Independent cinema in the Philippines has long been a powerful platform for addressing pressing social issues. Here are eight standout indie films that courageously delve into the complexities of Philippine society, shedding light on important issues and sparking meaningful conversations.
1. Ma’ Rosa (2016)
Ma’ Rosa describes a small-scale illegal drug trade that permeates the urban jungle’s dark alleyways and gloomy streets. In this film, director Brilliante Mendoza addresses many themes, including the never-ending fight against drugs, corruption, and poverty. Jaclyn Jose won the best actress prize at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for her performance in this film.
2. The Janitor (2014)
A suspended police officer was sent to assassinate the culprits of a bank robbery gone tragically wrong in the movie The Janitor. But as he murders the individuals on the list, he realizes that he has turned into a hitman and is no longer a police officer.
3. Whistleblower (2016)
In the movie Whistleblower, a financial advisor discovers that her employer is a con artist who created a phony non-governmental organization to obtain funds.
4. Laut (2016)
Laut is the tale of an indigenous Zamboanga family that the government relocates to Pampanga. Then, to survive, they were compelled to beg on the streets. The goal of director Louie Ignacio’s film was to reveal the backstory of the native people we see begging on the streets.
5. Pamilya Ordinaryo (2016)
The plot of Pamilya Ordinaryo centers on a young couple who stole money to make ends meet while living in the city. When their child is abducted, life severely strikes them back.
Eduardo Roy Jr.’s film opens your eyes. Numerous topics were covered in the movie, including teen pregnancy, poverty, and security. It was an independent production. Without a doubt, this is worth viewing.
6. Transit (2013)
Transit, another movie concerning OFWs, is about immigrants who gave birth in Israel. The families of OFWs concealed their children from the authorities when the government sought to deport them.
7. Imbisibol (Invisible) (2015)
In the movie Imbisibol, undocumented Filipino laborers in Japan are shown to be exceeding their visa’s maximum duration of stay. The narrative presents several characters in various circumstances, both favorable and unfavorable.
The movie depicts the hardships faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the extent they will go to to provide for their families in the Philippines. Lawrence Fajardo’s 2015 Sinag Maynila Film Festival film Imbisibol took home a few honors.
8. Baka Bukas (2016)
The movie Baka Bukas tells the story of Alex, a lesbian who came out to everyone but her closest friend. The plot twist starts with her closest friend discovering the truth, which has caused them to reevaluate their relationship.
In an interview, the filmmaker, Samantha Lee, stated that she aimed to convey the LGBT community in a way that transcended what is typically seen in the media. In the Philippines, LGBT people express themselves freely, yet they are not widely accepted. Consult Jake Zyrus.
