas in Italy. Officer for the Promotion of Italian Language and Culture Prof. Emanuela Adesini explained, “Caserini specifically wrote this for a real Diva at that time one of the most famous actresses Lydia Borelli. She was a celebrated theater actress, having renown in Italy, France and all over the world at the time. She was the protagonist in SALOME by Oscar Wilde. She was the Diva par excellence a bridge between fantasy and modernism an interpreter of liberty culture as she was a fashionable person. The women copied her hairstyle the way she dressed at the time.”

from right: Carol Bello (KALAYO), Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori , Rotsanjani Mojica (KAAPIN) and Italian Language and Culture Officer Prof. Emanuela Adesini. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Adesini also noted how Diva Lydia Borelli distinguished herself, “On her first attempt at movies, she knew how to use the camera and cinema to explore her own expressive art in an experimental way. She could not use her voice but she could use her movements how she dressed and she was also a dancer. The first part is a drama, a tragic love story. The second part is on a stage. This gives her the opportunity to dance and perform as a stage actress.”

For MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love everlasting) DJ Caliph8 collaborates with Fred Sandoval and Malek Lopez. The trio are also part of the group which also made the soundtrack for ON TH JOB directed by Erik Matti. OTJ was one of the selected films screened in the director’s night 2013 festival in Cannes, which had a 2 minute standing ovation.

Soprano Fame Flores will perform for Italian entry Love Everlasting, you can catch her at Bar 360 in Resort’s World Manila. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Along with them is Soprano Fame Flores who can currently be seen as one of the many talented performers in Resort’s World Manila’s Bar 360. Flores is a multi awarded artist having won the ALIW awards for Best Crossover Classical Performer in 2013 and multiple nominee in the Best Classical performance category. After graduating in Voice in U.P College of Music she is currently taking up a second degree in Music in the same institution. As a stage actress she was Maria Clara in Gantimpala’s NOLI ME TANGERE, Gregoria De Jesus in Gerry Dapdap’s ANDRES BONIFACIO Musical. She is also an opera performer she was in Merry Wives of Windsor at U.P. College and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly in CCP.

Catch Japan’s CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) with KAAPIN.
Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Japan- CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) with KAAPIN

In 2012, one of the most well received films was from Japan entitled POOR MEN WHO ARE GREAT directed by Yasujiro Ozu. This year it’s a more action packed entry with CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) directed by Daisuke Ito. Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori, gave some background on the director, “Daisuke Ito was the leader of new style of Samurai films that featured sword fighting scenes. The movie was originally a trilogy where some parts were lost. By 1991 they were able to find enough footage to restore the current version which will be screened.” CHUJI TABI NIKKI was also well received at the Pordenone Silent film festival in Italy in 2001.

from left: Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori and FDCP Exec Dir. Teddy Granados. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Catch Japan’s CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) with KAAPIN.
Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The film will be scored by a trend setting band KAAPIN which proudly hails from Cagayan De Oro. KAAPIN was chosen by Bandwagon Singapore for their “5 Regional Bands to Check Out in 2014” along with other bands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. Members are Michael Nuesca (Vocal Orchestra, Glockens, Melodica) and Rotsanjani Mojica (Programming, Synths, Beats, Glitch, Noise). Their self-titled EP made it to the Top 20 Filipino EP’s of 2013.

from left: Rotsanjani Mojica (KAAPIN), Japan Foundation Proj. Coordinator Rolando Samson and Sharlene Bareng. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Catch France’s VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE (Verdun:Versions of History) with French pianist HAKIM BENTCHOULA-GOLOBITCH. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista 

Written and Photographed

By Jude Bautista

The International Silent film fest has always been known for the soundtracks being scored live by Pinoy musicians like RAZORBACK, SINOSIKAT from previous years and drawing large audiences in the process. This year will be something special as French pianist Hakim Benthchoula-Golobitch will be one of the performers.

from left: French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal and Italian Language and Culture Officer Prof. Emanuela Adesini. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal said, “Benthchoula is of Algerian descent although of course he is French national. He studied in the Conservatory of Paris. He’s been awarded scholarships and grants in different prestigious festivals and piano competitions in Europe. And he had accompanied many silent films VISION D’HISTOIRE is one of his latest projects. This festival is a wonderful event that not just shows cultures from different countries but most of all the collaboration and the talent of Filipino musicians.”

