WATCH A CLIP HERE
First, the Recap:
Ritual and tradition. They are relevant and widespread terms found within countless cultures across the globe, many times indicating specific duties, requirements, and/or rites of passage signaling a step forward in status or life as a whole. But what happens when these ideologies are refused by someone bound by convention and observance to obey them? In a remote jungle village located in the Philippines, one young 10-year old boy, Rene-boy (Andrei Fajarito), faces such a conundrum. By established practice, his transition to manhood is determined by one single action–circumcision. As this day has arrived, Rene-boy and several others from his village are taken to a local spot in order for his father Itoy (John Arcilla) to carry out the act for each.
But, as his turn approaches, fear takes Rene-boy, who flees, and is therefore considered “supot”–uncircumcised–with the shame and rejection his trepidation and panic garner amongst the village denizens. Despite attempts by his mother Corazon (Mercedes Cabral) to comfort him, Rene-boy soon determines he shall win back respect as a man via other methods. Seeking out these means, however, and then subsequently going through with them, doesn’t bring the results he desires. Soon, it becomes the biggest test of all for Rene-boy to gain courage in a way he has never known, confront his apprehensions head-on, learn to deal with the encounter to come, and withstand a few moments pain in order to regain his family’s pride and honor.
Next, my Mind:
Decidedly tackling a subject not, to this reviewer’s knowledge anyway, commonly addressed in most filmmaking circles, writer/director Phil J. Giordano’s 13-minute short film exploration of circumcision and its societal impact via one boy’s struggle to go through with it is actually quite moving despite its off-camera depiction of the act itself, no matter how brief, still being squirm-in-your-seat inducing. But, there are greater messages to be had here, even if more common ones, that still hold their mustard no matter how many times they’re addressed in narratives ie: overcoming fear, proving oneself worthy, regaining honor, respecting traditions, etc. Also, the serene beauty of the Philippine’s landscape and quaint lifestyles is on display here as well via solidly executed camera work.
Fajarito is a totally endearing picture of childhood innocence as Rene-boy, exuding realistic emotions, actions, and boy-ish bravado as he makes his way through the character’s nuances and plight. Rene-boy is someone who desires the acceptance and recognition of both his family and peers, but his initial choice to turn away from his cultural rite puts him on the outs with all of them at once, and the frustration of it is evident. However, it then drives him to find a way back to their good graces. Fajarito certainly embodies this entire scope of struggle in his portrayal of Rene-boy, and it leads his character to a worthy, even if expected, finale. Solid supporting turns are given by Arcilla and Cabral as Rene-boy’s supportive parents who are firmly rooted in tradition and obedience to it.
In summary, “Supot” may not present the “typical” film premise, but let this not at all take away from the simple fact it represents yet another engaging facet found in independent cinema–the willingness to go beyond mainstream and deliver a story that isn’t the standard fare, but rather shines a light on another culture’s view of a topic then puts it in the context of lives it affects. Even as a fictional work, it’s a story that can surprisingly resonate and certainly remain what this reviewer continues to assert about indie film–human.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
