A PEEK AT THE WINNERS OF THE MOST GENDER- SENSITIVE FILM AWARD OF THE METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL

Sheryl Rose  M. Andes,

A PEEK AT THE WINNERS OF THE MOST GENDER- SENSITIVE FILM AWARD OF THE METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL

Abstrak:

The power of cinema resides in its ability to portray relations of power in society. This makes film an effective vehicle in symbolizing the oppression, suffering, victimization, and sexual oppression of women, gays, lesbians and other individuals who possess liminal sexual preference. Launched in 1975, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) holds an annual competition for local cinema every December, organized by mayors in the metropolis. Its goal is to upgrade the quality of Filipino cinema and convince viewers to patronize local products made by major production houses. In 2003, led by Quezon City Gender and Development Resource Coordinating Office, the MMFF introduced the Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award, in order to encourage and introduce to the mainstream useful discourse on gender, particularly in terms of advocating equal rights of women and queer subjects. This study reconsiders the texts, elements, and messages of the MMFF’s Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award winners, specifically Homecoming (2003), Aishite Imasu (Mahal Kita) 1941 (2004), Bluemoon (2005), Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (2006) and Desperadas (2007).