Lakbay Sine is one of CCP film division’s way of sharing Philippine cinema into different corners of our country. It is a fun experience for all involved as audiences get to have a taste of the beauty of our films without having to go to niche theaters only available to a few. This is also where some of the Gawad Alternatibo films have been screened to audiences who might not have seen it otherwise.
Back in March 2023, in partnership with Montañosa Film Festival and Cinema Rehiyon, a couple of Gawad Alternatibo films were shown at Saint Louis University, University of the Philippines - Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City National High School, University of Baguio, and Pines City National High School where a total of 1364 audiences participated in the film screenings.
The Gawad Alternatibo films included are Trip (1993) by Jon Red which won first place at the Short Feature category. It is about a young boy from the province who went to the city for the first time and learned about urban life through the characters he encountered inside the jeepney. The next is Pot (2019) by Carl Papa, which received a Honorable Mention in the Animation category. It is the story of a troubled kid who tells his mom about his problem through a letter.
The next edition of Lakbay Sine was conducted this May 2023 in partnership with the Hundred Islands Film Festival, at Alaminos, Pangasinan. With their involvement, CCP Film managed to visit plenty of schools such as PASS (Philippine Accountancy and Science School) Colleges and Golden West Colleges, Telbang National High School and The Great Plebeian College, and wrapped up in Pangasinan at Alaminos City National High School. A staggering number of 2468 audiences collectively watched as we screened the films all week long.
The Gawad Alternatibo films that was included in this edition of Lakbay Sine are Doon sa Kabila ng Bulkan (1997) by Ellen Ramos which won 1st Place in the Animation category of its year. It is about the Aetas, a group of simple folks who live peacefully in isolation on the other side of the volcano. The second is Sorcerace (2016) by Sofia Abellera which won second place in the animation category. It is about a high-spirited witch that is willing to do anything to win the broomstick racing competition called Sorcerace. Next is Junkzilla (1995) by Nonoy Dadivas which received an Honorable Mention in the Animation category. The film revolves around a family who witnesses the transformation of their garbage into a monster. Next is Ang Liwanag sa Bakunawa (2022) which won third place in the 34th Gawad Alternatibo in the animation category. It is about an albino girl in a small village, feeling like an outcast and unwanted by her peers when she suddenly chanced upon an unlikely friend that filled her days with warmth, adventure, and mystery. Lastly, the short film Trip (1993) by Jon Red which won first place at the Short Feature category. It is about a young boy from the province who went to the city for the first time and learned about urban life through the characters he encountered inside the jeepney.
Film brings new perspectives to our lives as it manages to capture our hearts and minds. But with Gawad Alternatibo, it is not just established directors and writers who get to share their passion. Now auteurs from different beginnings can show a unique vision that deserves it's time to shine in the silver screen.
