By: Alex Llorente
LOS ANGELES, CA (September 26, 2013) – Filipino movie enthusiasts will be treated with an opportunity to see four critically acclaimed Filipino documentary films one after another at the OneFilAm Film Festival on Saturday November 16, 2013 at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater in Hollywood. The films, which were official entries to various film festivals, will showcase Filipino values, heritage and culture as portrayed through the lives of soldiers, martial artists and musicians.
Forgotten Soldiers is a film about General Douglas MacArthur’s best soldiers and members of the U.S. Army’s Philippine Scouts in Bataan during World War II who were instrumental in preventing the invasion of Australia from the Imperial Japanese forces. It is a collection of personal accounts from some of the remaining veterans who survived the Bataan Death March, actual footage of the battles, reenactments, photographs and WWII memorabilia. Produced and directed by Donald Plata, written by Chris Schaefer and narrated by Lou Diamond Phillips. (www.ww2scouts.com) Showing at 10:00 a.m
The Bladed Hand is a documentary on the global impact of the Filipino Martial Arts. It talks about the fighting methods and styles that were devised in the Philippines and the weapons used by early Filipino warriors and modern Martial Artists. From bolos (blade), arnis (wooden stick) and mano mano (bare hands), Filipinos have propagated various art forms of self-defense and made valuable contributions to tactical and combat practices around the world. Produced by Jay Ignacio. (www.twitter.com/thebladedhand) Showing at 12:00 p.m.
Harana features three Filipino serenade musicians known as “Harnistas” who were sought by the filmmaker to form the “Harana Kings.” “Harana” or serenade is a traditional form of courtship which was widely practiced in the Philippines during the previous decades wherein a hopeful young man, with a handful of singers and a guitar, would pay an unexpected visit to a woman during bedtime. Then, right outside her window and under the moonlight, wake her up with a romantic song, professing her love and devotion. With the intent of revising this vanishing form of art, the documentary highlights some of the tenderest moments of Harana ever to be captured on film. Written by Florante Aguilar (Producer) and Benito Bautista (Director) and produced by Fides Enriquez. (www.haranathemovie.com) Showing at 2:00 p.m.
Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey is the story of Arnel Pineda, lead vocalist of the American rock band Journey. It chronicles Pineda’s humble beginnings, his rise to international fame and the challenges he faced in replacing a string of legendary vocalists. With Pineda as the lead vocalist, the band embarked on their most extensive world tour in years and reclaimed their iconic status in popular culture. Written, directed and produced by Ramona S. Diaz and produced by Capella Fahoome. (www.everymansjourney.com) Showing at 4:00 p.m.
The surrounding park area will be open to the public with food booths, vendors, exhibits and free entertainment. Ten to Midnight, an up and coming Filipino-American band and other independent groups and local artists will perform on stage at Barnsdall Park from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entrance to the park is free and theater admission is $10.00 per movie. Parking at the park is free (while available) and there is ample parking in the surrounding neighborhood. The park is within walking distance from the Metro Red Line station on Vermont Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. Location address: Barnsdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027. For inquiries, send an e-mail to onefilam@yahoo.com or call 818-584-6588. Like the OneFilAm Facebook page or visit www.onefilam.com.