They are women filmmakers but they are as tough as their male counterparts.
They are not easily bucked down by any pressures or intrigues common in the national entertainment industry.
They are creatively spirited to make the film community more aware of the social responsibilities that artists must own and share to the public.
They finally chose to concentrate and explore the world of documentary filmmaking rarely assigned and attributed to women.
But Che Andes ("Pandango sa Hukay," " Maria" etc.), Ditsi Carolino ("Lupang Hinirang," "Bunso," "Made in the Philippines" etc. and Baby Ruth Villarama ("Jazz in Love," "Sunday Beauty Queen" and "Food Delivery" etc.) are steadfast in their vision and mission to advance the causes of documentary filmmaking.
Unlike feature or full-length filmmaking, docu filmmaking isn't as popular as feature moviemaking.
"It will take a village...," said Baby Ruth about the struggles of documentaries to popularize the genre.
Meaning, the film market isn't fully ready in patronizing doc films.
Just the same, Che, Ditsi and Baby Ruth make the most of it to advance their goals of promoting and presenting documentaries and their importance in changing society for the better.
Because the topics mostly discussed in doc filmmaking are challenging and confronting sources of corruption, injustices and oppression in different parts of the country and the world.
That is why kudos to the Meridian International College or Mint College for mounting the showing of the documentary film "Night Shift," a foray on the invasion of Russia on Ukraine directed by Singaporean filmmaker Mugami Lim.
After the screening of the historic film, there was a talkback segment facilitated by GMA Network artist Therese Malvar and participated by Andes, Carolino and Villarama.
Among the audience during the symposium were the Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv, Mint College President Tonisito Umali, members of the movie press like Bon Labora, mentors like Seymour Barros-Sanchez, students, filmmakers and other stakeholders.
They were one in saying that Che, Ditsi and Baby Ruth are pivotal leaders in the expansion of the art of documentary filmmaking.
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