Catch France’s VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE (Verdun:Versions of History) with French pianist HAKIM BENTCHOULA-GOLOBITCH. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The renowned French Pianist will provide live scoring for VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE (Verdun:Versions of History) in the 8^th Edition of the International Silent Film Festival to be held at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from August 28-31, 2014. The screenings are free and open to the public on a first come first served basis. Every year there are long queues so make sure to check listings and schedules.

USA-CITY OF LIGHTS starring Charlie Chaplin with RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT (Aug 28), Germany-DER MÜDE TOD (Destiny) with MANILA COMPOSER’S LAB in cooperation with Dr. Pierre Oser (Aug 29), France-VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE (Verdun:Versions of History) with pianist HAKIM BENTCHOULA-GOLOBITCH (Aug 29), Italy-MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love Everlasting) with Caliph8 & Soprano Fame Flores (Aug 30), Japan- CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) with KAAPIN (Aug 30), Spain- CURRO VARGAS with GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS (Aug 31), Philippines- ANG TIGMO SA AKING PAGPAULI (Riddles of my Homecoming) with KALAYO (Aug 31).

from right: Inst Cervantes Mla Mng Dir Dr. Carlos Madrid, Shang Rila Plaza Mktg Div Head Marline Dualan, Goethe Inst Phil Dir. Petra Raymond, Inst. Cervantes Head of Cultural Affairs Jose Fons. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Benthchoula has received the gold medal for piano at the National Conservatory of Toulouse. He has been awarded in international competitions and the Mozart Henessy Scholarship. He specializes in French music and has worked with contemporary composers, to perform in solo recitals or chamber music concerts. He has accompanied Judex by Louis Feuillade as his first silent film, then played the sound- track for GRIBICHE by Jacques Feyder, SAFETY LAST with Harold Lloyd, and VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE by Léon Poirier.

from right: Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori, Rotsanjani Mojica (KAAPIN), Italian Language and Culture Officer Prof. Emanuela Adesini and French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista 

France was absent the last two years and has been missed by audiences. Macalintal said, “I would like to thank our co organizers for welcoming France back to the Festival. I have heard that France has been missed in the past editions. There is a real partnership with Shang Rila Plaza Mall and I’d like to thank them for that.”

Speaking about the film, “ We are very privileged to bring to the Philippines a film that was restored last year in commemoration of the 100 years of the First World War. Verdun is one of the key battles of the First World War, which ended with an armistice in 1918. After that in 1928 the director Leon Poirier decided to make a film to recreate the Verdun Battle.”

Soprano Fame Flores will perform for Italian entry Love Everlasting, you can catch her at Bar 360 in Resort’s World Manila. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The silent film may have also been an early form of what people see today as the docudrama with an added realism, “It is some kind of reenactment of the battle. What is symbolic about this film is the actors he got were actual soldiers in the battle. You can just imagine the emotions of these actors when they reenacted the actual fighting in the trenches. The film has been restored, remastered by the Cinematheque of Toulouse. The French agency to promote culture is sponsoring the French pianist accompanying the film. He is touring along with this film all over the world. We are going to be very privileged to have him in the Philippines.”

from right: Carol Bello (KALAYO), Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori, Rotsanjani Mojica (KAAPIN) and Italian Language and Culture Officer Prof. Emanuela Adesini. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The renowned pianist was actually born in Algeria but is now French citizen. Macalintal was also able to explain the deep relationship of the two nations, “Just to go back to history the independence of Algeria is directly related to the creation of the 5^th Republic of France up to now exists. France’s constitution today is still that of 1958. That’s strongly related to the independence movement in Algeria. In LA GRAINE ET LE MULET (The Secret of the Grain) actress Hafsia Herzi, from the French Film fest is also of Algerian Descent playing a Tunisian. That North African, Mediterranean influence is ever present in France.”

