I-Witness docus wows Davao

MANILA, Philippines - For Dr. Rizal Aportadera, founder of the Mindanao Burn Center, the recently concluded I-Witness Docufest in Davao City was more than just a chance to watch first-rate documentaries from GMA 7’s flagship documentary program. It was a chance for him to personally thank the men and women behind the documentary Lapnos by Jay Taruc.

Lapnos, which recently brought home the Silver Medal in the 2012 New York Festival, tells of the harrowing tales of burn victims from the Mindanao Burn Center.

It was one of the eight documentaries showcased in the third leg of the I-Witness docufest regional tour held recently at the Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall in Davao City.

In the event, Dr. Aportadera explained how people started to take notice of the center after watching the documentary. He further added how donations started pouring in to help the burn victims. 

This was just one of the many memorable moments during the docufest where all four hosts — Howie Severino, Kara David, Jay Taruc and Sandra Aguinaldo got the chance to meet and greet documentary enthusiasts from Davao City.

David shares how the presence of Dr. Aportadera serves as an inspiration to her and her fellow documentarists and how she is constantly moved by how the program become a means to produce social action: “Nakakataba ng puso namin kapag nalalaman namin na kahit paano nagiging tulay ng malasakit at pagtulong ang I-Witness,” Kara enthuses.

The I-Witness Docufest Regional Tour is part of the program’s 13th year celebration. I-Witness is set to take its regional tour in Naga on Sept. 15; Iligan, Sept. 27; Pangasinan, Oct. 6; and Bacolod, Oct. 12.

I-Witness airs Monday nights after Saksi on GMA 7.