Some folks may well say the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival moved quite fast this year. I seem to recall that some years had more days added to it than others, and I’d have to check my archives to verify if that’s true or not.
As I reported before, I’ve chosen to look at the shorts presented this year and I suspect half of what’s presented will be available at other similarly themed events. When my focus is on the genre of magical realism, what I offer is a look at these shorts which really caught my attention above all other screenings. Sadly, when doing remote coverage, some films might not be accessible, and that’s okay. They may show up at Fantasia Film Festival or another local Asian celebration of movies next, and I’m crossing my fingers!
Ruya
Sany (Bernadette Balagtas) is a dreamweaver, and in this world, they are more than storytellers. They interpret life’s major events and it’s woven into a tapestry. Not everyone can read the colours and patterns put into the t’nalaks. I couldn’t help but want to be reminded about how strings intertwine in what The Fates from Greek legend weave; however, those threads have a different meaning. And unlike what the dreamcatcher does, what’s made here is more about remembering one’s heritage more than anything else.
Sadly, after she suffers a heart attack, she can’t continue making this long piece of cloth. And it’s up to her daughter Ruya (Yssamei Panganiban) to understand what this tapestry means to the family. And when not everyone is familiar with indigenous Filipino culture, what’s revealed is fascinating!
I was captivated by the later moments as the film attempts to explain who Fu Dalu, the Spirit of Abaca, is. Even then, what this story presents is scratching the surface. Afterwards, I researched further, and I’m glad the aboriginal fascination with the Dreaming isn’t limited to Australia!