When we were introducing ourselves as part of the Film Editing workshop of the 2025 Film Development Council of the Philippines' (FDCP) FEST Film Lab on the first day of the two-day event, what struck me was the presence of a Waraynon member of the class.
She introduced herself as Mariel Ritchie Jolejole from Northern Samar.
I was also part of the program as an Observer.
Although Mariel Ritchie was a Participant, it didn't make a difference about our respective description as learners in the project.
I immediately got interested in Mariel Ritchie for this paper.
Waraynons must be proud that one of their region mates is making history as a film editor.
It is because editing is an important factor of a film.
Without editing, a film cannot stand as is.
Editing is essential in visual storytelling.
It is a crucial part of the art of filmmaking.
The chronological succession of scenes makes a logical and realistic viewing experience whether one is watching the film inside a movie house or on digital apps, like live streaming such as Netflix, Amazon, Prime, Vivamax, YouTube, Facebook etc.
Mariel Ritchie as an editor contributes a lot to the success of a film as an art and as business.
Our workshop was held last July 12 and 13, 2025 at the Sampaguita Room of the Seda Hotel in Abuena Street corner Aseana Avenue in Parañaque City.
What made our seminar exceptional and challenging was the presence of our mentor. Alex Rodriguez.
Alex Rodriguez is a famous editor.
He is the editor of the much-ballyhooed films "Y tu mama tambien" (2001) which top billed Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna and Maribel Verdu and "Children of Men" (2006) which starred Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, among others.
It is the latter film that Rodriguez and his director Alfonso Cuaron were nominated for Best Editing to the 79th Oscars or the Academy Awards.
Alex was also the editor of "Extraction 2," the hit Netflix fare screened during the pandemic.
You could imagine the precious and priceless education we (Mariel Ritchie and other students) got from Alex.
They will be part of Jolejole's (a Cinemalaya 2024 short film finalist for “An Baga sa Dalan”) career as a filmmaker.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #Imagery