'Serbis' Vying for the Palme d'Or in Cannes
I would like to congratulate one of our scriptwriting and filmmaking mentors, Armando 'Bing' Lao, and company, for their movie 'Serbis' which got into the Competition Category of the ongoing 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Bing is the screenwriter of this feature helmed by Director Dante 'Brillante' Mendoza.
This is truly a great event for Philippine Cinema since the last Filipino film to be so honored of being in the running for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm), the festival's top prize, was Lino Brocka's 'Bayan Ko Kapit sa Patalim' way back in 1984.
Here is a Youtube collection of clips from 'Serbis.' The voiceover is in Italian and the clips are subtitled in French.
The movie has gotten mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike. I'm reserving my judgement, but based on the video above, I have a hunch that the movie is well-done after all and underappreciated. (Hope I am right. 
) The awarding will be on the last day of the festival on the 25th of May (a few hours from now I think), and there is buzz that Jaclyn Jose or Gina Pareño, who both act in the movie, might win the Best Actress award. Hope that both of them do, and that the film win other awards as well.
The movie also features Dan Alvaro, Julio Diaz, Coco Martin, Kristofer King, and Mercedes Cabral. It is produced by Centerstage Productions.
Here are videos of the cast and crew in Cannes. This was forwarded by one of the producers, Ferdinand Lapuz to the UP Film Institute yahoogroup. (Watching these videos truly make you proud to be a Filipino):
Photocall - Interview : Serbis
Director Mendoza also relates in this article by Boy Villasanta how 'Serbis' got into Cannes.
Looking forward to watch the movie when it premieres here in the Philippines.
P.S. 'Serbis' is not the only film bringing honor to our country right now. There's also the short film 'Bulong' by Pedro “Joaqui” Valdes featured in the Short Film Corner (non-competition), and also our friend Raya Martin's 5-hour movie 'Now Showing' which is featured in the Director's Fortnight section where works of up-and-coming filmmakers are shown. (Mendoza also got featured in the Director's Fortnight section with his movie 'Foster Child' (I think his best work to date) last year -- will it be Martin's turn to compete for the Palme d'Or next year? 
) Congratulations to both Raya and Joaqui!
Update:
Thanks to Raymund Cruz for posting the YouTube link of the newly uploaded 'Serbis' trailer. I'm embedding it here. The YouTube video's description says that 'Serbis' is scheduled to be shown at local theaters -- just as Bing Lao texted me when he came back from Cannes -- starting June 18. Mark your calendars!
Not a failure, but a success...
Submitted by juan masipag on Fri, 2008-05-30 14:15.
I haven't seen the film, but based on history and some new films, being different is sometimes more of a disadvantage. We have this tendency to throw something out the window when it is unfamiliar to us. A lot of people walked out of Cassavetes' Shadows as well as some Lav Diaz films. I don't find their actions offensive. I even applaud their honest feelings. Like the old saying goes, "we can't please everyone." I just hope that Dante, Bing and the rest of the gang made a film that they are proud of.
As a Filipino filmmaker, Serbis has given hope to our community. Yes it wasn't a complete success, but just by competing with some of TOP art films in the world puts a smile on my face.
Congrats to Joaqui (isn't his full nickname Joaquin?) and Raya for the added good news.
-- Raymund Cruz
Keen insights
Submitted by Dino Manrique on Fri, 2008-05-30 17:49.
I haven't seen the film, but based on history and some new films, being different is sometimes more of a disadvantage. We have this tendency to throw something out the window when it is unfamiliar to us.
My thoughts exactly. Like what Ray Carney always says, artistic innovations usually baffle us because we don't have anything to compare them with, precisely because they are original, breaking new ground. Hope that is the case here hehe. :)
I just hope that Dante, Bing and the rest of the gang made a film that they are proud of.
That's important isn't it?
As a Filipino filmmaker, Serbis has given hope to our community.
Hear, hear.
Yes it wasn't a complete success
Of course, depends on how you define success. Commercially, for example based on the views of the video above -- more than 11,000 and counting -- I think it will be a success at the local box office. Of course, artistically, we have to suspend judgment until we have seen it. :)
but just by competing with some of TOP art films in the world puts a smile on my face.
Yes, isn't this great? After 24 long years, we're back on the Cannes Festival map? We, Filipinos, should count our blessings. :)
Congrats to Joaqui (isn't his full nickname Joaquin?)
Actually don't know him hehe.
Anecdote for Serbis
Submitted by juan masipag on Mon, 2008-06-02 11:09.
In line with Serbis,I would like to share a story about John Cassavetes' Faces. Now, it is considered as the most complex film of Cassavetes (Donal Foreman calls it one of the most profound and emotionally harrowing experiences the movies have to offer).
But during the 60's it was heavily criticized for being too long, empty and amateurish. All the screening of the lengthy version had walk outs and heard boos. The American film industry called it "an overblown opus that never comes to life."
In relations to Dante's film, I understand why people are calling it the worst film at Cannes. Like Faces, the audience doesn't accept things away from their comfort zone.
But please, for pinoys putting people down, enough already. It's a truthful story that deserves credit for the Cannes invitation.
And I'm sorry to say this, but Cannes is turning into another Oscars. They are even prohibiting cigarettes to the event. Beware of Sean Penn and the gang. :)
You could view the trailer of Serbis in YouTube.
Update: No awards but may be a strong film
'Serbis' didn't win any awards, but I may be right about its quality after all -- according to user Grimfarrow at CriterionForum.org, he thinks that 'Serbis' is "a strong film"