A.

Three RECENTLY WATCHED FILMS, evaluated on Genre, Theme, and Plot

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum:

Genre: Horror, Found Footage

Description: "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" is a South Korean found-footage

horror film that follows a group of YouTubers who decide to livestream
their exploration of an abandoned psychiatric hospital rumored to be
haunted. As they venture deeper into the asylum, strange occurrences and
terrifying encounters begin to unfold. The movie cleverly utilizes the
found-footage format to intensify the sense of realism and fear,
immersing viewers in the eerie atmosphere of the dilapidated asylum with
its spine-chilling moments and ominous ambiance. Exploring themes of
fear, the unknown, and the blurred lines between reality and the
supernatural.

Incantation:

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Description: "Incantation" unfolds in a non-linear narrative as Li

Ronan, desperate to save her daughter Dodo from a curse, implores
viewers to chant an incantation and memorize an insignia. Flashing back
six years earlier, Ronan, her boyfriend Dom, and cousin Yuan unwittingly
break a religious taboo during a ritual in a remote village, leading to
Dom's death and Ronan's subsequent psychiatric struggles. In the
present, Ronan takes Dodo from foster care but faces Dodo's worsening
condition and social services' intervention. Ming, the foster home
manager, delves into the village's esoteric religion, uncovering
disturbing truths from restored footage of Dom and Yuan's fatal
encounter with Mother Buddha. Ronan's revelation that the incantation
actually dilutes the curse, spreading its burden among chanters, leads
to a tragic sacrifice as Ronan reveals Mother Buddha's face to viewers,
intending to save Dodo. The film concludes with a seemingly cured Dodo,
hinting at the shared burden of the curse among viewers.

The Medium:

Genre: Supernatural Horror, Drama

Description: "The Medium" is a chilling supernatural horror film that

takes inspiration from Thai folklore and spiritual beliefs. Set in rural
Thailand, the story follows a mother and daughter who possess the
ability to communicate with the dead and perform rituals as mediums in
their community. When they encounter a mysterious and malevolent spirit
during one of their ceremonies, they are thrust into a harrowing battle
between the living and the dead. The film artfully blends elements of
horror and drama, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the
complexities of navigating the spiritual realm. With its eerie
atmosphere, haunting visuals, and compelling performances, "The Medium"
delivers a spine-tingling journey into the realm of the supernatural,
leaving audiences gripped with fear and fascination until the haunting
conclusion.

The themes in these films revolve around the supernatural, fear,

and the consequences of human curiosity and meddling with forces beyond
comprehension. "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" delves into the fear of the
unknown and the consequences of curiosity as characters explore an
abandoned asylum rumored to be haunted. It also blurs the lines between
reality and perception, highlighting the terrifying consequences of
delving into the paranormal. Meanwhile, "Incantation" explores the
repercussions of breaking religious taboos and engaging in forbidden
 rituals, delving into themes of sacrifice and redemption as characters
grapple with the supernatural forces they have awakened.

"The Medium" delves into spiritual beliefs and traditions,

focusing on the role of mediums and the consequences of meddling with
the supernatural. It highlights the themes of family and sacrifice as
the protagonist struggles to protect her daughter from malevolent
forces, ultimately facing dire consequences for her attempts to
communicate with the dead. Together, these films offer chilling insights
into the human psyche and the dangers of exploring the unknown world of
the supernatural.

B. Observed News Stations in Filipino Television regarding their Common Codes:

Factual television programs such as Filipino news stations like TV

Patrol, 24 Oras, iWitness, and Bandila adhere to several common codes
and conventions.

These programs typically follow a structured format, starting

with headline news followed by segments covering various topics such as
politics, current events, entertainment, and human interest stories. The
format ensures coherence and organization, allowing viewers to easily
follow the flow of information.

