Whispers of a lost cinema

A few significant members of the family are in a situation that the ostensibly formed decision is to revive a dying member of a clan. An option that is acquiescent considering the momentous past experiences with that adored. Recalling what this dearly loved had done to their lives is worth stimulating for.

A situation that is akin to the call of a few artists who are fighting for the revival of something that they think a big loss of their being. This is a fight for a medium that would serve as a repository of arts and culture-and its being, core, and aspirations.

We always look for our roots. Our origin and the past make us who we are. What we are today, can be traced back to the aspirations of the past. The struggles and dreams of the past become part of today's reality.

In my previous write-up, I talked about the glorious past of the Cebuano Cinema. Its golden years form part of  the inspiration of a group of lovers of arts and culture.

The 2nd Cebuano Cinema Conference signaled the cause for revival. We don't want a repeat of the history where only few remnants of the past remained. This concerned group is calling for a more dynamic cinema in the region. Specifically the group is calling for the creation of the Cebuano Cinema Development Council.

The call started from a whisper of a plea for others to support. Because of the belief to bring back something that existed, previously had a wonderful spot but due to some reasons has overtaken by the turn of events.

The campaign aimed at gathering support of other individuals for the cause. This was launched last January 31 at an artist café in Gorordo Avenue and during the awarding and screening of the Sinulog 2014 short and documentary films at SM City Cebu last Feb. 1.

The proponents see a symbiotic relationship in here as the council will not only be a form of support to independent filmmakers but will also function as a means for the city government to generate income especially when film festivals and special screenings of locally made films will be done.

Essentially, a Cebuano motion picture is not just a means to entertain a Cebuano audience; it is also an agent or access point of Cebuano society, culture and life.

The group, through one of its proponents Marlon Hofer, has already submitted the letter last February 12, to Councilor James Cuenco, who heads the Arts and Culture Committee, for review and calendar it for the Cebu City council's regular session.

Such move is seeing a light as this would mean a rich depiction of Cebuano art and culture. Making the support from the local government necessary because when realized the council would serve as an instrument in bringing back the glorious past of the Cebuano film industry.

Let's capture the very core of Cebuano soul on the big screen. As a medium, it uses Cebuano language to promote and reach out the vast Cebuanos/Visayans in the global arena.

Let the Cebuano Cinema breathe vigorously once again. The fight to bring it back to its glorious days or even to a higher level has just started. It would probably take so long but at least an initiative to revive it has been started. Let's see how eager our local politicians are in responding to this call to relive a medium that would capture our core.