EdukSine’s film catalog for Buwan ng Wika 2023 enkindles love for the Filipino language.
As August celebrates National Language Month, EdukSine takes part by offering a catalog of Filipino Indie films that promote the creative use of Filipino and native languages while displaying significant cultural roots. Languages used all over the country such as Kapampangan, Bontoc, Visayan, Sambal are featured in the culturally rich selection of films we have just for you.
Our vision of using film, culture, and the arts in leading social transformation heavily includes representing even the indigenous languages of the country.
Storytelling plays a crucial role in subjecting our wide array of languages to the audience’s appreciation. The films that proudly showcase this help capture and preserve them, especially movies that star indigenous and local tribes. (Spoiler alert: There’s plenty on our roster!)
Want a full Filipino experience? You can start by celebrating the artistry poured by Filipino filmmakers into the use of languages in films.
Get in touch with the country’s native languages and cultural heritage by streaming the movies via pay-per-view for as low as PHP 100.
You may also take this month’s celebration up a notch by availing our hybrid and/or face-to-face block screening services; ensuring that the Philippine languages receive the appreciation it deserves, while your organization, institution, or community earns a memorable Buwan ng Wika commemoration.
Here are our film offerings for Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa:
Aria (2018)
Director: Carlo Catu
Artist: Liya Sarmiento, Jay Garcia
Synopsis: A drama set during several decades when the Hukbalahap was formed out of the efforts of the labor movement, which had to evolve because of the invasion of the Japanese.
If you’re interested in the role of the Kapampangan language in the Japanese invasion era, this movie is for you.
WATCH HERE
Kamunggai (2017)
Director: Vic Acedillo
Artist: Kent Reymond Basa, Ma. Theresa Dulce Cruzata, Roger Gonzales
Synopsis: Lolo Peping built his backyard farm in his hometown in Mindanao, out of vegetable scraps or whatever edible plant life he could find in the garbage heap. His neighbors get free food from his garden while he does all the work. They don’t even bother to pay him or say thank you, so Lolo Peping decided to put a bamboo fence around his garden to keep neighbors out.
The Visayan language and the theme of conflict resolution sure do make an interesting combo.
WATCH HERE
Sinandomeng (2017)
Director: Byron Bryant
Artist: Sue Prado, Julio Diaz, Althea Oredina, Edsel Santiago
Synopsis: When her husband unexpectedly dies, Sinang is forced to take over their farming business. But is her resolution and diligence enough to keep it going?
The film beutifully portrays two of our most important cultural elements: language and agriculture.
WATCH HERE
Kauyagan (Way of Life) (2018)
Director: Julienne Ilagan
Artist: Bayang Barrios, Perry Dizon, Waway Saway, Jefferson Bringas
Synopsis: A Talaandig tribal drama, it is the story of a hesitant datu-presumptive and how he learns to rise up to become leader of his people.
Ever heard of the Bukid language of Northern Mindanao‘s indigenous people? Prepare to hear a lot of it in this film.
WATCH HERE
Kakampi (2016)
Director: Vic Acedillo
Artist: Neil Ryan Sese, Gloria Sevilla, Suzette Ranillo, Felix Roco
Synopsis: An ordinary taxi ride takes Jun to the amazing world of Ben, an unusual indigenous farming practice filled with mystery and magic.
A movie that talks about agriculture and spirituality in Filipino.
WATCH HERE
Paglipay (Crossing) (2016)
Director: Zig Dulay
Artist: Garry Cabalic, Joan de la Cruz, Anna Luna, Manel Sevidal
Synopsis: Atan, an Aeta, who makes a living from traditional farming system kaingin and hunting on the foothills of Mt. Pinatubo, is arranged for marriage with a fellow Aeta, Ani. In order to find a job, he needs to adapt himself with the modern way of life in town. Meanwhile, Rain has to immerse with the Aetas of Banwa for her thesis. Atan develops special feelings for Rain and forgets the very reason for his journey. Atan faces cross-cultural modifications amid changes in the mountain brought about by immense modernity.
Experience the best of both worlds; this film uses the Sambal and Filipino language as the characters navigate their way to romance.
WATCH HERE
Respeto (2016)
Director: Aberto “Treb” Monteras II
Artist: Abra, Dido de la Paz, Loonie
Synopsis: A poor aspiring rapper befriends an older poet after vandalizing his bookstore.
Respeto makes use of the Filipino language to voice out the various issues we face as a society.
WATCH HERE
Tanabata’s Wife (2018)
Director: Charlson Ong, Lito Casaje, Choi Pangilinan
Artist: Miyuki Kamimura, Mai Fanglayan
Synopsis: Tanabata-San is a successful Japanese immigrant farmer in La Trinidad Valley in Benguet. Middle-aged and lonely, he hires a young feisty Bontoc woman, Fasang, as farmhand, and falls in love with her. They get married and have a son, but Fasang is attracted to the city lights of Baguio that are now taking shape, and to someone else.
Curious about the relationship dynamics between a foreign and a native language speaker? Go ahead and add this to your watch list.
WATCH HERE
The Chanters (2009)
Director: James Robin Mayo
Artist: Jally Nae Gabaliga, Romulo Caballero, Jean Aubrey Garin, Kara Francine Bela-Ong, Zuellen Faye Cerbo
Synopsis: Sarah Mae, the grand-daughter of the last chanter of the Panay Bukidnon tribe, obsessed with pop culture and readies herself for the visit of a sensational TV star to her school. As she perfects her dance, her grandfather, Lolo Ramon suffers the onset of dementia. Sarah Mae is tasked to help him complete the last of the remaining 12 epics, their tribe’s vanishing tradition.
A sentimental yet comedic movie that highlights Sulod, an indigenous Visayan language.