Another milestone has made the Kinaray-a culture richer making Antiqueños prove to the nation and the rest of the world that they can.

This is when the 1st Kinaray-a short film entitled “Handum” ( Dream)  was made through the combined talents, efforts and support of Antiqueños from the different parts of the archipelago and the world. The said short film is the brainchild of Engr. Manuel Magbanua Jr., a full blooded Karay-a himself based in Metro Manila working his dreams and aspirations as an independent filmmaker under Filipino Pictures Inc.  Manie, as his friends and colleagues call him, has collaborated with a number of award-winning directors and film makers in Metro Manila. Equipped with adequate skills and experience in film making he decided to share his talent to his fellow Antiqueños and beloved province, and the said short film is his first venture as writer and director.

Like any other independent films, the said project has encountered financial constraint. But thanks to the selflessness and generosity of Antiqueños who shared their blessings in order to make the said film a reality. Thanks also for the help of Kinaray-a.com and some social networking websites that serve as quick venues in promoting the said project. Special thanks also go to the indefatigable crew and cast who put much passion, time and effort in putting life to the project.

The film runs for almost 30 minutes with a 2 minutes and 8 seconds trailer. It goes with an English subtitle for the benefit of the international community. 

Inspired by true events, the film is about Toto (Samuel Caesar Rubido Jr.), a curious young boy living in a remote barrio who is bewildered with the terrible situation of the road in their place, and walking to and from his school everyday is a very upsetting experience; large smoke of grime and dust powdering his face and hair, ubiquitous cattle dung spoiling his old shoes and dangerous flying pebbles hitting him and spoiling his uniform. These experiences made him ask a question to everybody in their barrio, including his parents, when will their road be paved- a question nobody could answer.

Until one day, Toto heard that their Town Mayor is coming as a guest speaker in a program in their school. Toto grabbed this chance and, together with his childhood friend Jinky (IJ Mae Tuazon), asked the Mayor about the situation of their road. Toto succeeded in finding answer to his question- an answer that shattered his young, unsullied mind. In the end, Toto is left with another question: With leaders like Mayor Boy Maytuig, is there hope for his dreams?

Everybody is invited to watch the premiere of the film which is scheduled on March 24, 2010 at Evelio B. Javier Memorial Sports Complex, Binirayan, San Jose, Antique.

Again, congratulations to Filipino Pictures, Inc, Sineray-a, Direk Manie, cast, crew and sponsors of the film.  We are looking forward for more especially a full-length one. Kudos!

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