Newsletter

October 28, 2022

In this edition, we highlight a short documentary film on online disinformation during the 2022 Philippine elections, as well as a collection of videos celebrating the 150th year of the Maritime Union of Australia. It is also the last weekend to watch films from the 34th Gawad Alternatibo and a curated playlist of human rights films from the festival.

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NAVIGATING ONLINE DISINFORMATION

'Hopes and Feeds': A documentary on the impact of social media and disinformation in the 2022 Philippine elections

Joshua and Jeric pin their respective hopes for a better Philippines on the 2022 presidential bids of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Leni Robredo. Amid the rise of online disinformation during the election season, the two friends share how their social media feeds are informing their votes – regardless of how credible their sources are.

EngageMedia has produced the short documentary Hopes and Feeds, which navigates the issue of online disinformation and propaganda through the eyes of two working-class Filipinos. It also shows how access to information and freedom of expression –fundamental digital rights – can be tainted by Big Tech and groups that seek to abuse these platforms.

Producer: EngageMedia
Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM

Read more about the film and screening opportunities here.

 

FEATURED PLAYLIST

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Maritime Union of Australia

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has a long history of fighting for workers' rights and supporting various causes such as land rights and justice for Aboriginal Australians and trade union rights worldwide. Its roots go back to the 19th century and the formation of the Seamen's Union of Australia, the first maritime union in the world.

In celebration of its 150th year anniversary, MUA features a collection of videos highlighting important events throughout the union's history.

WATCH THE PLAYLIST

 

CINEMATA PARTNERSHIPS

Last weekend to catch alternative films from the Philippines on Cinemata

Over 100 films from the 34th Gawad Alternatibo film competition will have its last run on Cinemata until October 31. As the exclusive screening partner of the independent film competition, Cinemata is hosting films from the competition's four major categories – Animation, Experimental, Documentary, and Short Feature.

Seven Gawad Alternatibo films tackling human rights issues from the Philippines' martial law years to the present time are also available to watch in the curated playlist “Then and Now: Films on Human Rights in the Philippines from the 34th Gawad Alternatibo”. Featuring stories of activists struggling against a flawed justice system and stories honouring their courage and causes, the films reflect the aspiration of Filipino filmmakers to continue raising awareness on human rights issues and inspire action.

WATCH THE PLAYLIST

 

FEATURED FILMS

'Sad Song’

An elderly couple, Bapak Ngadiman and Ibu Sumarni, struggle to earn a living as Sinden Siter performers while promoting traditional Javanese music.

Sad Song (Tembang Lara) was directed by Rena Novia Savitri and produced by Dominique Renee Makalew for Anatman Pictures.

Producer: Anatman Pictures
Country: Indonesia

WATCH THE FILM

'Read-Only Memory’

A man digs out his dead partner from the grave to spend another day with him. Through a series of images, Read-Only Memory shifts between longing and acceptance of love and loss.

Read-Only Memory is among the first place winners of the 34th Gawad Alternatibo Experimental Category.

Directors: David R. Corpuz & Kristine Camille Sulit
Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM

'On Hands and Knees’

Two women share their personal experiences as sex workers in Manila, Philippines. Amid the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, both continue to hope that their rights are respected.

On Hands and Knees by Nico Antonio Bagsic is part of the 34th Gawad Alternatibo Documentary Category.

Directors: David R. Corpuz & Kristine Camille Sulit
Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM