Newsletter

April 1, 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of the Cinemata Newsletter!

In this edition, we're thrilled to announce our partnership with a student film organization in the Philippines, where we host films exploring the diverse dimensions of love across various genres. Additionally, Cinemata supports an initiative shedding light on the plight of the Rohingya people by hosting an award-winning film that unveils the harrowing journey undertaken by the Rohingya people in search of safety.

We're also excited to introduce Cinemata's updated 'About Page', addressing FAQs about our platform, features, our dedicated curatorial team, and potential collaborations.

In this edition, we also delve into digital rights challenges in the region, showcasing films portraying the innovative use of the internet in an Indonesian village for self-improvement and local product marketing, while also revealing the dangers of online misuse. We also feature a podcast episode discussing the digital rights landscape in Nepal and highlighting the efforts of an organization tackling digital rights issues in the country.

This edition underscores the potential of film and storytelling as powerful educational tools, driving awareness about the plight of marginalised communities in the region.

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CINEMATA UPDATES

Learn more about Cinemata, featuring FAQs

 

We're delighted to announce the revamp of the page, 'About Cinemata' featuring comprehensive FAQs. Now, you can delve deeper into Cinemata's offerings and gain insights into essential aspects such as our platform's features, understanding film rights ownership, exploring the work of the Cinemata curatorial team, collaboration opportunities, and much more. 

Whether you are a filmmaker, advocacy organisation, educational institution, media collective video activist, or a film initiative, our updated 'About Page' is your go-to resource for a holistic understanding of Cinemata.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CINEMATA

CINEMATA PARTNERSHIPS

Cinemata hosts online screening of FEU Film Society’s 'Piyu, I Love You' film festival

Cinemata is the official online screening platform for Far Eastern University (FEU) Film Society’s annual film festival, “Piyu, I Love You: Love is a Chemical Reaction.” The 10 films will be exclusively available online on Cinemata from March 29 to April 5, 2024.

The FEU Film Society, a non-profit student-led organization, focuses on nurturing emerging talents in filmmaking. Their film festival, "Piyu, I Love You," serves as a platform to showcase and celebrate the narratives of the next generation of student filmmakers. The festival, themed "Love is a Chemical Reaction," explores diverse dimensions of love, both personal and societal, in the Philippines. 

READ THE ARTICLE

Watch the films on Playlist Set A and Playlist Set B.

For organisations and film initiatives interested in supporting or screening the films featured in this event, reach out to feufilmsociety@gmail.com and filmsoc@feu.edu.ph.

Film as a Call to Action: Cinemata Hosts Award-Winning Animated Film 'Lost at Sea'

Cinemata is proud to host the award-winning animated film Lost at Sea, a gripping story of a Rohingya man’s dangerous journey across the sea to seek safety in Malaysia.

Produced by Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Noon Films from Barcelona, Spain, this animation film directed by Richard Swarbrick delves into the harsh reality faced by the Rohingya people as they embark on perilous journeys in pursuit of safety. 

Doctors Without Borders regional operational director Paul Brockmann stressed the film's potential as an educational tool to raise awareness about the challenges faced by displaced communities globally. Using animation, Lost at Sea amplifies the voices of those who have endured unimaginable hardships.

WATCH THE FILM

Learn more about the film and the plight of the Rohingya people seeking refuge in different countries in this article.

For inquiries or to support the film, please contact Doctors Without Borders at regina.layug.rosero@seeap.msf.org.

FEATURED FILMS

'Trailer: Fast Money Folded on the Internet'

Digital technology has transformed our perception of distance and time, offering unprecedented convenience to the users. However, two contrasting realities emerge. One side showcases the dangers of the thrust of acquiring quick money through online gambling and risky loans, trapping the unwary. On the other, users from an Indonesian village harness the internet for self-improvement, marketing local products innovatively. This film portrays their journey, emphasizing true success rooted in perseverance and hard work, contrasting sharply with those seduced by the illusion of effortless riches online.

Catch the full film on Cinemata this year! 

Producer: ICT Watch

​​Country: Indonesia

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Bagito 101: Paano Magbasa ng Magasin (Bagito 101: How to Read a Magazine)'

Bogart, a high-school student, learns some new tips from his friend, Enteng, to regain pleasure in masturbating that leads him to an unexpected turn of events.

‘Bagito 101: Paano Magbasa ng Magasin’ (Bagito 101: How to Read a Magazine) by L.A. Oraza was awarded "Best Film" at FEU Film Society's annual film festival, "Piyu, I Love You: Love is a Chemical Reaction".

Content warning: Contains sexual references and coarse language

Organisation: FEU Film Society

​​Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM

'handle me with care'

A girl who lives alone in her apartment recalls a meet-cute moment with her new crush as she waits for her water to boil before continuing her daily endeavors.

‘Handle me with care’ by Quiana Ysabel Santos is part of FEU Film Society's annual film festival, "Piyu, I Love You: Love is a Chemical Reaction".

Organisation: FEU Film Society

​​Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM

'PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Digital Rights Nepal'

In this episode, Tanka Aryal, President of Digital Rights Nepal, (DRN) shares insights into the organization's inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing emerging digital rights issues in the country.

DRN comprising lawyers, social workers, social scientists, and technologists, engages in policy review, evidence-based advocacy, and research to address emerging issues, digital security, and the intersection of technology and law.

Pretty Good Podcast Live at DRAPAC23 is a special episode series of Pretty Good Podcast, recorded live at the Digital Rights Asia Pacific Assembly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last May 22 to 26, 2023.

Organisation: EngageMedia

​​Country: Nepal

WATCH THE EPISODE

Read the accompanying blogpost that provides additional references and relevant links to this podcast episode.