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“i-Libings”: Technology plays with human emotions

If there's one movie that's so 2011,it's "i-Libings."

We are living harmoniously with technology and suffering because of it as well.

Before you squirm at the thought of funerals (the way I did at first), let me just say the film is one of those rare movies that presents technology in one of its most unique yet practical uses — for funerals.

According to "i-Libings" line producer Daphne Chiu, the inspiration for the film is the 'e-burol' service. "Internet funeral basically caters to the OFWs na hindi makakauwi kapag may namatay na kamag-anak," she says. "Today they just go online and watch live yung funeral."

Director Rommel Andreo Sales used actual footage of funerals hat he shot himself. This alone is daring and shows a touch of genius (though a little bit too 'real' for comfort.)

Story of Isabel

"i-Libings" centers on Isabel Fabros (played by Glaiza de Castro) as she goes about her internship in a funeral videography company called 'i-Libings.'

Let's be honest here. Working as a funeral videographer is not the most glamorous job in the world. With no actors to direct, it can be boring for an upstart videographer.

However, Isabel discovers that her skills are all the more needed in this industry because it takes talent to capture genuine emotions of ordinary people. And, just like any other job, she must be professional about it. (No latecomers!)

Glaiza admits playing Isabel is 'overwhelming.'

"Hindi ganoon kabigat sa simula. Yung emotional baggage habang tumatagal, parang lalong pabigat nang pabigat so hindi ganoon kadali," she says.

Her officemate (and I predict her boyfriend if the film will have a part II) is JC (played by Carlo Aquino.) He is there for Isabel in all her duties and even in her darkest times.

In the office, Isabel gripes that her company's cameras are not 'hi-tech.' However she discovers that HD cameras cannot compensate for grief, resentment and the feeling of loss in funerals.

Production

I can tell that the production aimed for authenticity of internet funerals and I think they did a good job.

The cinematography avoids dizzying shots which may be out of place in the all-too-real business of funerals. Instead, the camera work lets the story bloom like a flower, revealing the story piece by piece.

The script has a lot of dramatic and witty elements. I love the banter sequences in the editing room (ask a video editor and I bet he will agree.)

However, the film's killer scenes (no pun intended) are the funeral sequences. They are so well-written and have all the drama, mystery and yes, even the funny moments that remind us of the funerals we've all attended.

Performances

I believe this could be one of Glaiza's best performances. Her sensible acting is realistic at the beginning, revealing in the middle and in the film's climax, heartbreaking yet courageous.

"i-libings" also shows great performances from its supporting cast. Marc Abaya as Isabel's half brother exudes subtle villainy, Earl Ignacio delivers his witty lines with impeccable timing and Dexter Doria as a widow balances grief and anger in her memorable monologue.

It's still a big question mark whether or not "i-Libings" wins Best Picture in Cinemalaya (there are so many great films this year.)

But one thing's for sure. It succeeds in showing that grief; anger and love for people never change regardless of pixels and bandwidth.