What happens when an agit-train gets co-opted? We get films going against propaganda and oppression.
Organized by Cinemata—a free, open-source, and ad-free video streaming platform dedicated to social and environmental issue films from the Asia-Pacific region—the Co-Opted Agit-Train is a film screening that curates films which respond to the geopolitical unrest of the times.
Named after agit-trains—special trains used by Soviet Russia to circulate propagandist films, books, and other paraphernalia in the 1900s—the “Co-Opted” part of the moniker refers to its subverted usage by Cinemata, which moves away from its original state-aligned usage and moves toward a more humane curatorial effort.
This September, Cinemata is hosting Co-Opted Agit-Train in the Philippines, showing a collection of films that highlight lives disrupted by systemic injustice, revealing the hiddden cost and contradictions arising from relentless ambition disguised as progress.
The online screening has 11 films on the list, including Philippine sort films like Markwell Gallos’ Kariton, Maria Estela Paiso’s Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit (Objects Do Not Fall Randomly From the Sky), Sheron Dayoc’s Mientras su Dormida (As He Sleeps), Nannette Matilac’s Walang Hanggang Buhay ni Leonardo Co (Immortal Life of Leonardo Co), The Philippine Mahogany Association’s The Story of Philippine Mahogany, Neil Daza’s Unos (Burning Storm), Khavn De La Cruz’s Kukunin Na ng Meralco ang Likod Namin (The Electric Company’s Gonna Get Our Backyard), Allyson Ramirez’s barya lang po sa umaga (mahal, mahal kita), and Raya Martin’s Track Projections.
Other films in the lineup include Terry Narcissan’s 開飯啦，顛覆 (Meal Time, Upside Down) (Hong Kong), Hsin-Yu Chen’s Beigu Islet (Taiwan), Scandar Copti’s الحقيقة (The Truth) (Palestine), Yoshinao Satō’s PAPERS (Japan), Our Antithesis’ Denial (Singapore), and Edwin’s Kara, Anak Sebatang Pohon (Kara, Daughter of the Tree) (Indonesia).
The films were handpicked by Roland Cartagena, a Filipino filmmaker and artist known for his experimental short-form works in film, animation, and video art.
Watch the films online at cinemata.org/playlists/IpXkKim61 until September 30 or visit the screening at UE Caloocan on September 17.