Treatment : The Last Manilaners

Logline

Max, Lotte and Margot are Jews and they are in peril as the Nazis set forth in Germany and proceeds on catching all the Jews and torturing them. As Max, Lotte, and Margot refuge from Germany to Philippines, their fates will be decided upon time.

Who, What, When, Where and Why

The story revolves around the three refugees: Max Weissler, Margot Pins-Kestenbaum, and Lotte-Cassel Hershfield. As Hitler came to ruling in the 1930s, these three refugees planned to escape their country Germany. They went to the Philippines as a place of refuge.

Opening Scene

The tone is quite unsettling and it shows forth the names of the refugees who escaped Germany. Germany was a dangerous place at that time. These 3 characters needed to escape soon during that time. The tone is a symbol of the hardships of what Max, Lotte, And Margot had to go through back in their childhood where Germany was no longer a safe place to live because of Adolf Hitler.

Act One

As Nazi’s regime has started, Hitler plans to eliminate all of the Jews. A leader like Adolf Hitler is formidable and charismatic. His power is above superior. Max, Margot, and Lotte are faced with a situation of whether to suffer or escape . Manuel Quezon establishes the open door policy for the Jewish refugees. This has helped the refugees escape the cruelty of Hitler. These three refugees have decided to accept Quezon’s help by refuging in the Philippines.

Act Two

Max, Margot, and Lotte were enjoying their time. They met new friends and started schooling. Max’s parents opened a bakeshop. Everything was good until the Japanese Occupational forces has invaded the Philippines and started a war. It became restless for these 3 refugees to consider their safety from the Japanese soldiers. As the other refugees admired Philippines’ kindness, some of them decided to join the war to fight the Japanese.

Act Three

After the war is over, the refugees continue to live to tell stories about their experience. They are forever thankful for what the Philippines has done to protect them. A refugee gave back the debt by helping the Typhoon Yolanda victims through donation and medical assistance. Peace has finally been achieved once again.

Camera Shots

• Close Up Shot
• Medium Close-Up Shot
• Wide Shot
• Full Shot
• Medium Shot

Lighting Techniques

• Key Light
• Back Light

Reflection

Compassion is what builds a nation of freedom and glory. To do a good deed is something we shouldn’t be weary of. If there’s one thing that striked me in this video, it is Manuel L. Quezon’s consideration for the Jewish refugees. He established a policy where Jews would be able to find refuge in the Philippines. Other countries wouldn’t accept the refugees but the Philippines did not hesitate to lend a helping hand. This is just one inspiration that I have witnessed in my life. It inspired me to do good to other people and to be considerate. The refugees also feel welcomed once they set forth in this land. They considered Filipinos as generous and kind. This makes me prouder to be a Filipino.