By: Iris P. Concepcion
I just watched Chito Roño's "Emir" and it is exactly as what the critics had said it will be.
I had experienced a whole gamut of emotions watching the Cinemalaya films that I contemplated camping outside its venue one time (Where shall I get my tent? Where will I take my bath there?) so that I could brag that I am squatting beside Ms. Reel (film had to be a female vixen always). I like its wide space---like big.
I am happy in that: I have seen the normally labeled staid people enjoying themselves over watching what I likewise enjoy. This is beyond politics nor divide nor ideological conflict. It is communicating beyond the core of thug-hood; elevate the eros and essence of debates into this kind of conscientious, highly creative opulence.
I once posed the premise that perhaps, it will lessen the greediness of people if they could discover the joys of say, photography, film or a good kwek-kwek on the street. Someone told me it takes discipline to attain this kind of jaded comfort to settle in but I am glad I had found it.
My nephew was there ahead of me in this realization.
My thrill is always this: I do not know what shall happen inside the film venue. I always come out differently after though.
I am glad for Roño's existence in the medium. I expected a Lawrence of Arabia-type of reel but was greeted instead by sung dialogue. Like Bollywood.
I was impishly trying to hold back my tears but they always fall whenever I understand things in a non-combative manner (like the answers to: why are people acting that way?) in epical proportions. The men who took care of my welfare are finally bouncing back with piercing works of their own. I think when some scenes connect with you with familiarity, you'd feel like you own the motion picture's texture.
Watch it for yourself and feel it owned.
Also:
I like the venue's superb food (especially the fish and chips with tartar sauce) and the feel of the environment. Mouthy tussles are kept to a minimum.
The area invites for that kind of attitude.
Thank you Chito Roño for stringing like guitar a film that ought to be a trombone. You had put class in such a delicate subject matter.
If you are wondering what my title means: the intended knows it for a reason. Affinity works in wondrous, mysterious ways.