There were two movies shown — and will be reshown in some other venues — at the recently concluded Cinemalaya 20 that dealt with disappearances of human beings in a particular society.
They are “Alipato at Muog,” a full-length film is about the abduction and disappearance in 2007 of youth activist Jonas Burgos who is still missing directed by JL Burgos and “An Baga sa Dalan (The Red Trails),” a short film about the massacre of farmers, workers and community organizers by armed men in Las Navas, Northern Samar in 1981.
“An Baga sa Dalan” is directed by Mariel Ritchie Jolejole and Ronino Dolim.
In this column item, we shall devote this narrative to this short movie — we use the term movie to familiarize and relate to the most number of movie-goers instead of film which is more academic and artsy.
To this day, there are still desaparecidos, according to Mariel Ritchie, in their midst.
During the red carpet in the opening of the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival held at the Cinema 7 of Ayala Malls in Manila Bay, Jolejole invited the audience to witness, however on the big screen the unforgettable history of Las Navas during the dark days of Martial Law under the dictatorship of Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.
“There are still disappearances of that part of our history in Samar,” said Jolejole.
“Please help us spread the news,” added Mariel Ritchie.
According to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Cinemalaya, “An Baga sa Dalan” follows “the life of Rene, a young man from Sag-Od in Las Navas, Northern Samar, who is upended by the brutal Sag-Od massacre that claims his parents. Driven by grief and desperation, Rene learns of the mythical Biringan where he might have a chance to save his parents. Embarking on a perilous quest through dense forests and treacherous terrains, Rene faces supernatural challenges and confronts his own fears.
“As he delves deeper into the enigma of Biringan, he discovers that the line between myth and reality is perilously thin and learns the true power of belief and love. The Red Trails is a poignant exploration of cultural superstitions and historical truths, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.”
Hailing from Catarman, Northern Samar, Jolejole is an entrepreneurship graduate of the University of Eastern Philippines. Alongside her academic pursuits, 21-year-old Jolejole showcases her creative talents through visual storytelling.
Meanwhile, Ronino hails from Barangay Poblacion, Biri, Northern Samar. Currently enrolled as a development communication student at the University of Eastern Philippines, the 25-year-old Dolim is passionate about utilizing media as a tool for social change and community empowerment.
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