Held at Hyderabad in India, the film festival gave the only acting citation in the entire festival for Lotlot’s “exceptional performance.” It was observed that it was the first time All Lights India International Film Festival awarded an actor. Apparently, Honorable Mention is usually given to another movie competing in the category.
That’s not surprising. I had the chance to watch 1st Sem during a media screening and Lotlot shone through and through in the movie. The jury’s decision to award her for such exceptional performance is the right thing to do.
Film makers Allan Michael Ibanez & Dexter Paglinawan Hemedez did a great job telling the story in the simplest way. They won the Debut Directors Competition at the All Lights India International Film Festival last September 27. They bested entries from the US, Brazil and other countries.
The indie film 1st Sem is downright simple. You won’t find the glossy feel that you’d find in other films. But I actually enjoyed it. There are no pretensions and film director Dexter shares that the film is a comedy that does not force itself to be and a drama told with just the right light feel to it. I highly recommend that you watch it when it comes out on February 2017.
The triumphant film, with screenwriting icon Ricky Lee as creative consultant, was cited by the All Lights jury as “containing courage and cinematic storytelling.” The jury was composed of Hassan Nazer whose film Utopia was Afghanistan’s Best Foreign Film entry to this year’s Oscars, Pan Nalin who directed the globally distributed Samsara, and Rajesh Touchriver who was nominated best debut director at Cannes.
Allan, who as writer has collaborated with Dexter, ventured to film directing with an eye for what’s honest and courageous. He related, “We crafted a story that will appeal to the youth, especially high school and college students, and to mothers like Precy. We intend to inspire and this win is for us, inspiring.”
Supporting Lotlot in the indie film 1st Sem is a cast loaded with newbies taking her lead well, led by boyish-looking Darwin who honed his acting chops from Star Magic workshop. He plays the academically brilliant son who heads back home ahead of the batallion that sends him to the big city. That description alone from the duo director solicits laughter without them trying at all.
The Kids First! Film and Video Festival in New Mexico, USA likewise shortlisted 1st Sem in its selection and raved that “it offers a very realistic depiction of a Philippine single mother dealing with her son’s misadventures.”
Part of the indie film 1st Sem’s quick success is the brilliant camera work termed by the directors as “tuhog scenes” shown without the usual cut intervals — for as long as five minutes. The background music is anchored on a couple of songs from seminal alternative rock band Siakol titled “Inihaw” and “Sige Na Tuloy Pa.” Yes, the movie is very Pinoy and universal. For further information on Ist Sem, check 1st SEM’s official Facebook page.