Multiple tales of diverse characters experience sea changes to their usually idyllic lives in the Philippine province of Bohol in director Maryo J de los Reyes’ well-received film Bamboo Flowers.
In what can be called an end of summer treat to film lovers of Qatar, Katara, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Doha and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), will be screening Bamboo Flowers today (Tuesday) at 7pm, at the Drama Theatre, Building 16, Katara. The entry is free.
Hailed as a film that successfully blends exposition of local culture and entertainment value, Bamboo Flowers “takes on themes such as school bullying, urban migration and the problematic path of establishing careers and making ends meet in a limited economic environment” according to Inquirer.net
Ambassador of the Philippines to Qatar, Wilfredo C Santos, told Community, “I’d like to thank Katara for the opportunity to showcase Filipino movies in Qatar which provides Filipinos the rare opportunity to enjoy quality and award-winning films.”
The plot of the 2013 film revolves around three stories. The first story is about the tour guide Berta, who lives with her teenage son and elderly father, and is having a tough time making ends meet. The second features Luis, who is studying to be a seafarer in one of the many maritime schools in Bohol. He constantly flunks his classes and is thereby unable to graduate. Meanwhile, his girlfriend works as a resort intern who dreams of going abroad and eventually meets a foreigner who offers her the chance she is waiting for. The third story pertains to Sandra, a widow from Manila who returns to her native Bohol after the tragic passing of her husband with her spoiled child in tow.
The film chronicles the lives of regular people living on Bohol island and narrates the complications of their daily lives as well as their dreams, hopes, fears, struggles, and disappointments, Santos pointed out. “This movie is being shown on the occasion of the Philippine national language month which is celebrated every August.”
Santos further added, “The screening of the film Bamboo Flowers is part of the cultural diplomacy programme of the Philippine Embassy in Doha aimed at increasing awareness and appreciation for Filipino culture through the medium of cinema. I thank Katara for the support it has given the Philippine Embassy in organising its cultural activities. Katara served as venue for the Ballet Philippines performance and the gala screening of the film Heneral Luna last year. This year’s screening of Bamboo Flowers is a continuation of our efforts to promote Filipino culture in this part of the world.”
Following the film’s screening at the 8th Bridges to the World Film Festival held earlier this year in Maryland, USA, Betty McGinnis, President and founder of World Artists Experiences (WAE), a non-profit organisation with the mission to bridge international understanding through cultural and citizen diplomacy, had said, “The film is a wonderful means of people being taken to the Philippines and better understanding the spirit of the people, the culture, and the country through the arts.”
A plot summary on IMDb describes, “The actual chandelier-shaped bamboo flowers that blossom only before death inspire this anthology about the lives of different people in Bohol, who have to deal with the ever-changing world around them. The erosion of traditions and beliefs forces change in their lives and pushes them towards drastic life decisions.”
The cast includes Ruru Madrid, Max Collins, Orlando Sol, and Mylene Dizon.  Maryo Delos Reyes is best known for his childhood-themed film Magnifico, which won him Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2004, Best Director at the 2004 FAMAS Awards, and Best Film of the Decade at the Gawad Urian Awards in 2011.