tsimshotsui

Rigodon as a film, and Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat as filmmakers, may exactly be what and who I've been waiting for (but only found now). From the moment the film opens with a quote from Kidlat Tahimik's Perfumed Nightmare, I knew I could expect something great. The film is told in separate segments about its 3 characters: Dante, Amado and Salome, Filipinos in New York for different reasons, and in different situations, but are connected to each other. The film, in its brief length, manages to describe the terror of immigration laws, the loneliness and helplessness of being away from home, and a dream becoming a curse and a trap. I love the atmosphere and the non-extravagant but beautiful production design.

I definitely picked the right film to watch this Independence Day, and am very excited to explore more of Sari Dalena's works, should I be fortunate enough to find them!