Ramadan: Abstaining from anti-Muslim prejudice
by Alexis M. Dy on July 30, 2011
Ramadan
Starring Abner Delina, Ness Roque, Moises Magisa, Allan Forte, Richard de Guzman and Jessica Junio
Written and directed by Dindin Reyes
Produced and edited by Carlo Chong
Directors of Photography: Dave Anastacio and Jippy Pascua
Production Manager: Alison Bayle
Music by Nica del Rosario
Production design by Tet Domingo and Zaxx Abraham
To say that Muslims get a bad rep, especially after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, would be an understatement. It’s a serious problem that stems from fear of the unfamiliar, further worsened by the negative stereotypes propagated in the media.
Ateneans Dave Anastacio, Carlo Chong and Dindin Reyes wished to address this issue through their short film Ramadan. It has gone on to become more than a simple fulfillment of a course requirement—not only did it win Best Project Thesis last year in the Communication Department, it was also nominated in the Best Feature category at De La Salle University’s Indie Un Film competition. Recently, it was screened at Cinemalaya 2011 as part of the program, Best of Ateneo Shorts.
Ramadan follows two Muslim university students in Metro Manila. Muneeb (Abner Delina) wrestles with how Muslims are seen by the rest of the world and how this affects his identity, but remains hopeful about his role in helping change misconceptions. Imani (Ness Roque) is trying to come to terms with the death of her Catholic mother, and ponders the questions this poses on her own Muslim faith. She also deals with the strain these contradicting beliefs put on her relationship with her Muslim father.
The film’s events, based on real life experiences of interviewed Muslim teenagers, give the audience a deep and exclusive insider’s look at the minority religion in the Philippines. This is truly noteworthy, since it is rare for people to consider the effects of prejudice and distrust on the Muslims, and how this further complicates struggles with personal identity, faith and society at large.
A particularly unsettling scene was when Muneeb is seen conceptualizing with his classmates for a student film they would produce. One of his classmates tries to be funny by suggesting that Muneeb play the part of the kidnapper—complete with a drawn-on moustache and a keffiyeh, similar to the ones Taliban insurgents use. Delina gives a powerful performance in the scene, with palpable discomfort on his face as he takes the high road, choosing to deflect the joke instead of confronting his friend.
While the cinematography is great, it is still evident that Ramadan was filmed on a student’s budget and schedule. For instance, the unfiltered background noise in several scenes is distracting and makes it difficult to hear the dialogue. The locations are easily recognizable, indicating that the filmmakers stayed close to campus.
Ultimately, Ramadan is a step in the right direction in showing what it’s like for young Muslims to live in a predominantly Catholic country. The film does not come off as trite or self-righteous. While the film has done its part, though, it is still up to the viewer to choose whether to take its timely teachings to heart.
Stay updated on future screenings of Ramadan.
