THERE’S another reason for Cebu provincial inmates to be in the limelight again– aside from their crowded jail conditions.
Their new dance routine to Korean pop star Psy’s hit “Gentleman” drew loud applause during their last public performance on May 25.
Then on June 12, a move about their lives and dancing in “Dance of the Steel Bars” will open in local theaters timed for Independence Day.
Inquirer columnist Dolly Ann Carvajal wrote last Wednesday that the Cinema Evaluation Board gave an “A” rating to director Cesar Apolinario’s work which will be topbilled by actor Dingdong Dantes.
The director said he was impressed by the inmates.
“After the seven-day shoot, I was surprised to learn that they did not only dance well but they were also brilliant actors,” said Apolinario.
“Dong’s portrayal of an angst-ridden dancer/inmate is award-worthy. We all have demons to fight. “Steel Bars” will get you in the groove to break free,” said the director.
The crew had limited time to film inside the prison and worked for seven days non-stop.
“I conceptualized “Dance of the Steel Bars” in late 2007 [when] the dancing prisoners of Cebu became a YouTube sensation. I got inspired when I saw a feature about them on 24 Oras”, said the director, referring to the GMA 7 program.
Later that night he wrote the first draft of “Indak ng Rehas,” the original title of the movie.
Asked what message he wanted the film to impart, Apolinario said the film was not just about the change in the inmates.
“As filmmakers we want to remind the audience that walang taong likas na masama … (no one is hopelessly bad) We want to show that people who commit crimes, no matter how awful, [can] change … that while they are in prison, the prison system should give them hope by treating them as people, without passing judgment. Our society needs to give ex-convicts a chance to [return to] the fold.”
He said the film also shows that, aside from stricter rules and political will, dancing helped a lot in rehabilitating the 1,500 men and women accused of rape, drug offenses, murder and other crimes.
“Inmates embraced the art of dancing, which led them to embrace discipline and self-respect. Hats off to Gov. Gwen Garcia and Byron Garcia for the program that has become a worldwide phenomenon. “
Last May 25, more than 300 local and foreign visitors watched the inmates perform live in the CPDRC quadrangle in barangay Kalunasan in Cebu City.
Most of the foreigners were Russians and included Americans, Japanese and some Koreans.
The inmates performed Michael Jackson songs like This is It,” “Ben” and “Billy Jean” and other pop tunes.
But it was the Psy YouTube hits, “Gangnam Style,” and follow-up single “Gentleman” that drew the loudest aplause.
The dance routines will continue until the newly governor of the province takes office on June 30, according to the choreographer Vince Rosales.