Manila, Philippines - An acclaimed filmmaker and director, Maria Diane Ventura, takes audiences on an intimate and revelatory journey with her latest documentary, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run. As a storyteller known for her meticulous eye for detail and emotional depth, Ventura presents a film that is more than just a retrospective; it is an exploration of history, legacy, and the enduring impact of one of the most influential bands in the Philippines.
The Story Behind Combo On The Run
In discussing the documentary, Ventura describes it as "a comprehensive look into the history, the legacy, the mythology, and the humanity of the one-off, if not the most important band in the Philippines." The Eraserheads, often referred to as the Beatles of the Philippines, have left an indelible mark on Filipino culture. Their music transcends generations, social classes, and backgrounds, uniting listeners through their poetic lyrics and timeless sound.
Reflecting on the band's significance, Ventura explains, "It's difficult to measure how important and relevant the Eraserheads are to the Filipino people and the culture. Their music is so transcendent and brilliant that it bridges the gap between people of different ages, generations, and beliefs. It has the ability to unite through its sheer artistry and emotional depth."
The Genesis of the Documentary
Ventura's decision to create Combo On The Run was not premeditated; rather, it emerged from a deeply personal and serendipitous moment. "It was a spontaneous decision. Timing was pivotal. I had a personal stake in this project, emotionally speaking," she shares. She recalls how, as an escapist by nature, she often avoided confronting her past. However, the Eraserheads' 2022 concert provided an opportunity to face those emotions head-on, leading to the realization that this was the perfect moment to tell their story.
"The concert, the circumstances surrounding it—it all felt like a sign. As an artist, your intentions might start off as personal, even selfish, but you hope that by pursuing them, you can also help others. This documentary became a vehicle for not only my own healing but also for the band members and, ultimately, their fans."
The Impact of the Pandemic on the Creative Process
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in shaping the film. "The pandemic had a lot to do with it," Ventura admits. "We had no choice but to confront ourselves, our realities. It forced us to be reflective and introspective. I think the pandemic changed how we perceive life, made us appreciate what truly matters. That shift in mindset informed the tone and approach of the documentary."
The Healing Power of Storytelling
One of the most profound themes of the documentary is healing. Ventura believes that storytelling can serve as a form of therapy, not just for the filmmaker but for the audience as well. "This is my most personal film," she states. "When we create something deeply personal, it resonates with others on an intuitive level. The band members, by allowing themselves to be vulnerable, gave us permission to do the same. That kind of openness is powerful."
Visual Aesthetics and Cinematic Approach
One of the key elements of Ventura’s vision for the documentary was its cinematography. She collaborated with award-winning cinematographer Hilarion Banks*, whom she previously worked with on Deine Farbe,* the first Filipino-produced film in Germany. Together, they sought to elevate the film’s visual style, incorporating high-quality cameras* and anamorphic lenses and cinematic lighting to create an aesthetically compelling experience.
"For cinematography? Well, I had to basically call in my cinematographer from New York. We worked together on a project. He's an award-winning cinematographer from Austin, Texas. His name is Hilarion Banks. I knew that when I was doing this picture, I wanted him on board to bring this story to life, but in a beautiful way, picture-wise also."
Documentary vs. Narrative Filmmaking
Despite having a background in narrative filmmaking, Ventura chose to tell the Eraserheads' story through a documentary format. "Documentaries are incredibly challenging. But this story had to come from them. It was important that they reclaim their own narrative. Before this, what people knew about their story was often conjecture, gossip, or fragmented accounts. We needed accuracy, sincerity and honesty, and the only way to achieve that was through them telling their own story."
The Challenges of Capturing Authenticity
Filming Eraserheads: Combo on the Run came with its challenges, particularly in getting the band members comfortable enough to open up about their past. One of the most revealing moments was their first on-camera reunion after more than a decade of separation. The palpable tension and awkwardness made it clear that a different approach was needed for the interviews.
"The privacy and intimacy of a one-on-one interview gave them more freedom to talk about things. That was my main job as a director—because this is not my story, it's their story. I just had to make sure to create an environment where they could express themselves in a safe way."
That and of course weave their independent accounts into a cohesive narrative that upholds their revealed truth.
Exploring Key Themes
The documentary explores themes of friendship, artistic collaboration, second chances, and redemption. Ventura also subtly weaves in political themes that reflect the historical and contemporary social landscape. "The main themes would be growing up, redemption and also expression and communication. The band’s story was full circle—they emerged during a politically charged time and found themselves again in a similarly polarized era decades later."
Editing and Storytelling Choices
With decades' worth of footage, deciding what to include was a difficult process. Ventura had to make tough choices to maintain a clear and engaging narrative. "There were a lot of fun scenes that I had to remove, crazy moments from their youth, performances with industry heavyweights like Francis M and Gary V. It was a very tough decision*, but at the end of the day, I had to serve the story and honor the through~line. Some things just had to be let go."
A Fresh Representation for Filipinos
This project held deep personal significance for Ventura, reinforcing her belief in the cathartic power of art and the importance of representation in Filipino cinema.
"This project was deeply personal for me. It reinforced my belief that art can provide catharsis. I also wanted to contribute to a new representation of Filipino films, highlighting the brilliance and resilience of our culture and people. I wanted to celebrate Filipinos, to put our people on a pedestal. The way we're represented affects how we see ourselves, and I wanted to change that narrative. "The Eraserheads' bravery and honesty made this film possible. This is my thank-you to them. I wouldn’t be where I am if it hadn’t been for them."
Hopes for the Documentary's Impact
"I can’t dictate how audiences should feel, i would already be happy if it helps them reflect or have the space to talk about the themes of the film. As for my personal takeaways, what resonated with me most was the importance of communication and second chances. Everyone deserves to be heard." None of us are without flaws so let’s try to listen and approach things with curiosity more than judgement. Resolution of conflicts can only happen through tolerance after all.
"One word to describe the Eraserheads? Transcendent."
With Eraserheads: Combo on the Run, Diane Ventura has crafted more than just a documentary—it’s a tribute to one of the most influential bands in Philippine music history. Through her meticulous approach to filmmaking, she has given fans an intimate and visually stunning look at the lives of the Eraserheads, ensuring that their story will continue to inspire generations to come.
It gives us the realization of how well we can be perceived as Filipinos once we focus on how we represent ourselves. This is a bold move to come up with a smart material that can be consumed by all. It shows that people need better narratives which could help them be better versions of themselves. Ventura gave us the initial step. It’s how we all would act on it and look for what we truly deserve.
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