Module 8: The National Artists of the Philippines for Film .

At the end of this module, I can:

l. Discuss the history of Philippine cinema.
2. Enumerate the National Artists for Film.
3. Identify films that have international acclaim and recognition.
4. Explain how cinema represents Philippine society.
5. Explain Filipino artists' roles and identify their contribution to contemporary arts.

On 1 January 1897, the Philippines experienced its first movies with these four films: Un
homme au chapeau (Man with a Hat), Une scene de danse Japonaise (Scene from a Japanese
Dance), Les Boxers (The Boxers), and La place de! 'opera (The Place ofL'Opera). The showing
of these films was done in Salon de Pertierra on Escolta Street. These films were shown using
a Gaumont Chrono-photograph projector (60 mm). This momentous event was envisioned by
a Spaniard only remembered by the name of Pertierra.
The first movie shot in the country happened in 1898 by Antonio Ramos using a Lumiere
Cinematograph imported from Paris. Ramos shot the following films: Panorama de Manila
(Manila Landscape), Fiesta de Quiapo (Quiapo Fiesta), Puente de Espana (Bridge of Spain),
and Escenas Callejeras (Street Scenes).
Over the years, since the arrival of cinema in the country, Filipino artists have thrived and
triumphed in the fast-paced world of cinema. Without the brilliance and talents of the people
behind the art, filmmaking will not be made possible. That is why the country continues to honor
deserving artists in the field of cinema. Here are the national artists in the film category.

I. When was the first movie shown in the country? Where was it shown? What were
the titles?

2. Who was responsible for the first movie shot in the Philippines? What did he
use?

Contemporary Philippine Art and the National Artists of the_Phili~ ~ ~oia-~

National Artists for Film
Lino Brocka
1939-1991
Year of Conferment: 1997
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Fig. 8.1. Lino Brocka (left) is the most influential filmmaker behind Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag
(center) and Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (right).

The contribution of Lino Brocka to Philippine cinema is unparalleled, with 66 films that
"breathed life and hope for the marginalized sectors of society," according to NCCA. Awarded
the National Artist for Cinema in 1997, Lino Brocka has harvested countless awards and
recognitions here and abroad for his films that are "a bounty of stunning images, memorable
conversations that speak volumes on love, betrayal and redemption, pestilence and plenty all
pointing towards the recovery and rediscovery of our nation."
In 1975, he directed the movie Maynila sa mga
Kuko ng Liwanag. The said film is considered as one of
the classics of Filipino cinema. His other films include
Wanted: Perfect Mother ( 1970), Tinimbang Ka ngunit
Kulang (1974), Insiang (1976), Jaguar (1979), Bona Films can give life and hope for
the marginalized sectors of society.
(1980), Macho Dancer (1988), Ora Pro Nobis (Fight
for Us, 1989), and Gumapang Kasa Lusak (1990).

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1. Name some of.the films directed by Lino Brocka.

2. Discuss Lino Brocka's contribution to Philippine cinema.

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Ishmael Bernal
1938-1996
Year of Conferment: 2001

Fig. 8.2. Ishmael Bernal (left) directed the iconic Nora Aunor-starred film Himala
(center) and City after Dark (right).

Awarded the National Artist for Film in 2001, Ishmael Bernal is considered to be one
of the pillars of Philippine cinema. In 1982, Bernal directed the critically acclaimed Himala
starring Nora Aunor, the country's most popular celebrity at that time. Many critics consider
Himala as one of the greatest Filipino films ofall time because ofits provocative and courageous
depictions that has served "as social commentaries and bold reflections on the existing realities
of the struggle of the Filipino."
Bernal 's contribution to Philippine cinema is both liberating and aesthetic as he pushes
the artistry. According to the NCCA, "polishing its visuals, or innovating in the medium, he
manages to send his message across: to fight the censors, free the artists, give justice to the
oppressed, and enlighten as well as entertain the audience."
Some of his other famous works include the
films Dalawang Pugad, /sang Jbon (Two Nests,
One Bird, 1977), Lagi na Lamang Ba Akong Babae?
(Will !Always Be Justa Woman?, 1978),JsangGabi
sa Iyo, !sang Gabi sa Akin (A Night With You, A Artistry in film is evident in its
visuals, its medium, and its ability to
Night With Me, 1978), Jkaw Ay Akin (You're Mine, send its message.
1979), and Menor de Edad (Underage, 1979).

