THE ART OF MAKING DO: EXPLORING THE AESTHETICS OF FILIPINO SHORT FILM ANIMATION

Abstract

This paper is an exploration on the study of the Aesthetics of Making Do by Victor Goldgel-Carballo and the Aesthetics of Poverty by Prof. Emeritus Brenda Fajardo in the context of creating animated films in a third world country. Two pivotal works; Anak Maynila (Child of Manila) by Fruto Corre and Emmanuel “Nonoy” Dadivas and Doon sa Kabila ng Bulkan (The Other Side of the Volcano) by Ellen Ramos will be used to represent the portrayal of poverty in real life in both the Philippine capital, Manila, as well as rural life beyond the city. Anak Maynila and Doon sa Kabila ng Bulkan create a curious comparison on the duality of suffering and liberation from poverty as an overarching theme in animated short films. Likewise, the culture of material poverty of animators as well as the limited availability of resources for animation in the country play a vital role in the “making do” of the two films’ production and distribution.