SIFF 2024 | "Iti Mapukpukaw" (The Missing) Dir Carl Papa On Filmmaking, Animation In The Philippines

"Iti Mapukpukaw" (The Missing) screened as part of the 50th Seattle International Film Festival. The film stars Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol, and Dolly de Leon and was the Official Academy Awards® Submission 2024 (International Feature) for the Philippines.
Synopsis: In this mix of rotoscoped and hand-drawn animation, a mute gay animator sent to check in on his missing uncle encounters the alien who stole his mouth as a child. Co-starring Dolly de Leon .
In this conversation, Thomas Stoneham-Judge talks with writer/director Carl Joseph Papa about his work on the film. He discusses working with the cast and gives insight on how he got into filmmaking, with valuable insight for other self-taught filmmakers.
Conversation Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - Can you give some background on your history in animation and filmmaking?
04:50 - Synopsis of "The Missing"
5:55 - What was your reaction when you heard "The Missing" would be playing in Seattle?
7:09 - What are your observations when it comes to audience reactions across cultures?
9:52 - Tell us more about the landscape of film animation in the Philippines
12:05 - Tell us more about the "missing" aspect of the animation in this film
14:15 - Talk about working with this special cast
19:50 - What recommendations do you have for other "DIY" filmmakers?
23:33 - What is your perspective on the significance of motherhood in this story?
25:45 - Any final thoughts for potential audiences interested in seeing this movie?
If you'd like to connect with the filmmaker and discuss the film and its subject matter, you're invited to reach out to him on social media:
carljosephpapa
carljpapa
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Music featured in this video include the tracks "With Your Bad Self" by Adrian Crutchfield, licensed through Soundstripe.
Motion animation graphics designed by Thomas Stoneham-Judge.