#CulturePH - Finding Light in the Elysian Field: Cinemalaya 21 Opens with a Poignant Journey Through Grief and Connection
Cinemalaya’s 21st edition is setting sail with a film that feels both timely and timeless. “The Elysian Field,” an award-winning piece by Indian filmmaker Pradip Kurbah, is making its Philippine debut at the Red Carpet Cinemas of Shangri-La Plaza, and it’s the kind of story that lingers long after the credits roll.
Set in the tranquil, futuristic landscapes of Meghalaya’s East Khasi hills in 2047, the film invites us into the lives of six remaining villagers who are learning to navigate grief, loneliness, and the ripple effects of urban migration. At the heart of the story is Livingstone, who, carrying the memory of his late wife Belinda, boards a vintage bus and embarks on a journey that feels as much spiritual as it is physical. His pilgrimage is a gentle reminder that healing often comes from movement—sometimes across landscapes, sometimes within ourselves.
What makes “The Elysian Field” so moving is how it weaves together the stories of its characters, each grappling with their own demons and dreams. There’s a quiet strength in the way they come together, finding comfort in shared moments of triumph and adversity. The film’s tapestry of human experience is rich with love, longing, and the kind of camaraderie that makes even the loneliest places feel like home.
Director Kurbah’s decision to film across four seasons adds another layer of meaning, reflecting the cycles we all go through—loss, renewal, and the ever-changing nature of connection. He envisions himself in the characters, imagining what it means to age in a world that’s always shifting. The film gently challenges the idea that old age must be lonely, instead celebrating the joy of community and the freedom to choose solitude or togetherness.
“The Elysian Field” isn’t just about the choices the elderly face; it’s about the resilience that comes from embracing change and cherishing the bonds that matter most. It’s a story that asks us to look at our own lives and consider how we care for one another, especially as time moves forward.
Cinemalaya’s theme this year, “Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos,” is all about persistence and navigating the waves of change. Opening with a film that honors the strength of those who persevere, even when the world seems to have moved on, feels like the perfect way to celebrate independent cinema’s enduring spirit.
Catch “The Elysian Field” for free on October 3, 7PM, at Cinema 1 of Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza. Tickets are first-come, first-served, so arrive early and be part of a night that promises to be both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
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