Balangiga: Howling Wilderness is a coming-of-age film by Khavn. Except it’s not your typical flimsy romanticized coming-of-age film. The director takes inspiration from the Balangiga massacre which happened in the province of Eastern Samar during the American-Philippine war.
The story follows the journey of a prejudiced eight-year-old Filipino kid who takes responsibility over the life of a toddler after colonial circumstances unite them. Together, they attempt to survive a Balangiga under the “Kill and Burn” regime of Brigadier General Jacob Smith. Fictional as it is, the film is a realistic depiction of heartbreak, adventure, finding meaning to live, and desperation to do so in a world snatched by outsiders.
After winning 2018 Best Picture in Gawad Urian and FAMAS, the makers are determined to show it in cinemas nationwide. As of the moment, the film is only showing in select cinemas. Check out the screenings below:
On Aug. 8, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness posted on their Facebook page seeking help to get the movie in cinemas nationwide. The good news is they are on the National Cinemas Association of the Philippines (NCAP) list, which means any theater can book the film for screening while Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) is ongoing.
According to the post, here’s how you can bring the film to the city:
1. Talk to a theater manager.
2. Ask theater manager to message Balangiga: Howling Wilderness on Facebook to discuss DCP, MTRCB permit, and poster.
3. Get your school, org or company to book a block screening. Paying for only 60 percent of total seats is sufficient for block screenings.
They also reminded the audience that cinemas will book a film if there’s assurance that tickets will sell. With mainstream cinema still dominated by movies with flimsy premises and mediocre screenwriting, this is the perfect time for local film buffs to start making noise.
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Photo by Albert Banzon
Poster by Eduardo Dayao
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