Noy.

I've probably watched too many newscasts about the Philippine elections 2010 that I readily agreed to watch the movie Noy when asked to.  I was earlier planning on seeing Shrek on 3D or Prince of Persia.

It was a disappointment.  The premise was simple, acting was blah, cinematography was raw. 

But the biggest turn off was seeing the poverty on big screen. Yes, I am an escapist; I want to be entertained when I watch a movie.

I don't want to see the esteros nor hear too much profanity nor see brothers getting into each other's throat because they are plain frustrated of their poverty.  I've seen, heard and read too many of these on television, radio, print and in reality.

I bet this movie would be entered in a foreign film festival. 

Half way through it, I wanted to get out of the cinema.

This movie should just stay as a documentary, not a big screen movie. 

If film makers want to create change in society and think they would do so by creating films that show poverty, obscenity, corruption, etc, I think they are not going to be successful.

Lino Brocka did this genre many years ago, (and it was tastefully done).  But did he influence the people to rise up against the Marcos dictatorship who didn't do nothing to eradicate poverty?  Did the masses of the people change their hearts and voted for honest public officials

who would help eradicate poverty?  Did the Pinoys change their habits upon seeing the filth around them.  I don't think so.

Film makers who want to be socially relevant should make films that would encourage and educate people to act, to be vigilant, to be empowered, to think for themselves, to demand justice and service from their elected officials, not to be corrupt themselves, and to plainly show to Pinoys that Pinoys are achievers despite the poverty... and to do it without resorting to lies and dishonesty.  

Enough of drama.  If these indie film makers want to be seen and heard by many, start thinking of their viewership - which are varied.