Historical mark

countdown to Urduja

As Ilonggo animators in Western Visayas such as Kuris have been making waves in the region with their first animated short film "The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang" since January this year, one mega-budgeted full-length animated film is coming to show the world-class talent of Filipino animators through "Urduja". The film is a perfect inspiration for every Filipino to be proud of his cultural heritage and homegrown talents. "Urduja" is based in the legendary story of a real warrior princess who lived in Pangasinan sometime in 1350-1400 where she ruled and protected her kingdom called Tawilisi. She fell in love with a Chinese man named Lim Hang and fought like a man against the invaders of their homeland. As local writers and film critics testified earlier, this animated film is a groundbreaking innovation in Philippine film-making, an inspiring collaboration of the brightest local animators since it is done in traditional 2D animation (hand-drawn) and yes, iconic entertainment stars were involved to give life to a timeless tale. Asia's songbird Regine Velasquez will breathe life to the voice of Princess Urduja while Cesar Montano will play the voice of Lim Hang (the love interest of Urduja). Micheal V and Allan K was tasked to play the voice of Kukut and Tarsir (I think both characters are endangered species in the country such as wild mouse and tarsier). Eddie Garcia and Johnny Delgado will give voice to the Elder Chief of Urduja's kingdom and the cruel leader of invading pirates, respectively. I've heard from a good friend mine who is a PR writer of Urduja that it took 11 years for Tony Tuviera, executive producer of the animated film to fulfill his dream.More than 300 animators dedicated their talents, effort and passion to make this film possible. But amid the cruel criticism that it's another copycat style of Disney's Mulan or Pocahontas by some insecure commentators in www.youtube.com where the film's teaser trailer was shown, Urduja stands out and remain as one of the most inspiring animated innovation in Philippine history. As struggling animators in the region, we know how difficult and challenging to make an animated project especially if it involves budget constrain, lack of manpower and time element. But I know it's better to start something from scratch and dream bigger than life just to express your artistic passion than nothing at all. For our part as amateur animators in Iloilo City trained only in 2D animation through TESDA and WVCST's generosity to sow seeds of hope, we've been through a lot of pressure and discouragements from the start of making The BEQUEST. But we hold on tight to our dream and our friendship just to fulfill what we wanted to do in life. It was truly a historical event to create a simple animated short film project with the fusion of 2D and 3D animation that exudes deep cultural impact to our fellow Ilonggos. Unlike Urduja, we made the animated short film for only 60 days (2 months) with only 15-20 amateur animators using low grade facilities but backed up by passion and determination. Dinagyang as a world-premier festival was given another innovative concept and mark through our effort. Likewise, the short film was shown in the region's biggest mall- SM City Iloilo where more than 500 spectators came to see what was considered as the grandest animation event in the region so far. Until now, we are still sailing in the ocean of possibilities and hoping fate would bring us closer to our greatest dream--to become full-pledge animators.

With Urduja's inspiration, our passion ignites like a candle in the dark hoping to find the light at the end of the cave. We know our dreams and sacrifice will not be wasted for nothing for as long as we know how to stand up, chase the chance and believe in our dreams wholeheartedly.

There's only 13 more days left before the nationwide theater premier of Urduja. The youtube teaser trailer we've seen a few months ago and the promising feature of Korina Sanchez's Rated K about the film last week was enough to excite our thoughts. I must say it's a brilliant animated film not to miss peeps (sleepless nights, here we go again). From the looks of its trailer, stunning animated visuals, well-written storyline, flashy special effects and colorful backgrounds
it would surely entertain moviegoers. I also advice to refrain watching pirated DVDs to be sold a week after the showing. Believe me, you won't appreciate the visual highlights with a gloomy, foggy film stoled from a nearby cinema. So mark your calender, Urduja will be shown on June 18, 2008 everywhere!

Check the full-length trailer of “Urduja” below