Squatterpunk

Squatterpunk is an engaging 2007 documentary film directed by Khavn De La Cruz, a Philippine underground filmmaker. It features a charming yet unexpected hero in the form of an eight-year-old boy named Hapon. Though the film's backdrop is urban squalor, De La Cruz refocuses viewer’s attention with a joyous perspective drawn from the world of Hapon and his friends.

Squatterpunk traverses the city of Manila, providing a raw, visceral exploration into the lives of the people residing in the slums or 'squatter' settlements, hence the film's title. However, instead of dwelling on poverty, distress, and desolation as you might expect, the documentary is a surprising celebration of the human spirit and resilience. De La Cruz takes you on a journey from the perspective of Hapon, who, despite living in dire conditions, has an irrepressible spirit that resonates powerfully throughout the film.

Hapon harmlessly roves through the chaotic streets of Manila with his gang of friends, a nonchalance that makes his circumstances seem normal. Filmed in high contrast black and white, this highly visual storytelling approach echoes silent cinema classics. However, the tranquil and silent scenes are notably accompanied with punk music, creating an interesting divergence of visual and auditory experiences. These unusual sensory experiences elevate the complexity of the documentary, creating a stark and compelling contrast between the bleak conditions of urban poverty and the energetic, defiant soundtrack.

Hapon and his friends are mere children, but they are survivors. In Squatterpunk, the children scavenge through trash for food and valuable items to sell, they venture into murky seas to catch fish for survival, they chase chickens for sport, and they bask in the rainwater – all the while showing an absolute absorption in the act of living, their spirit congenially untouched by their harsh surroundings.

One of the strengths of Squatterpunk is its depiction of a community of people – mainly children – linked by their shared circumstance, finding joy and meaning in the littlest things. There's a scene where Hapon and his friends discover an inflated plastic bag; they celebrate it with laughs and smiles, passing it around like a prized possession. Such moments are intentionally woven into the narrative by De La Cruz to show the power of human resilience and the unending capacity for joy, even amidst apparent despair.

De La Cruz’s directorial style is unique and poignant. Squatterpunk is not just a documentary film but a visual poem. Each frame speaks volumes about the lives of the people captured within them. Although Hapon and his friends are the focus, the people living in the poorly constructed houses, the scavengers, the shoppers, and other inhabitants of Manila’s hardest-hit parts play significant roles. There is something oddly beautiful and profoundly moving about this raw depiction of life.

Contrary to the traditional documentary style, the film surprisingly uses no narration or dialogue. Instead, it relies solely on visuals, music, and the natural sounds of the environment. Despite its stark reality, there is never a moment of ‘poverty porn’ or unwarranted pity in Squatterpunk. These deliberate choices serve as a reminder that, even in the most trying circumstances, life goes on with vigor and audacity.

Although the documentary lasts for only 79 minutes, the impact resonates significantly more extended due to its candid exploration of underrepresented communities. True to its punk ethos, Squatterpunk disregards conventional filmmaking boundaries to present a stimulating, eye-opening view of Manila's neglected corners.

In squat dwellings across the numerous crisis-ridden cities worldwide, Squatterpunk shows that daily life is a struggle, but it can also be a playground. Refreshing in its perspective and richly textured in its storytelling, Squatterpunk is worth a watch for its unflinching portrayal of resilience and celebration of life amidst hardship. It’s more than a simple slice of life; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit embodied in the spirited young Hapon.