'Cinebuano' tackles the lost history of Cebuano cinema

There was a time in the mid-20th century when Cebuano cinema was not just a community, but an industry capable of competing with Manila-made films.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

Today, however, it is an almost forgotten chapter in the broader context of Philippine cinema history.Cavite-born, Cebu-raised Joaquin Perocillo tackles this overlooked period in his documentary short “Cinebuano,” which served as his thesis film in 2023 before he graduated as a digital cinema student from Mapúa University.

Cut from six hours of footage into a 20-minute documentary, “Cinebuano” features interviews with actresses Suzette Ranillo and Chai Fonacier; directors Keith Deligero and Victor Villanueva; cinema historian Grace Marie Lopez; and up-and-coming regional filmmaker Carl Lara.

They share their own perspectives on Cebuano cinema reminiscing about its former glory, discussing its present struggles, and expressing optimism for the future of regional cinema.

Aside from coordinating interview schedules, Perocillo said he did not struggle much in securing his subjects. He was able to reach Ranillo through his thesis adviser, who had previously worked with her on a full-length feature, while Fonacier and Lara were contacted through Villanueva and Deligero, respectively.

The documentary’s November 28 screening at the University of the Philippines Cebu’s Lawak Sinehan marked the first time Lopez had seen the film in full, where she is an instructor and manages its cinematheque.

“I don't like to watch or to hear myself,” Lopez admitted. “My friends have already watched it in full, but not me, because I only watched snippets.”

Lopez praised Perocillo for tackling this underrecognized era of Philippine cinema, calling the documentary “an earnest love letter to Cebuano cinema.”

Perocillo said he chose to focus on Cebuano cinema for several reasons. For one, he felt a disconnect when he read on Wikipedia that many local studios once operated in Cebu, which felt like an industry.