It's a title that immediately intrigues you: Elephant Paths. Film director Joshua de Vera describes the term as "so-called desire paths, which are the trails created by people over time by repeatedly taking the most direct route." It's not a novel concept. A public space in Michigan was not initially asphalted, as the designers let the people decide where the shortest paths are for them. A year later, they formalized the paths, and the result was nothing but efficient for people.
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| A still from Elephant Paths, shot by director of photography Wence Trajano |
However, for Bulacan-based director, his story takes a different turn. In an exclusive interview with CBO, the director reveals one hardship he faced growing up. "I always felt failed by figures in power." he shares. "My journey home was an exhausting journey that involves three different vehicles and a long walk. I constantly questioned why there couldn't be a simpler route." Then, it came to him: the infrastructure projects weren't designed for ordinary people.
De Vera recalls one specific memory: he and his friends wanted to go to a shopping mall beside the northern expressway in the country. "It was frustrating because we had no access; no jeepneys passed by there, even though it was actually nearby our school." Determined, the group decided to walk through the tall grasses behind the mall, leaving visible trail behind them. From there, their elephant paths were born.
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| De Vera on the set of the film with John Denver Trending star Jansen Magpusao |
Elephant Paths is one of the ten chosen entries for the 8th Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival, an initiative by the Film Development Council of the Philippines for young, emerging Filipino filmmakers. In the film, a group of teenage misfits form an unexpected bond as they work together to pave a hidden path and sanctuary.
Paths is deeply inspired by youth-centered ensembles that explore feelings of betrayal by the world, including All About Lily Chou-Chou, Better Days, and Weak Hero.
The third space, according to De Vera, depends on us and it is vital to one's becoming. "Sometimes it's a cafe, sometimes it's a hideout, a sidewalk, a safe space that you can run to," he describes. "And in my stories, it's always set in these third spaces and I treat them as a character of its own."
The short film will also feature surrealist elements, one of the most challenging aspects of this project per De Vera, which allowed them to explore heavy themes like displacement and bullying. Elephants no longer exists in the Philippines. "This greatly challenged us to be highly creative in how we represent them—or maybe not," he adds.
Another challenge was filming outdoors during the country's rainy season, especially since the production involved several fight and crowd scenes. Guided by his past experiences, including directing At Least We Had This Moment with Raven Rigor and Andre Miguel, De Vera understood that filmmaking can be a series of uncontrollable events.
"I've learned to find the beauty in it instead embrace these on-the-spot challenges and integrate them into the final film, turning potential problems into creative opportunities," he says.
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| Cast of Elephant Paths led by Magpusao with Bon Andrew Lentejas, Air Salazar, and Cristine Ysobel Refulgente |
Fortunately, the annual Sine Kabataan project involves mentorship from industry professionals. With Elephant Paths, De Vera worked with Jules Katanyag (writing), Arden Contez (pitching), and Ilsa Malsi (editing) to further hone the film. The director had nothing but praise for the three during the interview. When asked for future collaborations, De Vera has also revealed his dream cast: Barbie Forteza, Nathalie Hart, and Khalil Ramos.
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| Another still from Elephant Paths |
Sine Kabataan 8 will take place from September 5 to 7, 2025, at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri La Plaza, as part of the Philippine Film Industry Month. It’s a fitting start; perhaps a path forward for the country should come from new voices as well.
