Recently, I had the opportunity to watch The Landscape Within, an insightful observational documentary made by filmmaker Andrea Capranico, an Italian cineaste who I previously featured in my column, thanks to a special screening at Pineapple Lab’s Arts and Performance Hub, which was organized by Revenge.PH, a movement to uplift and promote Philippine independent cinema.
This film showing was fully integrated, with an exhibit of photographs by the protagonist of this documentary, Eric Cabales, an eclectic artist from Kayama, Aklan.
The venue lent itself to a very interactive session, as people mingled in the exhibit area right before the film showing, with the option of ordering something at the bar, where a giraffe towers over it. The mezzanine features a collection of books that may be browsed for some quiet time, a “playroom” for book lovers, like yours truly.
Everyone was then invited to enter the screening room, where we were all made to join Cabales’s healing journey as he comes to terms with the loss of his father through his art and virtual comforting embrace of those who love him.
The screening was followed by a talk back where the audience had the chance to ask questions or share reflections on the documentary. The atmosphere was one that promoted an easy exchange in a familiar setting. The panel was formed by Cabales and Andrea Capranico, joined by co-producer Darlene Catly Malimas and Anne Gauthier of Revenge.PH and Daniel Darwin, programs coordinator of Pineapple Lab.
Personal insights were added to everyone’s benefit. This, in my view, is what elevates an otherwise plain screening to a multilayered event. It is a chance for artists to connect on a very personal level with the audience. It is an opportunity to bare the creative aspect of a finished piece.
As the exchange drew to its end, Darwin invited everyone to stay for the launch of Neighbourhood Night: The Story Hole At Pineapple Lab a night of homegrown, real-life, unscripted seven-minute stories, absolutely free of charge and certainly free-flowing.
November’s theme was “My Gandalf Moment”, a recollection of a personal encounter with injustice that called for raising one’s staff and cry out “You shall not pass!”
For music lovers, Neighbourhood Nights also features “The Pineapple Jam” every first Sunday of the month for that impromptu music making featuring songs everyone can sing along to. Such a brilliant idea!
Tucked in the historic Barangay Poblacion in Makati City, an area fondly referred to as “Backwell”, Pineapple Lab, specifically located at 6071 Palma Street, is a venue for sharing, breathing and making art.
While the presence of real stuffed animals, a zebra and a giraffe may be disconcerting for some, it is a welcoming place that is fast becoming a vibrant venue for the local artists’ community where exchange and celebrating diversity are cornerstones.
Check out their Facebook page for more information and upcoming events and their web site www.pineapplelab.ph for more information.