FILIPINO CINEMA

ART APPRECIATION
Independent Filipino Cinema

• Independent Filipino cinema, has existed for almost

as long as commercialized cinema, but this type of
cinema has not been recognized as much, and thus
has few historical accounts.
• Many of the independent films show actual
happenings in the society using authentic voices of
the people, but oftentimes, these films have been
suppressed due to its revelations about social and
political realities or marginalized due to its
cinematography.
• These films also sometimes offer valuable historical
content.
Independent Filipino Cinema

• In its early beginnings, alternative cinemas

were documentaries about the Philippines.
Jose Nepomuceno was first commissioned
to make documentaries about the richest
industries in the Philippines, and his most
famous one was about the industry.
• Other alternative films made during 1920–
1955 include Old Manila, Tres Sangganos,
Intramuros, Jose Rizal, March of the Time
Series: The Philippines, and Woodcarving in
the Philippines
Independent Filipino Cinema

Documentary
Year Produced by Description
Film/Independent Film
Representations and
images of the Americans
in the Nepumuceno
Dalagang Bukid 1919 Nepumuceno Brothers brothers' perspective
after they have anchored
themselves in the
country.
A short film in 16
millimeters. First feature
Tres Sangganos 1920s Manuel Silos
film of Manuel Silos
which had three parts.
Orient Pictures
Boxing match between It was the first ever
Corporation (partly
Pancho Villa and Clever 1925 boxing match held in the
owned by Joaquin Pardo
Sencio Philippines.
de Vera)
Jose Rizal 1939 Ramon Estella
Independent Filipino Cinema
• All of the films on the previous slide were destroyed
during World War II. However, in the film archives in
Washington DC, only the old film titled March of Time
Series: The Philippines by Louis de Rochemont
survived
• Film making halted during the Japanese occupation
however, some documentaries and newsreels were
made such as Laurel Review His Troops (1943), First
Session of the National Assembly (1943), New
Cabinet Organized (1943), and What Do You Think?
(1943).
Independent Filipino Cinema
• 1950s to 1970s saw the rise of the First Independent
Film Movement when the production of short films
had a substantial increase, and these short films
were garnering awards locally and internationally.
Furthermore, several film organizations were formed
during this time such as the Film Institute of the
Philippines, Film Society of the Philippines.
• Some of the alternative films produced during this
time include El Legado, Soul of a Fortress,
Mangandingay: A Place of Happiness, The Wall,
Mababangong Bangungot, Masinloc, and The
Survivor.
Independent Filipino Cinema
• The 1970s to 1980s saw the rise of the
Second Independent Film Movement where
the films produced contained more of the
personal creativity of the filmmakers, and
films became more ideological.
• Independent films became highly politicized
in the 1980s with the Marcos dictatorship
and the People Power Revolution. The
filmmakers of that time sought to innovate
ways of expression for their political films as
they deal with social reality.
Independent Filipino Cinema
• Some of the famous independent films of that time
include Ang Magpakailanman, Children of the Regime,
Revolutions Happen like Refrains in a Song, A Legacy of
Violence, And Rain Fell in July, Sugat sa Ugat, The
Arrogance of Power, Signos, Kalawang, Sa Maynila,
Ynang Bayan: To be a Woman is to Live at a Time of
War, I am a Furious Yellow, Perfumed Nightmare, Isang
Munting Lupa, and Bayani.
• Currently, there are a few Filipino film festivals that
support independent Filipino films such as Cinemalaya
and CineFilipino. These are annual film festivals that
screens, invests, promotes, and awards independent
Filipino films.
Internationally Acclaimed Films

• Over the years, Filipino films have been recognized

not only in their own country, but also globally in
different countries. Competing with international
films, Filipino films have earned many different
rewards such as the Golden Lion in the 2016 Venice
Film Festival won by Ang Babaeng Humayo (The
Woman Who Left) by Lav Diaz, the Audience
Choice Award in the Tokyo International Film
Festival won by Die Beautiful by Jun Lana, or the
Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize at the 66th Berlin
International Film Festival won by Hele sa Hiwagang
Hapis (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery) also by
Lav Diaz.
Internationally Acclaimed Films

• All these films were granted these awards in

the year of 2016 among many other
Philippine films.In the years before, other
films equally gaining recognition
internationally include Pamilya Ordinaryo by
Eduardo Roy Jr.;Toto by John Paul Su;
Taklub by Brillante Mendoza; Metro Manila
by Sean Ellis; and Foster Child by Brillante
Mendoza.