07/12/2023
๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ l MMSU Teacher Makes History: Receives the First Gawad Urian Nomination as the Best Documentary Film
โNaisangsangayan a Daga (Extraordinary Soil)" by Mr. Melver Ritz Gomez, teacher instructor and Ilocano filmmaker at MMSU, receives its first ever Gawad Urian Nominee Award as the Best Documentary Film. The said film is about the master traditional pottery makers of San Nicolas, which stemmed from witnessing the sacrifices and passion of Nana Crisanta and Nana Benjamina in making pots.
The said film made its way to the list of nominees as the Best Documentary Film for the 46th Gawad Urian, held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the UP Film Studio, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. Also present at the event are famous Filipino actors and actresses such as John L. Cruz, Max Eigenman, Jaime Fabregas, Soliman Cruz, and other famous director nominees and actors.
Observing Nana Crisanta and Nana Benjamina's dedication to continuing their craft despite its challenges and the significant effort it demands, especially considering their age, compelled Mr. Gomez to engage in conversations with them. Delving into their narratives and personal experiences in the art of making pots. Embarking passion is integral to infusing authenticity and depth into the storytelling process.
Truly, the film deserves to be on the list considering its unique preparations behind the scenes. It involved visiting them without cameras, aiming to establish a genuine connection. Moreover, conversations were approached with simplicity and openness, fostering a rapport crucial for documentary filmmaking.
โBeing among the nominees feels incredibleโa mix of excitement and honor. Being nominated is actually a dream, not only for filmmakers but also for actors in both independent and mainstream films. There are national artists who were nominated and awarded in Gawad Urian, such as Nora Aunor, Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka, and other industry greats. This feels surreal for a regional filmmaker like me to be on the roster of nominees,โ Mr. Gomez said.
The Gawad Urian Award is one of the most prestigious awards that a filmmaker can receive here in the Philippines. It is an annual film award presented since 1977 by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, a film critic organization composed of critics, writers, and scholars that is the only major award-giving body in the Philippines to use the vernacular โGawad Urian,โ which means โa standard for a gold award.".
Being nominated for this event is already a big achievement, not just for Mr. Gomez but also for the whole population of Ilocanos. As a matter of fact, โNaisangsangayan a Dagaโ is the first ever film by Pelikula Ilocana to be nominated for the Gawad Urian. Thus, this is a significant milestone for the rise of Ilocano culture because the filmโs message is so much more than its aesthetic value but also a way to bring everyone an enriched experience to witness the Ilocanosโ very own time-honored craft and learn about their invaluable cultural heritage, showing the whole world the beauty of Ilocanos cultural heritage and unique diversity.
Mr. Gomez also encourages aspiring young filmmakers out there to write and tell stories that matter and contribute to the preservation of our Ilokano identity. Reiterating that the duty of a writer and a filmmaker extends beyond mere entertainment rather; it's about promoting and preserving our culture through the medium of film. This becomes the battle cry in our production: Panangitandudo iti Kultura ken Tradision Babaen iti Pelikula Ilokana.
He also added, โWhile recognitions are a bonus, the essence lies in the profound act of sharing our unique Ilokano narratives.โ
As Mr. Gomez said, โTuloy ang pagkukuwento. We have a lot of stories to tell.โ
By Ria Mareine Sagayadoro
PUBMAT by Rovel Harold Paul Cabatic