Tric and Tib are friends who are about to finish school. The adolescent interests in music and photography is an integral part of their bond. Like everyone else who leaves the sanctuary of school, they too have their doubts and questions about future in particular and life in general. Tric has a lot more feelings for Tib than what could be relegated as friendship. When his subtle indicators do not seem to get through, he tries to show his love through a collage of photographs. This somehow reaches the school bulletin board and Tric is wrecked. The two go different ways after a fight the same night. A few years later, Tib comes back to visit his town with the collage of photographs as his guide. Many things have changed in the town and we find out where his memories lead him.
“Geography Lessons” is part of Shorts 2: Desiring Change at Queer East HomeSexual Edition on Demand 18 April – 17 May
There is good chemistry between actors Earl Policarpio and Ross Pesigan which brings forth the emotional bond well. Locations and the shots have been done nicely except for the last scene where the camera was shaking a little. The grown-up characters smoke and in a way the smoking is depicted as a coming of age symbol.
The other aspect of the short is the background score by the band ‘Ourselves the Elves'. It is poignant in keeping with the mood of the narrative, giving it yet another dimension. Destination is a unique phenomenon and everyone needs their geography lessons sometimes. The simplicity of it all is achieved by the director Petersen Vargas.
