If I Were A Voice
Ralph, a queer student leader, becomes the center of controversy when a nonconsensual recording of his intimate encounter on school premises, made by a teacher named Sir Andrew, erupts. His adviser, Sir Robert, consoles him, reminding Ralph of the institutions’ inherent discrimination to people like them. Despite being barred from joining the speech choir due to the scandal, Ralph decides to join, leading to a confrontation with his classmate Christian and his suspension. Returning secretly to school the next day, Ralph discovers Sir Andrew's abusive behavior–including that with his friend named Patty–and a plot against Sir Robert–to which is all not being addressed by the principal, Dr. Santos. With the help of his class, Section Scarlet, Ralph plans to expose these abuses. And during a speech choir performance, tension mounts as Ralph faces off with Sir Andrew. Then, a sudden revelation disrupts the space, leading to Ralph's triumphant smile as the performance continues with renewed purpose and solidarity against oppression.
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Denbert TiamsonDirector
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Denbert TiamsonWriter
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Earvic NoayProducer
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Lorenze MoralKey Cast"Ralph"
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Chi CarreonKey Cast"Patty "
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Mark Russel RoyoKey Cast"Christian"
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Joel SarachoKey Cast"Sir Robert "
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DMs BoongalingKey Cast"Sir Andrew "
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Grace SchukeKey Cast"Ms. Brittanico "
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Maria SorianoKey Cast"Principal Santos"
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Jay-r JulioAssistant Director
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MJ BrionesAssistant Director
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Catherine ChuProduction Designers
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Ell PelayoProduction Designers
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Nikolai LantanoSound Recordist
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Anne ValmeoCinematographer
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Coby MercadoEditor
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Javi SisonEditor
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Mikel RamosScorer
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Kacy SalveSound Designer
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Micha EnaCostume Designer
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Earvic NoayProduction Managers
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Michael PogoyProduction Managers
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Myke CatalinoProduction Managers
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Genres:Drama, Performance
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Runtime:20 minutes 7 seconds
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Completion Date:August 11, 2024
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Country of Origin:Philippines
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Country of Filming:Philippines
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Language:Tagalog
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Shooting Format:Digital, 4k
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Aspect Ratio:4:3
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - University of the Philippines-Diliman
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Sine KabataanMetro Manila
Philippines
September 21, 2024
Best Editing
DENBERT TIAMSON (b. April 27, 2002 in Pasay City, Philippines) is currently studying Bachelor of Arts in Film at the UP Film Institute. He is a writer, director, and actor who has experienced working with both theater and film productions. His work and interest are deeply rooted around performance art, integrating movement in the material of film and the advocacy he aims to amplify. With his concern for the underrepresented, he champions stories of queer individuals, queer children, collective voices, and student leadership, among other important themes.
In addition to his own projects, Denbert has contributed his talents to various acclaimed productions. He has worked as an associate producer of Epilogue by Xavier Roncesvalles which was an FDCP SFAP grantee. Also, he worked as the production manager of To Drown A Fish by Hanns Scheewe and production associate for Lola.psd by Coby Mercado–which has won many awards including Outstanding Film this Black Beret 2024. As a versatile filmmaker, he has also worked with different roles for different productions such as being wardrobe supervisor for Ang Alamat Kung Bakit Kalabaw Lang Ang Tumatanda by Ronnie Ramos–which won Notable Recognition in Production Design this Black Beret 2024, talent coordinator for Sumalunan by Karla Garcia, and location manager for Ulit-Ulit by Macky Esquibel.
Beyond the confines of traditional film roles, Denbert's artistic journey extends to the stage. Notably, he showcased his acting prowess as Niko in Anak Ka Ng written by U Z Eliserio and directed by Chi Carreon in Dulaang UP Laboratoryo last June 2023. And he has also worked with films from Asia Pacific College, and University of the East North Caloocan as an actor.
Currently, he is the Vice President for External Affairs of UP Cinema, and the associate festival head of Piling Obrang Vidyo 20. His commitment to film literacy and collaboration is exemplified through his involvement in spearheading workshops, such as the one held in partnership with Infinix last September.
In every endeavor, Denbert Tiamson continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
I have always found strength in the power of resonance of a spoken word or the artistry of oral performance—a power in which the symphony of sound waves possess an inherent ability to catalyze and produce meanings. It is when I was young where I was first introduced and exposed to the exquisite craft of oration through a declamation contest. From that moment onward, I’ve always been drawn to the artistry of using your own voice, may it be from a speech, a poem declamation, or a form of debate such as Balagtasan.
Yet, there have been moments when my voice faltered—drowned out by shame, overshadowed by embarrassment, and stifled by fear. The institution was a battleground where these emotions often left me feeling diminutive, a sensation that persists even now in my university, where it seems others' voices resound louder and clearer than my own.
"IF I WERE A VOICE" is a daring attempt to harness the raw power of that resonance of sound waves intertwined with performance art, particularly through the medium of speech choir, to battle against the pervasive and rigid forces of abuse entrenched within institutional structures such as schools. In this film, it attempts to weave a narrative that celebrates the resilience of the individual who, despite their own silence, finds amplification and empowerment in the transformative performance of collectivity and collaboration. Through this heartfelt fusion of artistry and advocacy, this film aims to strive to ignite the flames of change, and to carve out a space where every voice, no matter how marginalized, finds resonance and liberation through the help of others.
In the heart of my decision to explore this film lies a deeply personal quest—to revisit the echoes of my voiceless self in high school and unearth the hidden strength that I’ve found from the comfort and support of my classmates. Moreover, it is a narrative endeavor that seeks to encapsulate not just a queer storyline, but the myriad intersecting narratives, including the collective action and the insidious specter of abuse within institutions. This film will not only serve as my vessel of liberation from a voiceless experience. Yet, beyond my own catharsis, I aspire for this film to be a beacon of empowerment for those who are still navigating the arduous journey of finding their voice on issues that resonate deeply with them.