Lady Dianne S.

Cabalu
11 – STEM HOSEA

SINANDOMENG
This film was written and directed by Byron Bryant. Despite
the fact that the film is about rice farmers, the title does not allude
to the rice variety Sinandomeng in particular. The crowd was in
stitches as the family learned of the death in such a horrific
manner. Despite the fact that the story began with a tragic death,
Bryant kept the plot light-hearted. Although I wouldn't call it a
comedy, there were a few scenes that made me smile or laugh.

The entire film had an old-fashioned, rustic feel about it. You
can observe how a rice farmer lives, with Sinang and her daughters
getting up early, plowing the field, repairing the irrigation, buying
seeds, and planting seedlings. The inclusion of folk music and
songs in the film's soundtrack adds to the nostalgic charm of the
film.

As the invalid Domeng, Lou Veloso couldn't move or speak,

so he had to rely on his trusty and flexible facial expressions to act
out his thoughts. Lui Quiambao-Manansala played an old mother
who had retained her sense of humor despite their misfortunes.
Sinang's face expressed her character fortitude as she defied her
mother and sister's requests. Her moments on the farm were never
staged. She managed to persuade me that she was, in fact, a
farmer. Prado's Sinang remained unfazed, confident, and dignified
during those awkward encounters with the slimy Augusto, who
kept making lewd passes at her.

This film is a straightforward, unadulterated story about a

farmer, making it a fantastic fit for the broader agricultural theme.
Even if the cinematography is grainy, unfocused, or dark at times,
or the loud background noise overpowers the dialogue, the film's
brightness, optimism, and general positive vibes make it a rare
pleasure to watch.