Cannes-Bound ‘Directors Factory Philippines’ Wraps Filming

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Directors Factory Philippines,” an omnibus film project initiated by the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, has completed production in the historic city of Dapitan.
Operating since 2013, when it kicked off in Taiwan, the Directors’ Factory works with a new partner country each year to mentor eight budding filmmakers who are preparing ambitious first or second feature projects that they will make in pairs. The Philippines was selected in November.
The four resulting co-written and co-directed short films will be screened as part of the Directors’ Fortnight (aka Quinzaine des Cineastes) in May.
Dapitan, a city in The Philippines’ Zamboanga Peninsula, known for its many shrines and as the place of exile of Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal.

These days it is a hub for domestic and international tourism.
Eve Baswel (Philippines) and Gogularaajan Rajendran (Malaysia) directed the short film “Walay Balay”, the portrait of a mother and daughter, evacuated during wartime to a safe neighbourhood they will call home. It stars Shaina Magdayao, star of multiple films by Lav Diaz and Ruby Diaz (“Expats”).
Maria Estela Paiso (Philippines) and Ashok Vish (India) directed the short film “Nightbirds” in which the mystical Tigmamanukan bird is sent by the bird council to help Ivy break free from her husband who wastes the couple’s money on cockfighting.
Arvin Belarmino (Philippines) and Lomorpich Rithy (aka YoKi) (Cambodia) directed the short film “Silig,” in which a stubborn and feisty woman, dying from cancer, returns to her hometown to organize her own cremation.