The fair is set to host a film event that will showcase works from Nick Deocampo and lumbung Film.
2023’s Art Fair Philippines has a lot in store for its visitors besides its usual art exhibitions, as it’ll also be holding an array of special events and activities for its 10th year. Cinephiles might be particularly interested in the fair’s Film event, which will take place on the evenings of February 17 and 19, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the roofdeck of Ayala Center’s The Link. The event will feature works from different filmmakers, more specifically Nick Deocampo and members of lumbung Film.
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A Journey through Cinema History
The first screening on the 17th will feature Nick Deocampo’s documentary Alternative Cinema: History, Theory and Practice. The documentary filmmaker and film historian is known for his prize-winning pieces, such as the 1983 documentary Oliver, which explored the life of a gay nightclub performer. Below is the official description of Alternative Cinema from Art PH’s website:
Renowned filmmaker and film historian Nick Deocampo presents an overview of the development of alternative cinema in the Philippines. Using the metaphor of the rhizome, Deocampo explores the varied courses that the “alternative” has taken through film excerpts from his own practice as well as other Filipino filmmakers. The lecture presentation is based on his recently-published book of the same title.
A Smorgasbord of Short Films
On the evening of February 19, Art Fair PH will be showcasing three short pieces from members of lumbung Film, a repository of film and video works. These works were first featured in DOCUMENTA 15, a contemporary art exhibition held in Kassel, Germany.
Below are the titles, creators, and synopses of these films taken from Art PH’s official website:
“Broken English” by Richard Bell
In Broken English, Bell centers his attention on what form Aboriginal political empowerment might take, posing the question against the backdrops of a game of chess, a gallery opening and an Australia Day re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing.
“A Flower Garden of All Kinds of Loveliness Without Sorrow” by Christian Nyampeta
Fragments of ongoing dialogues between philosophers, artists, translators, comedians, and mythologists about memory, language, learning and practice in the wake of radical ruptures. Recorded in the context of École du soir, the evening programme of the workweek, international meeting and exhibition of the Another Roadmap School for Art Education, of which ARAC is part, held between 27 August 2018 – 1 September 2018 in Huye, Rwanda.
“Requiem for M” by Kiri Dalena
Drawn from the aftermath of the Maguindanao massacre in which multiple journalists were killed, Requiem for M captures scenes from the funerals and the site of the massacre. The footage is played in reverse, in a wistful yearning to turn back time and undo the tragedy that has occurred.
More to Look Forward To
Visitors can also view other special exhibits, such as “Projects,” which will feature works that were specially commissioned for the fair. Then there’s “Photo,” which will center around all things photography.
The fair’s “Tributes” exhibition will pay homage to artists who’ve recently passed, namely Norma Liongoren and Albert Avellana. Meanwhile, the “Residencies” exhibit will be highlighting artists from all disciplines who completed their residences in places around the Philippines.
Art Fair PH will also continue holding educational artist talks, panels, and lectures to enhance the learning experience of visitors. This will be done in partnership with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines and the Ateneo Art Gallery.
Art Fair PH will take place on February 17-19, from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. It will be held at Ayala Center’s The Link in Makati. For tickets and more information, you may visit their website. You may also register for their film event through this link.
Banner via Art Fair PH’s official website.
