GMAAC holds 2009's Sindie film festival

MANILA, Philippines - The GMA Artist Center (GMAAC), now known as the GMA Talent Development and Management Department under newly-promoted vice president Ida Ramos Henares will hold its annual independent film festival this month.

On Sept. 9, GMAAC’s Talent Development Unit under Lou Gopez will be holding a festival of independent films, which will also be an occasion to showcase the best talents to emerge from the center’s workshops held during summer. This year will be the third time that GMAAC is holding the event.

Billed 90909: Sindie III, Ang Pagsisimula sa Indie Festival, the week-long event is jointly presented by GMAAC and Robinsons MovieWorld and will be showcasing nine short films from the Cinemalaya library, from various independent producers, and from the Directors’ Guild of the Phils. Inc.’s Cinedirek, the latter having featured and casted artists from GMAAC.

The films to be showcased during the week-long festival include Tribu by Jim Libiran, Jay by Francis Pasion, Musa by Dexter Cayanes, Manong by Arnold Argaño, 1017 by Zig Dulay, Bente by Mel Chionglo, Ded Na Si Lolo by Soxie Topacio and the premiere screenings of Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno, and Kamada by Raymond Red. Opening of the Sindie filmfest is on Sept. 9 at Robinsons MovieWorld.

On Sept. 13, graduating workshop participants take centerstage as five short films, products of their hard work, will be screened. The short films are Carl, Limos, Katok, Lapis and Windang. A documentary-drama from independent producer called Barometer will also be screened on Sept. 13, 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Cinema 2 of Robinsons MovieWorld. The awards night and the graduation ceremonies will also be held on the same night.