filmless history

Formed in 1999 at the turn of the millennium by multimedia artist Khavn Dela Cruz and editor-animator Gatla Gunawin, FILMLESS FILMS is a Manila-based independent film company that forges the Philippine digital revolution through the production of new digital features; versus the traditional use of 16mm and 35mm film, hence the name “Filmless”.
 

But herein lies the irony: Filmless Films is far from being "filmless"; in only 1 & a half years, it has already created 6 films from scratch --- namely Khavn Dela Cruz’s “The Twelve” and “Greaseman”, Gatla Gunawin’s “Datgilab”, JJ Duque’s “Journey”, Roxlee's "Tronong Ginto", and Mes De Guzman's "Imposible"; a couple of which were given Special Awards for Best Independent Full-length Film at the 14th Gawad-CCP For Alternative Film early this year.

Enter radical marketer Chits Jimenez. In 2000, Filmless Films has successfully toured “The Twelve” film concert (film simultaneously screened with live music from a piano-led rock band) in alternative venues such as rock bars and art galleries, as well as premiered in customary theatres such as the Tanghalang Manuel Conde of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Film Center.

Filmless Films has also featured works by other independent filmmakers, such as “Still Lives” by Jon Red aka Juan Pula, “Bakas” by Chris Martinez, and the trilogy “Motel” by Ed Lejano, Chuck Escasa, & Nonoy Dadivas, in .MOV's progenitor, “DIGITAL DREAMS”, held last February 2001 at the William J. Shaw Theater of De La Salle University.

Last May 20, 27, and June 3, Filmless Films produced “DIGITAL SUNSETS”, a multimedia arts event consisting of digital film, indie music, and spokenword poetry, held at the bayside of the Manila Film Center in CCP, starting at sunset. “Digital Sunsets” premiered the latest offerings of Filmless Films --- “Journey”, “Datgilab”, and “Greaseman” --- alongside performances by music mavericks Radioactive Sago Project, Makiling Ensemble, & Majam; pop icon Victor Wood, premiere performance poet Vim Nadera; and the poets and musicians from the Avant-Pop Music sampler album “Indie Yo!”; special screenings of Anima Anime’s “April Story” and Mes De Guzman’s “Batang Trapo”; and the Poetry Slam.