Flying Embers and a Fortress

how does one sit through this whole docu and still be blind abt politics

how does one sit through this whole docu and still be blind abt politics

I’ve been a Thomasian for five years and counting, and never did I ever think this will be cleared for showing within my university omg, let alone have the presence of student-activists calling for the surfacing of the desaparecidos, after the screening, without being red-tagged… highkey a gag tbh!

Goosebumps all again throughout, and the vivid imagery really succeeded in evoking visceral emotions. Chills, goosebumps.

That first shot of Jonas’ face with the blindfold down is really simple, but very startling within the context of the film. My stomach dropped in my first watch, and it did the same in this second watch.

I still appreciate that this film knows it shouldn’t exist. It’s a profound realization that completes this film, whose existence means something is deeply, deeply wrong with the system. A truly singular work of art that’s comprehensive and compassionate.

I’ve been a Thomasian for five years and counting, and never did I ever think this will be cleared for showing within my university omg, let alone have the presence of student-activists calling for the surfacing of the desaparecidos, after the screening, without being red-tagged… highkey a gag tbh!

Goosebumps all again throughout, and the vivid imagery really succeeded in evoking visceral emotions. Chills, goosebumps.

That first shot of Jonas’ face with the blindfold down is really simple, but very startling within the context of the film. My stomach dropped in my first watch, and it did the same in this second watch.

I still appreciate that this film knows it shouldn’t exist. It’s a profound realization that completes this film, whose existence means something is deeply, deeply wrong with the system. A truly singular work of art that’s comprehensive and compassionate.

This was quite the surreal watch. And self-aware too, in the sense that it understands how important this film is in Philippine cinema, and yet it also knows that there should not be space for films like these, because it’s an indicator of how bad the country has it. 

I’ve been meaning to watch this since the X rating controversy. I’m thankful I got to watch this now.

I also got to ask director JL Burgos about the animation sequences. How did he determine what to animate, I asked. His answer was in line with the commonly-held belief that animation is the perfect medium to express what cannot be simply expressed.

It was also the first time in ages, that I’ve said anything in a talkback session. 

The film made me feel so many things in 96 minutes, a lean and mean documentary. Given the state of things in the past few years, this film did not make me angry nor sad. 

Instead, it solidified my exasperation.

This was quite the surreal watch. And self-aware too, in the sense that it understands how important this film is in Philippine cinema, and yet it also knows that there should not be space for films like these, because it’s an indicator of how bad the country has it. 

I’ve been meaning to watch this since the X rating controversy. I’m thankful I got to watch this now.

I also got to ask director JL Burgos about the animation sequences. How did he determine what to animate, I asked. His answer was in line with the commonly-held belief that animation is the perfect medium to express what cannot be simply expressed.

It was also the first time in ages, that I’ve said anything in a talkback session. 

The film made me feel so many things in 96 minutes, a lean and mean documentary. Given the state of things in the past few years, this film did not make me angry nor sad. 

Instead, it solidified my exasperation.

so insightful and emotional. glad we got to meet the director and learn so much. surface all desaparecidos!

so insightful and emotional. glad we got to meet the director and learn so much. surface all desaparecidos!

surface all desaparecidos!

surface all desaparecidos!