Shanece’s Compass Festival of The Worlds

Today, I’m looking at two polar opposite films. First, there is “Maleldo,” a film that documents cultural and religious traditions and practices that – trust me – are not for the faint-of-heart. And, then there is “City of Noise,” an explosion of art and music.

Andrea Capranico’s “Maleldo” explores the religious fever during Holy Week in San Fernando Pampanga in the Philippines. This film is a graphic, bloody and fascinating learning experience. Throughout the film, the people in San Fernando Pampanga attempt to prove their faith and to express their penitence by sacrificing, flagellating, and participating in crucifixions. Watch “Maleldo” to witness the dedication, passion and pain behind the people’s beliefs, sacrifice and symbolic solidarity.

In “City of Noise,” Mitch Barany imagines a surrealistic world with popping visual effects for The Summerlad’s music video. Watching this video makes you wonder if Barany was inspired by Tim Burton’s fantasies and Salvador Dali’s artwork. Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte’s Man in the Bowler Hat comes to life, getting a face and an identity, and Thing from the “Addams Family” makes a cameo appearance. The whole film is like a psychedelic out-of-body experience that leaves you wandering in a maze of rooms and scenes.