Iloilo City— This coming September 19, 2024, organized by DAKILA- Iloilo will open the 12th Active Vista Human Rights Festival with the award-winning film “Tumandok” premiere screening at Robinson’s Place Jaro Cinema 5.
Directed by Richard Jeroui Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, Tumandok is Cinemalaya 2024 Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, Best Original Music Score, NETPAC Awardee, and Best Supporting Actor Felipe Ganancial.
The film chronicles the struggle of the Ati people in Sitio Barangkalan, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo to reclaim their ancestral lands.
The Ati community, historically entangled in disputes over their ancestral lands, is driven by a legendary account that claims an ancient chieftain once traded their territory to Bornean datus in exchange for a golden necklace and hat. While historians often dispute this legend, many Atis still believe it reflects a deep-seated injustice, leaving them with only the mountains as their domain while the Malays acquired the fertile plains and rivers.
In contemporary times, even these mountainous lands face encroachment and violence. “TUMANDOK” vividly captures the Atis’ enduring fight to reclaim their ancestral lands and assert their rights, portraying their unyielding determination through powerful performances by actors from their own community. The film underscores their assertion for justice and peace, echoing a poignant sentiment from an Ati elder: “Tell us where the end of the earth is, and we will go there to live in peace, untouched.”
Tumandok is a Hiligaynon word that means “a native to a community” or “local resident.” The film highlights the thematic focus of the 12th Edition of Active Vista Human Rights titled “ESPEKULASYON,” which invites audiences to explore a world of possibilities and envision a hopeful future.
ESPEKULASYON encourages viewers to imagine a reality where hope is attainable, and change is within reach. A Filipino (Tagalog) word, “Espekulasyon” refers to “speculation” in English or broadly means an act of forming theories or conjectures about a subject without firm evidence. It often involves imagining or hypothesizing about possibilities or future events.
In the context of the 12th Active Vista Human Rights Festival, “Espekulasyon” suggests a focus on envisioning and contemplating alternative futures and possibilities. In a time of uncertainty and challenges, “Espekulasyon” also takes a form of resistance and a step toward positive change.
“Espekulasyon” echoes the struggles and aspirations of the Ati people in the film “Tumandok,” inviting Ilonggo viewers to witness the beginning of a transformative festival experience and be a part of the conversation that shapes our collective future.
The Iloilo film screening is co-presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cinemalaya Foundation, Film Development Council of the Philippines, CREATEPHFILMS, Cinematheque Iloilo, and Himatuod Film Productions.
WATCH THE FILM TUMANDOK
The premiere of Tumandok is on September 19, 2024 (Thursday) at Robinson’s Place Jaro Cinema 5, Iloilo City with two screening times as follows:
1. 3:00 P.M.: Tumandok Homecoming
2. 5:30 P.M.: AV Human Rights Festival- Iloilo Satellite Opening
Ticket Rates:
1. Regular – P300.00
2. Student – P250.00
3. Early Bird promo is at P250.00 which can be availed until September 16.
RSVP and Payment: bit.ly/AVFEST2024-Iloilo-Tumandok
Watch the Trailer here: https://fb.watch/uAiSjIr2w8/
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Ati community to help them fund the CADT (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title) Application for Sitio Kabarangkalan.
For Tumandok Film screening inquiries, contact Ryn Olivete at 0915 603 1612.
To connect with Dakila Iloilo, media inquiries, and collaborations, contact Arian Mark Lebuna. Visit Dakila Iloilo’s Facebook Page to learn more about the AVHRF Satellite Activities in Iloilo.
