Gawad Alternatibo Retrospective on Experimental
Gawad Alternatibo Retrospective on Experimental
by Christ Dustly Go Tan
Experimental films play with form to reimagine truths that present contemporary social anxieties. Breaking from conventions, experimental filmmakers present us with a new way of making sense of realities. Becoming a space where the abstract turns into a critical perspective.
As Cinemata continues to be a growing archive of Philippine Alternative Cinema, let’s revisit the past winners of the CCP Gawad Alternatibo Experimental Category that are now part of Cinemata’s archives and their continued relevance in the contemporary political climate. This curated set of past winners, with a conversation with the filmmakers, reflects how experimental films reimagine truths and forms of meaning-making.
Kasikas sa Ganiha ug Unya by Kuda Bux
34th CCP Gawad Alternatibo Experimental Category, 1st Place Winner
Our own memories, despite their obvious projections, are manipulated to create structural images to combat the fear of the void. The relevance of any work aligns with the persistent feelings of contemporary times.
Watch Kasikas sa Ganiha ug Unya here
Glitters by Jan Darryl Villafuerte
35th CCP Gawad Alternatibo Experimental Category, 2nd Place Winner
Through unconventional storytelling, the degrading environment becomes an immersive experience mirroring humanity’s harsh relationship. Bringing the film to life is also a reflection and practice as a filmmaker and as a human being who contributes to the active consumption of the Earth’s resources.
Rod by Ulap Chua
36th CCP Gawad Alternatibo Experimental Category, 1st Place Winner
Repeated metaphorical objects of tied white shirts, brown sugar, and archival photos of the famine and deaths in Negros create urgent and spasmic senses that don’t allow the social consciousness to forget histories of violence and struggle. The film serves as a visceral reminder of their brave struggle during the darkest periods of Philippine history.
To reimagine truths and forms of meaning, experimental films respond to persistent feelings, reflect their practice, and create visceral sensibilities. Experimental films turn abstract into meaning-making and perspectives that turn into visual metaphors of urgent truths that have shaped our society.
For its 4th consecutive year, Cinemata has been the official streaming platform of CCP Gawad Alternatibo, bringing Filipino alternative cinema to the digital regions to continue sparking critical conversations while providing a safe space for these alternative works.