Turkey is another Mediterranean country that has immigrants in Italy. The MOVIEMOV Italian film festival also held in Shang Plaza had a Turkish director. Opening film ALLACCIATE LE CINTURE (FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT) was directed by Fernan Ozpetek. Officer for the Promotion of Italian Language and Culture Prof. Emanuela Adesini explained, “The reason why Ozpetec has chosen Italy instead of Turkey and has become an Italian director as a matter of fact. In Italy he has found freedom. He is gay and his films have that theme. He experienced many problems in Turkey other reasons are political. He found freedom and liberty in Italy that is why he has chosen to stay and work. He has an actress that always cast also from Turkey. She has also chosen Italy for political reasons.”

from left: French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal and Italian Language and Culture Officer Prof. Emanuela Adesini. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Sammy Asuncion (GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS) and Inst Cervantes Mla Mng Dir Dr. Carlos Madrid. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista 

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

The link between the traditional Zarzuela and cinema is closer than we think. Here in the Philippines it harkens back to one of the earliest forms of theater. But Instituto Cervantes Manila Director Dr. Carlos Madrid believes that there is a direct link to movies, “We have a very significant movie in Silent film cinema in Spain. CURRO VARGAS is one of the earliest examples of 2 forms of entertainment. From Zarzuela, the days of pre cinema to cinema is the adaptation of a Zarzuela to silent film. CURRO VARGAS for generations in Spain its an iconic symbol of the country boy who has to struggle to survive, to win the heart of his beloved. In that sense CURRO VARGAS encompasses so many topics of traditional Spanish dramas.”

Spain’s CURRO VARGAS with live scoring by GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Madrid is referring to the Spanish entry in the 8^th Edition of the International Silent Film Festival to be held at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from August 28-31, 2014. This is the festival where Filipino musicians score silent films from different parts of the world live. This year will also feature a world-renowned pianist from France Hakim Bentchouala-Golobitch. The screenings are free and open to the public on a first come first served basis. Every year there are long queues so make sure to check listings and schedules.

from right: Francis De Veyra (RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT), Fame Flores ( watch her at Bar 360 in RWM), Shang Rila Plaza Mktg Div Head Marline Dualan & Caliph8. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

USA-CITY OF LIGHTS starring Charlie Chaplin with RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT (Aug 28), Germany-DER MÜDE TOD (Destiny) with MANILA COMPOSER’S LAB in cooperation with Dr. Pierre Oser (Aug 29), France-VERDUN: VISIONS D’HISTOIRE (Verdun:Versions of History) with pianist HAKIM BENTCHOULA-GOLOBITCH (Aug 29), Italy-MA L’AMOR MIO NON MUORE! (Love Everlasting) with Caliph8 & Soprano Fame Flores (Aug 30), Japan- CHUJI TABI NIKKI (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels) with KAAPIN (Aug 30), Spain- CURRO VARGAS with GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS (Aug 31), Philippines- ANG TIGMO SA AKING PAGPAULI (Riddles of my Homecoming) with KALAYO (Aug 31).

Seated from left: Japan Foundation Proj. Coordinator Rolando Samson, Fame Flores, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Carol Bello (KALAYO), Shang Rila Plaza Mktg Div Head Marline Dualan, Officer for the Promotion of Italian Language and Culture Prof. Emanuela Adesini, Goethe Institut Philippinen Dir. Petra Raymond, Manila Composer’s Lab– Melita Cruz & Marie Luise Calvero and FDCP Head of Cinema Evaluation & Coordination Wilma Isleta. Standing from left: Inst. Cervantes Head of Cultural Affairs Jose Fons, Razorback Mgr. Patrick Pulumbarit, Japan Foundation Dir. Shuji Takatori, Rotsanjani Mojica (KAAPIN), FDCP Exec Dir. Teddy Granados, Sammy Asuncion (GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS), Inst Cervantes Mla Mng Dir Dr. Carlos Madrid, Caliph8, Francis De Veyra (RADIOACTIVESAGO PROJECT) and MCL Founder Prof Jonas Baes. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The silent film festival has been going on at the Shang Cineplex for 8 years. The event has hosted films contributed by embassies and is anything but profit driven. French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal said, “The venue is beautiful. The venue is wonderful and it’s been lent to us very generously. I’m grateful for their continued hosting of this important cultural event.”

