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Filmmaker Justine Dizon And The Flavors and Textures Of Kapampangan Family Stories

Tibok-tibok is my favorite dessert - that Kapampangan pudding made with carabao's milk. In his entry to CinemaRehiyon 9, young Kapampangan filmmaker Justine Dizon uses this to tell the story of a family with a lot of heart.

1. How old are you and where in Pampanga are you from?

I am 27 years old and I’m from the City of San Fernando.

2. What makes a film great for you? Why?

For me a good film is a film that can touch the viewer.  I believe that film as an art form should affect its audience. A good film should leave them in a joyful or lonely or drastic or angry or scared or entertained state of being.  On the other hand, a great film moves the people.

3. What got you started in filmmaking and how did you develop your craft?

I got interested in filmmaking way back in high school when I was able to watch Khavn Dela Cruz’s “Lata at Tsinelas”. Problem is I don’t have any means to start the craft then. When I was in college, I joined UST’s media organization named Tomcat wherein I got exposed to production but mostly for TV. During my internship, I rendered some hours at Mowelfund Film Institute where I worked as the workshop assistant.  I got free workshop then and that started it.  I think I was able to develop and still developing my craft by attending workshops, asking for criticisms from other filmmakers and of course continuous practice and production.

4. What about Kapampangan culture would you like to showcase in your films? Why?

Anything about Kapampangan culture would be interesting to showcase in a film. But language is one of my topmost priorities because being an ethno-linguistic group, we are defined by our language. That’s the reason why all my films are in Kapampangan. Food and other traditions such as farming, fishing, folklores and religions would also be on the list.

5. Your new film "Tibok-Tibok" is obviously a reference to the Kapampangan pudding. What can people expect from this movie? Tibok-tibok the food is called as such because it’s like a heart that pumps when it’s already cooked. I hope our film can touch their hearts.

6. Where can people see it?

It was already shown in CineKabalen last February but this August 23 it was shown in Compostela Valley as part of the Cinema Rehiyon 9 official selection. We also conduct occasional screenings in Angeles City and City of San Fernando.

Discover more Kapampangan films and filmmakers here.