MANILA, Philippines--AWARD-WINNING independent filmmaker Brillante “Dante” Mendoza is halfway through the filming of “Buhos,” a documentary on climate change co-produced by Senator Loren Legarda.

‘Not a political ad’
“This is not a political ad campaign,” Mendoza told Inquirer Entertainment on Friday. “I simply believe in the senator’s advocacy. Climate change was never a popular topic here in our country. Before we got hit by Storm ‘Ondoy,’ only a few would care to listen or watch something about the environment.”

As the title suggests, the documentary will focus on the recent flash floods and heavy rains that ravaged the country. Mendoza documented the senator’s visits to areas mostly affected by Ondoy, like Marikina, Malabon, Laguna and Pampanga.

“Buhos” will also tackle smoke and noise pollution, the director said. A similar documentary, released in 2006, features former United States Vice President Al Gore talking about global warming and it’s effects.

“For a documentary to be really effective here, dapat mas Pinoy,” Mendoza pointed out. “This is going to be totally different from how Al Gore tackled global warming. I want this to be easily understood by the masa.”

Targeting schools, offices
Mendoza, who left on Sunday to attend a film festival in Lisbon, Portugal, said “Buhos” will be shown in schools, institutions and even in private offices. Legarda said they are hoping to schedule its the premiere on Jan. 28, her 50th birthday.

Mendoza bagged the Best Director award at the Cannes International Film Festival for his film “Kinatay.”

Legarda on the other hand co-produced the documentary “Ulan sa Tag-araw,” which features Chin-Chin Gutierrez and Roy Alvarez as narrators. It tackles the economic, social and health impacts of climate change in the country.

She also collaborated with the Creative Media and Film Society of the Philippines (CreaM) to produce “Ligtas Likas,” a full-length animated film promoting a green environment.

Email mailto:mcruz@inquirer.com.ph