Month of March is the busiest month of the year here in Davao City, aside from celebrating the 80th Araw ng Davao it's also the exciting week for the Davao City's Film Community as Man Overboard Production's LET'S GET SHORT! Events kick into gear on March 8, 9, and 11.
Ricardo "Ricky" Lee, the renowned scriptwriter, journalist, novelist and playwright who is celebrating his birthday this March, will be visiting Davao City after almost 20 years.
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| Photo credit to Januar E.Yap INTERVIEW WITH RICKY |
He will be giving a Scriptwriting Workshop at 3 different venues namely:
- HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE on the afternoon of March 8
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES on the morning of March 9
- FDCP CINEMATHEQUE DAVAO on March 9 from 4PM to 8PM
Man Overboard Productions Founder and Davao Filmmaker Jarell Mahinay Serencio had been dreaming about an event like this for Davao City. He participated in the first batch of Ricky Lee's Scriptwriting Workshop sponsored by ABS-CBN back in 2003.
Serencio went to Manila after graduating from the Holy Cross College of Davao with a degree in Mass Communications.
"Kahit ayaw ng magulang ko na magtrabaho ako sa malayo, sinunod ko pa din ang pangarap ko. Noon pa man, hinahangaan ko na ang mga pelikula na nasusulat ni Sir Ricky kaya noong nag-announce ang ABS-CBN na naghahanap sila ng mga applicants para sa scriptwriting workshop niya, hindi ko na pinalagpas. Lumawas ako at nakipag-sapalaran sa Maynila para mag-apply at tuparin ang aking pangarap na maging filmmaker." (My parents did not approve of my plan to work in Manila but I followed my dreams. Even when I was still studying, I already admired the films Ricky Lee's wrote. That's why when ABS-CBN announced they were looking for applicants for workshop, I grabbed the chance, I went to Manila armed with just a few pesos in my pocket but with high hopes that I can get inside the door of the industry I was dreaming to be part of.)
There were over 2,500 applicants who lined up on the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City as early as 4am. They came from all over Metro Manila, and as far as Ilocos Norte in Luzon and cities in Visayas and Mindanao. Only 39 of them passed and were given a chance to be mentored by Lee, and Serencio was one of the 39.
Serencio credits Ricky Lee of his growth as a writer. Lee served as Creative Manager of "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas" a soap opera starring Jericho Rosales and Khristine Hermosa. And Jarell Serencio is one of the contributing writers and that was where it all started.
"This kind of opportunity doesn't come along very often. If you are serious about honing your craft, then you should make a priority to attend this event. It might change your life. like it has changed me." ~Serencio added.
As of this writing, registration for the LET'S GET SHORT! Events at HCDC and USeP are now officialy closed.
But, for those who wish to join Ricky Lee's Workshop on March 9 at the FDCP Cinematheque Davao, you may register at Let's Get Short Film Screening Event Facebook Page as there are LIMITED slots available. You may register as an Individual or Group, School Org or Film Club.
Registration fee is only P300 per head, Ricky Lee's books will also be available at FDCP Cinematheque Davao starting March 4(Saturday).
Trip to Quiapo copies are selling by the dozen and those who have already pre-paid can pick up their copies at the Cinematheque Davao starting March 3.
FILM Screening of Award Winning Short Films will also be held at HCDC on March 8 (Exclusive for Davao City National High School Senior High Students and Holy Cross students) and on March 11 at the FDCP Cinematheque Davao 6PM. ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
These Short Films will also be showcased:
- VICTOR by Jarell Serencio, won the Best Short Feature in Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2012
- MGA BITOON SA SIYUDAD by Jarell Serencio, won the Best Director Award during the MMFF 2016
- MIENTRAS SU DURMIDA (As He Sleeps) by Sheron Dayoc, won the Best Short Film at the International Film Festival in Serbia and Best Director at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2012
- PUSONG BATO (Stone Heart) by Martika Ramirez Escobar, won Best Short Feature at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2015 and Best Short Film at the Singkuwento International Film Festival
- LISYUN QNG GEOGRAFIA (Geography Lessons) by Petersen Vargas, won the Best Director at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2015
- PEKTUS by Isabel Quesadas, won the Best Short Feature and Best Screenplay at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2016
- FISH OUT OF WATER by Mon A.L Garilao, won the Best Director for a Short Feature and Special Jury Prize at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2016
- EJK by Bor Ocampo, won the Best Short Film at the MMFF 2016
- Entre Medio del Fin (in the Middle of an End) by Ryanne Murcia, won the Best Film award at the Mindanao Film Festival last 2016.
For more details, please visit their Official Facebook Page MAN OVER BOARD PRODUCTION
