Wailing in the Forest

In the jungles of the southern Philippines, tribes of he original inhabitants, the Matigsalog still live. Wailings in the Forest is about one such family living in the forest as hunter-gatherers. They are among the last of their people still living this way. Other tribes have adapted to a more agrarian lifestyle on the flatlands around the forest. Mampog tries to feed his family – two wives and a daughter – by hunting. But it is getting more and more difficult to capture wild boar. When not even making sacrifices to the spirits seems to help, and with the outside world getting ever closer, Mampog becomes obsessed. This story, written by director Bagane Fiola, is acted out by members of the native population themselves. Fiola tells the story in long, peaceful shots that reveal the daily lives of the tribespeople: making fire, offering sacrifices or preparing a wild boar. The cinematography – doubtless no easy task in this region – is impressive. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)