By: Michaella Louise A. Llopis and Crismhil S. Anselmo
Graphics by: Vaughn Kyle V. Ostan
Overcoming setbacks left and right, women continue to prove that given platforms and opportunities, anything is within a woman’s hand to reach. The fearless and ferocious Ms. Sheryl Rose Andes, whose film “Maria” recently won the Best Documentary Award in the 72nd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards last May, proved that like any other field, filmmaking is just as much a woman’s game.
The award-winning director, who is also the program chair of the Digital Film program of the Mapúa University (MU) School of Media Studies (SMS), is more than just a filmmaker; she is an artist and passionate storyteller. Behind the lens of the cameras, Ms. Andes is an interesting film herself with a story worth telling.
The Storyboard
Ms. Andes started to discover her passion for the arts by taking photographs as a child. However, it was only until she realized later that she was a visual artist, and eventually, her passion for filmmaking. Thereafter, she wanted to expand her expressed talent by shooting films.
Not unlike many Filipino creatives, Ms. Andes had to put aside pursuing her passion due to financial constraints. While taking up her undergraduate degree in Community Development at the University of the Philippines, this setback did not interfere with her love for the arts. “Hindi ako film nung college ako, pero nag-e-elective na ‘ko sa film,” she shared.
After earning her bachelor's degree, Ms. Andes worked as a human rights advocate in a non-governmental organization (NGO) for a decade. Engaging with communities and witnessing stories firsthand, the award-winning director believes these experiences gave her a unique perspective — in documentary filmmaking and telling stories.
While working, she funded her master's degree in film at her alma mater. After graduating, she immersed herself more in the industry. Building her network, Ms. Andes shared she takes inspiration from remarkable female documentarists Ramona Diaz and Ditsi Carolino, with the latter even becoming a good friend of hers — a testament to what her hard work turned into.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Finding footing after earning her master's degree, a colleague encouraged her to teach film at MU. From starting as a part-time instructor in 2013, she is now the program chair for the Digital Film program in SMS.
When she joined MU, Ms. Andes shared that she was a newbie filmmaker and was riddled with worries. “N'ung time na ‘yun kulang pa ako sa experience,” she remarked. “…nag-sa-start lang din ako n’un as a filmmaker.”
But instead of being hindered by self-doubts, Ms. Andes faced her challenges armed with the learned principles from development work as a pillar of her teaching methodologies, showcasing her dedication as a film instructor and an independent filmmaker.
Promising herself to create a project annually, balancing her time and workload can prove to be a daunting task. But relishing in the spontaneity of art, passion can take any filmmaker to new heights no matter the obstacle. “Parang may mga na-sa-sacrifice kang marami ring bagay,” she expounded. “Kaya oo magrerecharge ka lang [then] bangon ka ulit.”
Being a film instructor for over a decade, the award-winning director believes that learning is a two-way street. Driven by the excellence of her students, she explained: “As a teacher, ikaw ‘yung tinitingnan nila… the more ako na-cha-challenge kasi ang gagaling ng mga estudyante ko.”
From relying on theories in teaching, Ms. Andes now shares her hands-on experiences and advice for her students to digest. The director also makes sure to progress with the current techniques in contemporary cinema.
Director’s Cut
More than just a filmmaker, Ms. Andes visualizes herself as a storyteller. Emboldened with her engagement in community development, she prefers documentaries to take advantage of the power of film in raising awareness for various advocacies.
The award-winning director is fearless in delving into risky and controversial topics, which she attributes to being an Enneagram Type 7. “…mas nakakatakot, mas gagawin ko… mas exciting siyang gawin,” she remarked, elaborating that she’s always looking for thrills.
As an independent filmmaker, Ms. Andes is not unfamiliar with obstacles. From censorship, restrictions, and finances, it takes grit to emerge victorious. In the production of “Maria,” the director shared that they were able to produce the film at a humble budget of two million pesos.
As a documentarist, Ms. Andes can’t bear the thought of possessing footage of the oppressed and not doing something about it. Facing the setbacks of prohibited filming and witnessing injustices firsthand, the director daringly takes responsibility for amplifying the victims’ voices. The filmmaker used her talents as a director to coincide with her activism, regardless of criticism and judgment, holding her head up high in the spirit of principle and the arts.
Despite releasing remarkable projects, Ms. Andes feels the job is not done. The director’s dedication to her craft will remain as she continues to provide a platform for the suppressed. “…ngayon pa lang naman nagsisimula ‘yung karera ko, so strike while the iron is hot,” she noted.
Credits Scene
Aside from “Maria,” Andes is also the mind behind the 15th Cinemalaya’s “Pandanggo sa Hukay,” derived from the 68th Carlos Palanca Award-winning script of the same name, starring Iza Calzado and Charlie Dizon. The film revolves around the challenges faced by a midwife amidst her overseas job application. The said film is the director’s first full-length feature and Cinemalaya entry.
Andes sharpened her directing skills by serving as an assistant director on remarkable films such as "Kusina," starring Judy Ann Santos; "Baconaua," starring Jeric Raval and Elora Españo; and "Eerie," starring Bea Alonzo and Charo Santos – proving her dedication to learning before crafting her own.
When asked what’s next for her, the director shared she is now working on her second feature film funded by the National Commission for Culture and Arts and Purin Pictures, a Southeast Asian film fund that supports independent filmmakers. In terms of themes, Ms. Andes also expressed interest in documenting wars.
Passionate and fearless, the award-winning director takes pride in her liberal stance and continues not to shy away from political topics. “as long as wala naman ako’ng ginagawang masama, tinatapakang tao… ang gusto ko lang naman ay magkwento at gusto ko lang na may mas maayos tayong mundo,” she stated.
Through the lens and perspective of a woman, there is no doubt that Ms. Andes will continue to tell stories that go beyond what meets the eye.
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