‘Iti MapukPukaw’ A Cinematic Breakthrough

Movie fanatics have always been looking for something unique, leading viewers to international cinematic stages. In recent years, Filipinos have been emerging with beautifully created cinematography that represents not one but varying perspectives of a person. The movie titled ‘Iti Mapupukaw,’ written and directed by Carlo Papa- is about an animator without a mouth who relives his memories of the past, uncovering secrets along the way.

Iti Mapukoukaw is unique in its own right, using both realistically filmed shots and CGI, transforming scenes into having an animated cartoon look while viewers stay aware of the actors onstage.

Our main character Eric (Carlo Aquino), the animator with no mouth, communicates to others with a white board he carries around his neck. Carlo (Gio Gahol) is his love interest and coworker. Rosalinda (Dolly de Leon) is the mother who frequently calls Eric for updates. One day Rosalinda asks Eric to check on his uncle in their family home, only to discover the dead rotting body. In light of his Uncle’s death,Eric starts seeing a mysterious alien chasing after him, all while pieces of his memories from his childhood haunt him.  His life continues to spiral until his coworker decides to help him overcome the alien. Along the way, they discover why he has no mouth and has issues with relationships. At the end of the movie, it is implied that Eric’s deceased uncle sexually assaulted him when he was young. 

The stark contrast  between using animation- which is often associated with a sense of fiction and imagination- to address serious social issues in our  world today drives home the depth of the situation. Many times the terrible things that happen to us as people don’t seem real, but we must deal with it one way or another.   The movie is truly emotional but magical. 

Sexual harassment remains a taboo topic to explore in Filipino Cinema, but the film balances both emotional and sensitive subjects with careful consideration in it’s writing and dialogue. It opens up avenues for the audience to discuss their own experiences amongst themselves.  

The cinematography of the film was peculiar, the Director of Photography Jethro Jamon and Editor Ben Tolentino, utilizing different animation techniques by combining it with their masterful cinematographic style. The team reanimated the scenes entirely, stating that “animation is not a genre but a visual form,” also pointing out that he wanted people to feel the emotion and experience that the main character is going through. 

The message of the film was clear from start to finish. Eric as a character is an entire symbolism: different parts of his body are connected to each of the experiences he encountered in his past. The moments where he keeps losing his body parts as he slowly remembers fragments of the past is a representation of his life being stolen away from him when he was a child as well as the abuse he went through. 

Iti Mapukpukaw has become a safe haven for people who have similar experiences. Eric represents many victims of assault and allows for the audience to find both catharsis and comfort in his ending.In the end we see him reclaiming his body parts and finally telling his mother Rosalinda and his love interest Carlo what actually happened in his childhood. The movie tells us that no matter where you are in your life or how long ago it happened, it is never too late to speak up and tell your story. Courage will soon be there for you to speak up. 

In conclusion, 'Iti MapukPukaw' represents a significant departure from conventional Filipino cinema, exploring themes of trauma and resilience with innovative cinematography and animation. By confronting taboo subjects like sexual abuse, the film offers a poignant message about speaking up and reclaiming one's narrative. Director Carlo Papa's unique approach challenges traditional genre boundaries, making 'Iti MapukPukaw' not only a visual experience but also a compelling emotional journey for audiences.