
WE'VE st
ored the parka, mittens, thermal underwear and snow boots in the closet. But th
is moment remains fresh in our mind. Following the second screening of Filipina
filmmaker Joanna Vasquez Arong's (in pink) "Neo-Lounge," which was in Slamdanc
e 2008's Documentary Feature Competition, she was toasted by new and old friend
s.
Among those celebrating Joanna's achievement in Park City, Utah are Pinoy filmm
akers Ramona Diaz (left, in green) and Marty Syjuco (beside Joanna).
Cheers indeed to the Philippines' rising crop of indie filmmakers! They're maki
ng waves in the international film scene. Best of all, they are invigorating th
e moribund Filipino movie industry.
Editor's note: Photo by Ruben V. Nepales