What does it actually mean when people say, “This feels like a Wes Anderson movie”?
Is it only because of the whimsical colors and distinct subtitles?
Is it the way he composes his shots?
Or perhaps it’s the feeling of nostalgia we get when watching his films?
We dive into the quirky world of American filmmaker Wes Anderson and what makes his works so distinct and charming in the East Meets Wes tribute exhibit and market.
A tribute by brilliant individuals and makers
Artists, film enthusiasts, and creators gathered together in the East Meets West tribute exhibit and market held last May 3, 2025 at Cebu Making Space.
It was a multi-faceted event featuring a marketplace, art exhibits, talks, and a film showing, paying tribute to the whimsical works of Wes Anderson.
“A cinematic event to remember” – Cebu Making Space on Instagram
The curated art exhibit features the colorful works of local artists like Jodie, Ferrer, Astraberry, Zach Aldave, Kring Demetrio, and more.
There was also a wide range of goods available at the whimsical marketplace, from tasty cookies to intricately crafted knitted items and ceramic crafts.
This ensemble truly gives you a glimpse into the creative minds in Cebu and why we were bound to resonate with Wes Anderson films.
The grand dialogue of delightful minds
Given how distinctly bright and colorful Wes Anderson’s films are, it is easy to boil his style down to just the aesthetics.
But what truly makes his works great, and why do they create such a lasting impact?
The East Meets Wes talks featured three filmmakers from the local scene who each delved deep into the different aspects of Wes Anderson’s signature style.
Samantha Solidum, an award-winning filmmaker and editor, got into the rhythm and quirks that shape the flow of Wes Anderson films.
“There’s that lingering in the air. At first, everything is bright and comical, and then it gets to be dark, and then it picks up again.” – Samantha Solidum
She gets into how his eccentric way of storytelling and deliberate use of tonal shifts allows him to tackle different themes like grief and dysfunctional families without being too heavy or boring.
Mariya Lim, writer-director, delves into the idiosyncratic and immersive way Wes Anderson creates his characters and the world they are in.
“His characters, if they were to walk from their film into another in his filmography, they would fit right in.” – Mariya Lim
Despite his use of a wide range of settings and time periods, there is a consistent feeling when watching a Wes Anderson film. This consistent feeling does not make it repetitive or redundant; instead, it just builds around the universe he has created.
Regina Onnagan, art department all-arounder, explores the visuals and production design that go into Wes Anderson films.
“It’s retro, quirky, theatrical. It’s storybook. It’s childlike. Nilalabas niya yung child in all of us.” – Regina Onnagan
She goes into what makes the world of Wes Anderson so vibrant and alive, even without the use of expensive sets and CGI.
Watching the comedy heist ‘Bottle Rocket’
The event ended with a featured film showing of the Wes Anderson film, Bottle Rocket. It was his directorial debut, released in 1996. The film gives the audience an insight into the beginnings of Wes Anderson’s inspirational filmmaking journey.
“If you’re a really good storyteller, you’re a good storyteller. You can tell the story without all the PD (production design), without the budget.” – Regina Onnagan
Despite limitations in his early years, Wes Anderson was still able to create films that were bright and whimsical, standing out from other films at the time despite being simple.
Wes Anderson’s humble beginnings and bright yet simple storytelling truly appeal to the Cebuano creative. While his colorful visuals and symmetrical composition may not be for everybody, his world-building and narrative bring a feeling of nostalgia and childlike whimsy that we all can resonate with.
Looking for more fun and creative events? Make sure to follow Cebu Making Space on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on their upcoming events, exhibits, and classes.
Photography Kyrra Kho
