Erehwon Center for the Arts Ventures into Film
In 2021, the Philippines’ Erehwon Center for the Arts ventured more earnestly into short film production. Government measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the holding of the usual events that invited the gathering of artists and guests in various exhibits and performances. Thus, the Center’s CEO Rafael Benitez believed that Erehwon had to venture into a new thrust as a way to continue its mission of spreading appreciation of culture and history, without violating quarantine restrictions, while taking advantage of streaming technologies to reach wide audiences.
Eehwon’s first series of films seek to renew the interest of the public, both local and international, in the saga of Philippine heroes. These films feature short but thought-provoking episodes in these heroes’ lives that are intended to lead viewers to be inspired by their qualities and traits that have made them extraordinary and worth emulating. The first of this series is the short film, Young Rizal and the Secret of the Lamp, which in Filipino is, Ang Batang Rizal at ang Lihim ng Liwanag. The film has English subtitles, so it can be enjoyed by viewers whether in this country or abroad. The film is available on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWRiR_78kkfM83CUQjgyHg). Jose Rizal is the Philippines’ national hero, and the film shows his discernment at a very young age.
The next films will feature turning points in the lives of Filipino revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio, Filipino general and resistance fighter Macario Sakay, the HUKBALAHAP rebellion organised by farmers, labour rights activist Edgar Jopson, and several other historical figures and episodes in the Philippines.
Erehwon is building a film development and recording studio to support this new performance art direction.
In 2016, Erehwon first forayed into film production when it produced a video that narrated how key episodes in the country’s history could relate very strongly with the lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem. The production was commissioned by the Quezon City Government, and its production was a collaboration of Erehwon Artworld Corporation, its indie film producer, Filmdogs, and the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra.