events - Sharjah Art Foundation

Told from the viewpoint of a young boy, Turumba charts the impact of the globalising economy on the traditions of a Filipino barrio [village].

Turumba, 1983

Turumba (1983)
Director: Kidlat Tahimik
The Philippines
Narrative | 90 minutes
Tagalog with English and Arabic subtitles
Film still

Synopsis

An exception to the rule of Tahimik’s signature approach to filmmaking, Turumba was scripted and fully financed. Told from the viewpoint of a young boy, Turumba charts the impact of the globalising economy on the traditions of a Filipino barrio [village]. The family belongs to a lineage of cantores, respected village elders who lead the trance dancers during the town’s annual religious festival. When the boy’s father turns into a handicrafts exporter of Olympic souvenirs, he is tempted to sacrifice his spiritual calling to meet export deadlines. The film reminds viewers that not all riches can come from coin.