News anchors and reporters maintain a professional demeanor,

delivering information with seriousness and authority. They often dress
formally, conveying a sense of credibility and trustworthiness to the
audience. Reporters often conduct interviews with key figures, experts,
and eyewitnesses to gather firsthand accounts and insights. Expert
opinions add depth and credibility to news stories, helping viewers gain
a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed.

These programs utilize visual elements such as graphics, charts,

maps, and video footage to supplement news stories and provide context.
Visual aids enhance the audience's understanding of complex topics and
make the news more engaging and accessible.

Factual programs prioritize timeliness and relevance, focusing on

breaking news and current events that are of interest to the audience.
They provide up-to-date information on local, national, and
international affairs, keeping viewers informed about the latest
developments. News programs strive for balanced reporting by presenting
multiple perspectives on controversial issues and avoiding bias or
sensationalism. They adhere to journalistic ethics and standards,
providing objective coverage that allows viewers to form their own
opinions.

These codes and conventions influence the audience by shaping

their perception of the news and the messages conveyed. The structured
format and professional presentation instill a sense of credibility and
trust in the information provided. Visual elements and expert opinions
enhance the audience's understanding and engagement, while balanced
reporting promotes critical thinking and informed decision-making.
Overall, these conventions help establish a connection between the
audience and the content, fostering a sense of reliability and
authenticity in the news programs.
 Decoding Codes and Conventions

CODES
a. Symbolic Codes
The story takes place in a rural neighborhood, with a gloomy
Setting: night sky, because of the rain and thunderstorm.
The whole scene evoked a feeling of restlessness and urgency,
Mise en scene: because of how lightning and thunder as well as the rain poured
down heavily during the scene.
The actors were conveying fear and confusion as the mother
Acting: called out for help to them outside the house in front of the
porch.
The film's color was somber and dramatic, infused with very
Color: dimly lit lights. It was a fusion of crackling sudden bursts of
white colors because of the thunderstorm.
b. Technical Codes
The camerawork primarily focused on the overhead during the
sense with the mother, a wide shot in the beginning and moving
Camerawork: shots when the father and son were moving closer towards the
door.
The transitions are quick and fast. To showcase a sense of
Editing: emergency and the uneasiness the film wants to portray.
The music was compelling as it used the correct sound effects
Audio: for the thunderstorm, the rainstorm and the noise coming from
the television.
The light came from the front porch and the television, showing
Lighting: a typical middle-class Filipino family, and how it is showcased
in the film.
c. Written Codes
The subtitles cleverly portrayed hoe usually Filipinos text,
Printed language: with shortened words using numbers, which is usually termed as
“Jeje Typings”.
The dialogue ushered a unique way of showcasing the importance
of having your number as your identity. It cleverly presented
how each character has a specific identity based on their phone
Spoken language: number and how it was repeatedly emphasized, making it more
heavily implied. The way each sentence was prolonged because of
the phone numbers as names, became a vital part of how the
dialogue went for each character.
CONVENTIONS
The advertisement presented a unique way of still being
a. Form Conventions: informative yet captivating, a usual format for a lot of
Filipino advertisements.
The story was unique as the storyline showcased how the
characters gradually developed confusion to fear. The events
b. Story Conventions: also shaped how the audience felt regarding the story it wanted
to convey.
The theme revolved around thriller and drama, where the usual
c. Genre Conventions: dim lights, and emotional characters were present. It was unique
yet perceivable due to the classic elements it had.
The message of the film was about the support for sim
registration. The Sim registration’s primary goal is to prevent
scammers from scamming other people, that’s why the scenario and
the storyline in the film were about being wary.

Unknown numbers usually are signs of scammers, and registering

your sim card will help in the national monitoring of verified
MESSAGE and trustworthy numbers.

The film perfectly encapsulated the feeling of terror and

uncertainty if you encounter someone who might be pretending to
be your loved one. The fear is further intensified through the
various symbols the advertisement used by integrating the
environment, and a metaphoric use of everyday happenings.

JOVEN, Genie Denver M.

12 STEM FIDE

Media and Information Literacy