from right: Razorback Mgr. Patrick Pulumbarit, Sammy Asuncion (GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS), Inst Cervantes Mla Mng Dir Dr. Carlos Madrid & Inst. Cervantes Head of Cultural Affairs Jose Fons. Catch Silent films for free with live scoring by the hottest bands at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Dr. Carlos Madrid explained there were several agencies involved with the Spanish entry, “For Instuto Cervantes and Embassy of Spain to bring the film here we got the support of the Ministry of Culture through the Filmoteca Española. It was likely that this film was screened in the Philippine before World War II given the appeal of the Zarzuela had before. It is a very live movie sample of the early days of Spanish movie making.”

Spain’s CURRO VARGAS with live scoring by GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS. Entrance is for free on first come first served basis at the Intl Silent Film Fest at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Aug 28-31, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The fest according to him unites contries culturally and historically, “We got for the music part no less than Sammy Asuncion. We gave him the freedom to do whatever they feel. I would like to emphasize the Silent film festival is such a success. It unifies so many aspects; it is film they go beyond language barriers. It is something you understand, whether you know the language of the country or not. When we connect it to music you are also going beyond language barrier. So the Intl Silent Film festival we are recovering the cultural heritage of different countries from the world. Connecting film with contemporary heritage of which we have the privilege of being a guest and also creating a live event. As you may know all the audiences respond quite well to it. We are lucky to participate in this festival.”

Legendary Guitarist Sammy Asuncion has participated in the Silent Film Fest since the early years with his band SPY and PINIKPIKAN. This year he has a new band called GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS, which has a renowned musicians like Megan Aguilar on vocals, Ronald Tomas (sax) and Nicky Cabardo (keyboards).

Maegan Aguilar on drums and vocals for LAHI in Ka Freddie’s Bar, Adriatico cor Pedro Gil, Malate Manila. Photo was taken February 2013, Maegan is now with THE GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS with Sammy Asuncion scoring live for CURRO VARGAS, August 31, 2014 5pm Sunday. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Asuncion during the course of researching the film found a lot of similarities between Spain and the Philippines, “You will realize that we have a lot in common that we also do in our everyday lives in the Philippines. The older guys like me who was able to witness the Spanish way of living before. You will realize a lot of things that we’re doing now in the movie: costume, dance in the plaza. In our province in Bukindon you pay to be able to dance with a woman. I didn’t realize that maybe this is where it came from. The music was from 1923 the kundiman that we’re doing now is based on the old Spanish music before. You can really hear that. I’m very grateful to do this because I am a musician.”

LAHI from left: Jonan Aguilar (Bass), Maegan Aguilar, Freddie Aguilar and Jericho Aguilar (Lead guitar). Photo was taken last February 2013 in Ka Freddie’s Bar, Adriatico cor Pedro Gil, Malate Manila by Jude Bautista. Maegan is now with THE GLASS CHERRY BREAKERS with Sammy Asuncion scoring live for CURRO VARGAS, August 31, 2014 5pm Sunday.

Asuncion’s personal style of improvisation works perfectly with live scoring, “When I play I like to improvise. I cannot enjoy my night if I can’t do it my way. Even my own songs I tend to change it every time I play it. It’s never the same. Here I would like to feel the music and intertwine. We will be doing some patterns but during the actual presentation there will be a lot of surprises the band is capable of doing that.”