W@W Videofest: Veluz by Cinemaworks

Whoever said that film festivals only happen in Cinemalaya, or Cannes, Venice or even New York was dead wrong. No need to travel far. In fact, there’s one videofest worth going to. I’m talking about none other than the W@W Videofest, another pioneering project of WeddingsAtWork.

It was back in 2009 in celebration of W@W’s 10th anniversary when John and Benz Rana rallied five of their wedding videographer-friends to create videos about W@W. This was a huge departure from their usual wedding coverage. It was big challenge for the original 5 videographers to produce videos that forced them out of their box and test their creative mettle.

Two years later the second W@W Videofest was organized which also featured 5 of the country’s leading videographers but this time with a different theme. A certain videographer had been making waves in the international scene with his distinctive style and artistic savvy. His brand of creativity amazed the world. To celebrate his genius and massive global influence, the 2011 W@W Videofest centered on long-time W@W friend, Jason Magbanua.

This year the spotlight has shifted focus to another genius, to the most sought after wedding gown designer in the Philippines today. Last Tuesday W@W hosted the 2015 W@W Videofest featuring Veluz. Six videographers put their imaginative minds to work and crafted 6 amazing videos on Veluz.

In the next few days we will be featuring each of the 6 videographers whose artistic works provided the world with a 360 degree view of the Queen of the Aisle, Veluz.

We begin with the videographer who opened this year’s W@W Videofest, Marvi de Guzman of Cinemaworks. According to Mimma Benz, it was actually Marvi who started the ball rolling for the recently concluded videofest when, in November last year, he posted on his Facebook account how much he had missed the W@W Videofest.

Prior to his Videofest debut, Marvi has been around the wedding scene for some time but he stayed mostly behind the scene, in the editing room, to be more exact. His interest in filmmaking has led him to dabble in indie films until seven years ago when he decided to make the jump and put up his own wedding videography outfit, Cinemaworks.

I chatted with Marvi right before the screening and he shared that he had initial reservations about being part of the group of videomakers chosen for this videofest. But he had always wanted to be part of the project. So he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

Marvi’s film is a showcase of his cinematic style. A huge fan of French filmmaker Bruno Avellian, an award winning director of film shorts and international commercials, Marvi’s visual language is dark and moody. His interpretation of the world of Veluz is cast in dramatic shadows and brilliant color grading. To complete his masterpiece, Marvi sought the help of sound designer Willan Rivera, who created the film’s haunting soundtrack.

Like most wedding suppliers, Marvi has nothing but admiration for Veluz and her work. He did admit to being intimidated by her at first. But in the course of producing his Veluz film, Marvi got to know the person behind the name. Early impressions soon faded away to be replaced by more admiration for Veluz. When asked what was the one thing he admired most about Veluz, his answer was her focus. From Veluz, Marvi takes with him the advice not to give up even if the times get tough.

W@W Videofest invites you to watch “Trouve” by Marvi de Guzman.

“Trouvé” – Veluz from Cinemaworks Wedding Art Film on Vimeo.

Here are some behind-the-scenes of Trouve:

Credits:
A film by John Marvi de Guzman
Model Julia Lazareva
Co Director Chuck Ronquillo
Script Writer Nina Comsti
Director of Photography Aris Magayanes
Gaffer Benjie Philip
Sound design Willan Rivera
Co Producer Ian Celis
Make Up Gery Penaso
Set Design Lia Villanueva
Production / Light Assistants Joemarly Inguito and Remark Nabong