Film by Alvin Yapan Highlights Endangered Indigenous Languages
Canberra – The ANU Philippines Institute is set to host a special screening of “Hulagway” (Images), a documentary drama by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Alvin Yapan. The event will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Hedley Bull Lecture Theatre (HB1) in the Hedley Bull Building 130 at the Australian National University (ANU).
Produced by the Subcommission on Cultural Dissemination of the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), “Hulagway” is a two-part film that explores the endangered Indigenous languages of the Dupaninan Agta in Isabela and the Tandulanen Tagbanua in Palawan.
The film traces the journey of Consuelo and Robert through the changing landscapes of the Philippines, from the grasslands of Isabela, where native grasses are being replaced by invasive species, to the beaches of Palawan, once home to mythological crabs. The documentary offers a poetic and lyrical reflection on the beauty of words, emphasizing how language is the soul of a culture.
Discussion on Language Preservation
Following the screening, attendees will be able to discuss the preservation of dying Indigenous languages in the Philippines. The conversation will feature the film’s director, Alvin Yapan, and will be facilitated by writer Merlinda Bobis.
About the filmmaker
Alvin Yapan is a celebrated filmmaker, novelist, and educator whose work has been recognised both locally and internationally. His film “Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe” (The Rapture of Fe, 2009) won best digital feature at the Cairo International Film Festival. Another notable film, “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” (The Dance of Two Left Feet, 2011), received seven awards from the Gawad Urian critics and toured South America after winning the Circulo Precolombino de Bronce Mejor Pelicula at the Bogota International Film Festival. His film “An Kubo sa Kawayanan” (The House by the Bamboo Grove, 2015) won best film at the World Premieres Film Festival.
Yapan’s storytelling is known for its cultural richness, originality, and lyricism. His short stories and novels have received critical acclaim, winning the Palanca Awards, the Philippine National Book Award, and the NCCA Writers’ Prize. His latest novel, “Worship the Body,” translated into English by Randy Bustamante, will be published by Penguin SEA (Southeast Asia). Yapan holds a doctoral degree in Philippine Studies and is an Associate Professor at Ateneo de Manila University.
Register to Attend
The screening is free, but registration is required. Interested attendees can register online to secure their spot for this insightful and culturally enriching event.
