Dinig Sana Kita

*****

At last, I was able to watch the indie film, Dinig Sana Kita. I thought I won’t be able to watch it anymore when I missed its Cinemalaya screening at CCP. I was excited when we read the advertisements on a newspaper that it will be shown in Robinson’s Galleria. Yesterday, my friend and I watched it.

The first thing that caught my attention was the superb cinematography. The framing was excellent. My favorite was the scene on a playground. Kiko and Niña were playing tag. The camera was placed on one angle and the shots were combination of pauses and slow/fast motions. The concept was beautifully executed. The auditorium scene (Dr. Mendoza was giving an orientation during the first day of the camp in Baguio) was an eye catcher too. The scenes of Kiko finishing the interior wall design of his room were profound. Congratulations to Mr. Albert Banzon.

Congratulations too to Mr. Mike Sandejas for writing the story and directing the film. The film is a masterpiece. The story is about friendship and love. For me there are two kinds of friendship: one is a friendship that builds up; the other is a friendship that destroys. The movie shows a friendship that builds up, a friendship that changes one to be better, a friendship that is healthy. The story focuses not on the romance of Kiko and Nina’s relationship but on how the two complement each other despite their limitations and inadequacies. The community, family and personal issues of the characters in the movie are presented not in an intrusive way. Though the ending is a bit fast tracked, there is a smooth transition as the plot is building up.

Mr. Romalito Mallari as Kiko adds to the uniqueness and originality of the story. He is his character. His acting is the best. The camera loves him.

One of the highlights of the film is the dance number, Magandang Gabi. I was amused to see the deaf dancing gracefully and within the timing. It was an eye opener for me.

Congratulations also to Mr. Robert Seña as Dr. Raffy Mendoza. His sign language was not just acting, it had the heart. SPED teachers should be very proud of this. This kind of movie gives inspiration to those who chose to stay in the country and give hope to our disabled countrymen.

My rating for this movie is 4 stars credited to its very relevant story. Later, I will be watching it again with a friend, Brian Arevalo, SJ, who was once a volunteer teacher of a deaf mute community somewhere in Bacolod and Bukidnon during his JVP (Jesuit Volunteers Philippines) years.

Lesson: All of us are human beings, with limitations and imperfections. It may be physical or emotional, but what is important is that we know how to treat each other with equal respect and dignity.

May everyone get a chance to watch Sana Dinig Kita. Its screening in Robinson’s Galleria is until Tuesday, September 1.

- Jun-G Bargayo, SJ -