In its 11th edition, QCinema proudly introduces QCDox, the official documentary program of the QCinema International Film Festival.
While the festival has previously showcased documentaries, the creation of QCDox reflects a deeper commitment to spotlighting the potential of this documentary form. In line with this commitment, QCinema has curated a lineup of three diverse documentaries, each offering a unique perspective on capturing facets of our reality.
“Divine Factory,” directed by Joseph Mangat, embodies the conventional perception of documentaries. Mangat’s lens ventures into a factory located on the outskirts of Manila, dedicated to producing religious figurines. Through intimate interviews with the factory workers, many of whom identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, we gain insight into their lives. These individuals, paradoxically, craft items of faith that symbolize their own struggles with societal oppression.
Miko Revereza, on the other hand, adopts a more personal approach to documentary filmmaking. Using film as a tool for exploring his complex identity and aspirations, Revereza embarks on a journey in “Nowhere Near.” He returns from the United States to his hometown in Pangasinan, challenging the concept of “home” as he delves into a family curse and confronts the colonial history of the coastal province.
Then, there’s “National Anarchist: Lino Brocka,” where maverick director Khavn compiles footage from the vast body of work by National Artist Lino Brocka, drawing from various sources to create a lively collage. This unconventional biography highlights the connections between Brocka’s films and the sentiments he expressed during his lifetime. With music by the Brockas and Max Jocson, Khavn provides an unorthodox exploration of an artist, allowing the work itself to convey the artist’s spirit.
Despite their drastically different approaches, all three documentaries share the common goal of uncovering some form of truth. They harness the power of cinema to shed light on the working conditions within a factory, explore the intricate personal landscapes of one’s hometown, and capture the anarchic essence of a multifaceted artist whose body of work is more diverse than commonly perceived.
In the future, QCDox will be driven by the guiding principle that there are myriad paths to uncovering the truth within a subject.
Mark your calendars, as QCinema is scheduled from November 17 to 26. Stay updated on festival developments through its social media accounts with the handle @qcinemaph.