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movie Himala where Elsa, portrayeg by Nora Aunor, delivered the most famous Imes 1~
Philippine cinema: -·
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"Walang himala! Ang hzmala ay nasa puso ng tao., ivasa
.,.,, puso nating lahat! Tayo artg
gumagawa ng himala! Tayo ang gumagawa ng mga sumpa at ng mga n·zyos .,,, .
How are these lines reflective of Bernal 's works "as social commentanes and bold
reflections on the existing realities of the struggle of the Filipino?"

Gerardo "Gerry" De Leon

1913-1981
Year of Conferment: 1982
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Fig. 8.3. Gerardo De Leon (left) directed two film adaptations on Rizal's works: Noli Me Tangere in
1961 (center) and Sisa in 1951 (right)

National Artist for Film Gerardo De Leon holds the sole distinction as the most awarded
film director in the country for the prestigious Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences
(FAMAS) Awards, th~ _country's equivalent to the Oscars. De Leon finished medicine but did
not practice it to answer a calling in cinema. Ama 't Anak was his directorial debut, but De
Leon's baptism in Philippine cinema royalty was in the film Ang Maestra starring Rosa del
Rosario and Rogelio de la Rosa.
De Leon also popularized the following films: Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo, Noli Me
Tangere, Sisa, Dyesebel, The Gold Bikini, Banaue, and The Brides of Blood Island.

L / ~ontemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions

Fernando Poe, Jr.
1939-2004
Year of Conferment: 2006
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Fig. 8.4. Fernando Poe, Jr. (left) starred in movies such as Ang Pagbabalik ng Panday (center) and
Durugin si Totoy Bato (right).

Fernando Poe, Jr. (also known as "Da King" or FPJ) has been given the title the king of
Philippine movies. He is one of the most admired Filipino film actors of all time. He is famous
for his role as Flavio in the mythical Ang Panday series. He also starred in other famous films
such as Apollo Robles (196_1), Batang Maynila (Manila Boy, 1962), Mga Alabok sa Lupa
(Dusts in Land, 1967), Ako ang Katarungan (I Am Justice, 1974), Tatak ng Alipin (fyfark of a
Slave, 197 5), To toy Bato ( 1977), Asedillo ( 1971 ), and Partida (Party, 1985).
FP J is not only an exceptional actor; he is also a film producer and politician as well. In
2004, he ran an unsuccessful bid for the presidential election. Subsequently, his political rival,
former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, declared him a National Artist for Film in 2006.

Eddie S. Romero
1924-2013
Year of Conferment: 2003

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Fig. 8.5. Eddies. Romero (left) was the film producer behind movies such as Aguila (center) starring
Fernando Poe, Jr. in 1979, and Ganito Kami Noon .. . Paano Kayo Ngayon? in 1976.

Contemporary Philippine Art and the National Artists of the Philipp~~~ ~... j~
 National Artist for Film Eddie Romero's works, as cited, "are delivered in an utterly
simple style-minimalist, but never empty, always calculated, precise and functional, but never
predictable." Romero's presence in Philippine cinema is one that is "devoted to the art and
commerce of cinema." Perhaps his most recognized work, Ganito Kami Noon. · · Paano Kayo
Ngayon? is Romero's love letter to his country, as it tried to portray the common Filipino in
the backdrop of history and imagination. Another ,,,
classic by Romero is Kamakalawa, a film that
probed into indigenous precolonial Philippines. 191' ldBeiga l ,__ ___

He is also responsible for bringing an on-screen

Film is one of the artful ways to ··i-.
adaptation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere in a
portray the common Filipino in the
13-part series. The list of his films also includes backdrop of history and imagination.
Aguila, Hari sa Hari, Lahi sa Lahi, lsumpa Mo
Giliw, and Faces ofLove.

1. Which Filipino literary classic did Eddie Romero bring to life on screen?

2. With the films Ganito Kami Noon ... Paano Kayo Ngayon? and Kamakalawa, how
is history a potent vehicle to express the Filipino experience?

Track: Academic
You are a film critic and you are asked by the newspaper editor to write a 500-word
feature ofNationalArtists for Film. Your readers are film teachers, students, and enthusiasts.
In your feature article, emphasize on the artists' roles and identify their contribution to
contemporary cinema.

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