Dive into a lineup of Filipino animated shorts ahead of the Netflix Debut of ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’
Dive into a lineup of Filipino animated shorts ahead of the Netflix Debut of ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’
Feature art by Abigail Manaluz
If Cupid accidentally brought crooked arrows and forgot his silly bow at home this February, worry not. Carl Joseph Papa's got you covered with his widely lauded animation film "Iti Mapukpukaw", which won Best Film at the 19th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Notably, it was also the first animated feature submitted by the Philippines as an entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. For those unacquainted by the movie's very loud community movie chatter online or by word of mouth, Carl's celebrated take on animation involved rotoscoping techniques which his team painstakingly illustrated over every frame of live footage to achieve a vivid yet intriguingly odd effect which is conceptually consistent with the story's focus on a mouthless animator named Eric who is swallowed by a series of events engaging with an alien from his childhood.
Tailored with a sci-fi touch and a spirited zeal for inventive storytelling, this highly anticipated release is set to debut on Netflix (Southeast Asia Region only) on February 24th. But in order to satiate the anticipation, let's indulge ourselves in the entrancing appeal of animation and make a toast for its promising potential for the time being through this curated list of some Filipino animated short films that truly reflect the resolute beauty of the medium.
Portrait of a Lady (2019)
Dir. Kenny Leoncito
The harrowing account of Juan Luna purportedly shooting his wife due to marital strife and accusations of infidelity paints a haunting picture of the renowned Filipino painter's internal turmoil beyond the dyed brushes. Kenny Leoncito, a Filipino Canadian animator, voiced his fond regard for representative media through this short animation feature which mirrors Luna's tale not for a pure historical retelling but rather, as an artistic rendition of loss, creation, and family. Its presentation exudes a richly brown-centric palette and referential stylistic motifs, sparking the essence of Filipino culture during the 1800s. The short has tinges of horror elements yet finds comfort in it, clutching onto a candle despite knowing that it will eventually melt away.
You can watch the short film here
All the Time (2023)
Dir. Anya Zulueta, Dominic Zulueta
Sometimes all a story needs to be is to have a universal appeal, and that’s exactly what Anya and Dominic Zulueta’s All the Time accomplishes. The way it artfully captures the mundane lives of these cats through all of its multiple renderings produces a sense of comfort and intimacy—resulting in a deeply poignant and personal vignette that underlines the value of acceptance and a sense of belongingness. It imbues the fundamental notion of animation with significance and purpose. Simple and heartfelt in its approach but strong and resonating with its message. There’s just something about animated films that can convey an uncomplicated-honest story in a way that never loses its charm; bubbly and lighthearted, sometimes wrenching but always comforting.
Unfortunately, the film isn’t available elsewhere, but you can follow their page for further updates
Jepoy (2019)
Dir. Avid Liongoren
School buses are typically recognized by their yellow tint, embellished by reflective stripes. However, in Avid Liongoren’s Jepoy, the depiction of a Filipino school bus diverges differently. Here, it takes the form of a plain white van, its purpose boldly proclaimed by a prominent black text on the front. Our story begins inside this uniquely “Pinoy” vehicle, through the perspective of Jepoy as he travels back to his house. He struggles to form a connection with both of his busy parents and his unruly classmates so he is engrossed by the escapist media of comics. Through the daily news on his television, Jepoy gained information regarding the deadly radiation from the Fukushima power plant. However, instead of repressing his emotions, as his circumstances conditioned him to do, he mimics his beloved comic book heroes on the roof trying to confront the winds and rise above the sky. It’s up to the audience to interpret how it ends but it’s certainly the start of a delightful realization that there is unsung finesse in Filipino animation.
You can watch the short film here
Ang Mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (2022)
Dir. Vahn Pascual
In Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan, Vahn Pascual renders a succinct but powerful film on how each of our individual actions can turn into a collective and unite us in the fight against oppression, all through the perspective of chicks. Its simplicity speaks volumes and it’s an appealing artistic effort that manages to raise awareness while still being cute and charming. Its story and themes may have been told countless times, so it’s remarkable how it still manages to be incredibly strong in conveying its message. Innocent and lighthearted yet still potent and mature. A genuine rarity among Filipino animated films.
