Huwaran/Hulmahan Atbp.: The Film Writings of Johven Velasco by Joel David

"This isn't exactly a book review as much as a personal statement―a futile wish to have more of Johven Velasco's knowledge revealed to and shared with filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts. Velasco had been a source of excellent advice during my college days when I was the lone music major enrolled in film theory classes (the puzzled looks of film majors were priceless, by the way). Velasco was generous with his time, accommodating me after class hours to scrutinize my latest attempts in scriptwriting. He was generous with encouragement, persuading me in his gentle way to continue on my chosen path. In the end, it wasn't just about what Velasco taught me, it was also about how he treated me and everyone else. With the publication of Huwaran/HulmahanAtbp., we can now say that Velasco is generous even in his death, imparting to us a collection of texts that attests to his wide grasp of Philippine cinema, and leaving us with a sense of loss in what could have been. "In the book, Velasco examines narrative trends and gender issues, explains the practices of the entertainment industry, with particular focus on the star system, and outlines the shifting semiotic terrain of Philippine mainstream cinema. It's a pleasant tour of subjects that would have otherwise been hastily dismissed by film critics of my generation, who have little patience for the calculated ways in which major studios manipulate the mass audience. You can't blame today's critics, of course. In the past, there was a chance, no matter how slim, for culturally relevant films to be released through the studio machinery, but now there is only the independent sector and whatever works for it. Some might say the Metro Manila Film Festival is the season when studio films strive to be relevant. But these films are judged according to box-office receipts and the resulting confusion of intent effectively diminishes the season's significance....
A Philippine import. Limited copies available.

ISBN-10 : 971542609-3
ISBN-13 : 978-9-71-542609-1
Publisher : The University of the Philippines Press (January 1, 2009)
Language: : English