Unfortunately, the film isn’t available elsewhere.
Ipaglaban ang Minamahal (2021)
Dir. Arnold Arre
Animation surmounts socially constructed barriers for it openly provides an unmatched creative freedom for artists in how they want to evoke a sensation or sentiment. This natural universality can further reinforce advocacies not just in a narrowly focused route of realism but also diversified expressions that can appeal to all ages. Arnold Arre’s animation project, Ipaglaban ang Minamahal, was an intimately personal project that was done voluntarily amidst the infamous pink revolution campaign led by Leni Robredo. If we were to view this film in a vacuum, it simply embodies a reinterpretation of Leni's speech regarding her presidential candidacy. But we must take note that context is culturally pivotal as it provides a framework for gaining insight and meaning for a work. This self-effacing animated short is not just about political inclinations, it’s also a manifestation of how we can align art forms and our desire to fight for solidarity. It’s not content but a cry for alliance.
You can watch the short film here
Maski Papano (2020)
Dir. Glenn Barit, Che Tagyamon
Maski Papano, a quarantine-core stop-motion film directed by Glenn Barit and Che Tagyamon, is a comical display of their whimsical creativity in motion. It uses a humanoid mask to satirize the forlorn and lost people who are trying to find their place in this world. What I find endearing in Glenn and Che’s ideas is that there’s a sense of levity and sensibility in its story, coupled with their ability for amusement while also emerging into a form of struggle and resistance. Albeit being short, there’s still a bit of poignancy behind the characters, and novelty in its sense of belongingness. Inventive and imaginative, this short truly encapsulates the essence of animation.
You can watch the short film here
CITSALP (2021)
Dir. Jean Evangelista
Benilde film student Jean Evangelista's award-winning film, CITSALP, sheds light on the grim consequences of convenient ignorance born from societal apathy. The title, an inversion of the word "plastic," is as stirring and straightforward as its story depicting a plastic cup, reluctantly tossed aside, leading to the death of a whale. In a mere 107-second runtime, the film packs a punch with its powerfully direct message, earning its recognition as a noteworthy selection for about 50 film festivals worldwide. Indeed, brevity carries its own splendor.
You can watch the short film here
Kinalimutan natin ang mga bata (2017)
Dir. Glib Mendoza
In just two minutes, Gilb Mendoza delivered a short yet incredibly powerful and compelling message about the pressing issue of extrajudicial killings. This striking animated film offers viewers with not only a concise summary of the events that occurred during the Martial Law era, but also an important and insightful perspective that encourages discussion and a better understanding of the historical context surrounding these tragic incidents.
You can watch the short film here
Unos (2017)
Dir. John Arthur Mercader
Right at the outset, one might question if Unos is actually made by Filipinos because it trickles with wondrous imagery complemented by rich color schemes and immersive lighting reminiscent of high-budget animation productions from other countries. John Arthur Mercader, founder and creative director of Puppeteer Studios, dispels every doubt as he tells a father and son story set against a backdrop of sea wayfaring through gorgeous a succinct CGI 3D animation picture. The way it’s executed is anything but subpar, it’s a visual manifesto of conviction and dedication that will make you wish it’s a feature length film.
You can watch the short film here
Lola Loleng (2017)
Dir. Che Tagyamon
Che Tagyamon’s thesis film, Lola Loleng, is probably one of the hidden gems to have come out in our local animated film industry. The way Che captures the colorful yet transient qualities of memory and shows compassion for those who have lost their identity, exudes so much passion—touching and heartwarming in every way. Its vibrant colors and the way she uses rotoscope animation elevate and set it apart from other pieces that tackle the same themes, all while still remaining profound and compelling.
You can watch the short film here
Click here to see the complete list on Letterboxd.
