That three out of the Top 13 best Filipino Films listed by Asian Movie Pulse from the period of 70s to 80s were directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya already speaks volumes of her singularity as a filmmaker. Discomfiting, dissenting, disturbing are just some of the characteristics that could describe her body of work, but they could also just be characterized by this statement: death to the patriarchy.
This, and shame to women's own internalized misogyny. Abaya was inexorably critical of enablers even before this word became ubiquitous in contemporary online spaces, exposing the chain of relations and connections which destroy, downplay and dilute a woman's identity. Concomitant to this is her questioning of false dichotomies and relentless encouragement to go beyond convenient labels, an audacious and necessary pursuit which she did in films that pushed the Filipino to question dominant and trite narratives about his own history.
Below are just some the...
This, and shame to women's own internalized misogyny. Abaya was inexorably critical of enablers even before this word became ubiquitous in contemporary online spaces, exposing the chain of relations and connections which destroy, downplay and dilute a woman's identity. Concomitant to this is her questioning of false dichotomies and relentless encouragement to go beyond convenient labels, an audacious and necessary pursuit which she did in films that pushed the Filipino to question dominant and trite narratives about his own history.
Below are just some the...
- 5/18/2023
- by Purple Romero
- AsianMoviePulse
Adapted and written by Ricky Lee from the legal story “To Take a Life” by Teresa Añover Rodriguez, “Karnal” concludes the feminist trilogy by Marilou Diaz-Abaya (“Brutal” and “Moral” are the other two entries), while it screened at the Metro Manila Film Festival winning awards for Best Film, Sound Engineering, Cinematography, and Art Direction, among a number of other awards from local festivals. In 2015, the film was digitally restored and remastered in high-definition by the Abs-cbn Film Restoration under the leadership of Leonardo P. Katigbak and Central Digital Lab under Rick Hawthorne and Manet Dayrit. The restored version of “Karnal” was premiered on August 13, 2015, as one of the special features for the 11th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
The film begins with a middle-aged woman functioning as a narrator, and telling a story that took place in the 1930s, during the American colonial era. Newly-wed couple Narcing and Puring arrive at the former's birthplace,...
The film begins with a middle-aged woman functioning as a narrator, and telling a story that took place in the 1930s, during the American colonial era. Newly-wed couple Narcing and Puring arrive at the former's birthplace,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
After the success of her directorial debut “Tanikala” (1980), Marilou Diaz-Abaya was approached by producer Jesse Ejercito to direct a film for him starring Amy Austria, who had recently distinguished herself in the 1979 Lino Brocka film “Jaguar”. I am not sure if what Abaya came up with was exactly what Ejercito and Austria had in mind, since “Brutal” was actually the first Filipino film to tackle rape as a feminist issue, but the result justified their efforts, with the movie winning Best Director and Best Actress in the Metro Manila Film Festival of the same year.
The film begins with the arrest of the protagonist Monica Real, after the murder of her husband and four of his friends, in a case that immediately catches the eye of the public and the press, becoming highly publicized. Clara Valdez, a journalist who is in a relationship with Jake, a divorced man who keeps comparing her with his ex-wife,...
The film begins with the arrest of the protagonist Monica Real, after the murder of her husband and four of his friends, in a case that immediately catches the eye of the public and the press, becoming highly publicized. Clara Valdez, a journalist who is in a relationship with Jake, a divorced man who keeps comparing her with his ex-wife,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Ricky Lee. Photo by Grace Orbon-Emmelot.“It’s important to be a good writer, but it’s more important to be a good person”—Ricky LeeThere is no corner in Philippine cinema, television, and literature that remains untouched and unshaped by Ricky Lee. You may think this is an exaggeration, but it is true. With nearly five decades in the film industry, Lee has created over 180 scripts, several best-selling Filipino books, and the screenwriting manual called “Trip to Quiapo” that is used in introductory film courses all over the country. With more than 70 awards for his writing, Lee has worked with luminaries in Filipino cinema such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Gil Portes, Laurice Guillen, and Mike De Leon, among others, and their collaborations have been screened in some of the most prestigious film festivals around the world—Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Toronto, and Cairo, just to name a few.
- 1/27/2022
- MUBI
You may think that “Captain Marvel” (2019) is an important contemporary film for females on screen, you may assume that Jacque Rivette pushed the boundaries for the portrayal of woman, but when you take a look at Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Moral”, you may come to a different definition of feministic movies.
“Moral” is screening at the San Diego Asian Film Festival:
The debut film of the Philipino director about a “gang” of four female friends – a lawyer, a drug addict, a housewife, and an ambitious singer – is a landmark that celebrates womanhood and companionship.
Thanks to a digitally restored and remastered version released by Abs-cbn in 2017, “Moral” shines with bright 4K images upon the screen, giving it the much-needed attention that it deserves.
Joey, played by Lorna Tolentino (“Magnifico” 2003), is a promiscuous drug addict, who is unable to connect to her student activist lover. Sylvia, played by Sandy Andolong (“American Adobo...
“Moral” is screening at the San Diego Asian Film Festival:
The debut film of the Philipino director about a “gang” of four female friends – a lawyer, a drug addict, a housewife, and an ambitious singer – is a landmark that celebrates womanhood and companionship.
Thanks to a digitally restored and remastered version released by Abs-cbn in 2017, “Moral” shines with bright 4K images upon the screen, giving it the much-needed attention that it deserves.
Joey, played by Lorna Tolentino (“Magnifico” 2003), is a promiscuous drug addict, who is unable to connect to her student activist lover. Sylvia, played by Sandy Andolong (“American Adobo...
- 4/14/2019
- by Alexander Knoth
- AsianMoviePulse
Film programs include one of the first lesbian Bollywood films (“Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga”), a film with the backdrop of 80’s Saigon and its Vietnamese folk opera (“Song Lang”) and an Indonesian culinary journey through film (“Aruna and her Palate”)
The special series “From The Claws of Darkness: Restoring Philippine Cinema” brings the second golden age of Philippine film to the big screen for audiences to enjoy once again, including “Moral,” “Himala,” and “Batch ‘81”and “Manila In The Claws of Light”
San Diego, California – March 26, 2019 – The 9th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (Sdaff) Spring Showcase, presented by Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) will be taking place on April 11-18 at the UltraStar Mission Valley. This year, a majority of the showcased films highlight South Asian and Southeast Asian stories.
There will also be a special collection of milestone Filipino films shown as a part of the...
The special series “From The Claws of Darkness: Restoring Philippine Cinema” brings the second golden age of Philippine film to the big screen for audiences to enjoy once again, including “Moral,” “Himala,” and “Batch ‘81”and “Manila In The Claws of Light”
San Diego, California – March 26, 2019 – The 9th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (Sdaff) Spring Showcase, presented by Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) will be taking place on April 11-18 at the UltraStar Mission Valley. This year, a majority of the showcased films highlight South Asian and Southeast Asian stories.
There will also be a special collection of milestone Filipino films shown as a part of the...
- 3/28/2019
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Erik Matti is one of Asia’s most ambitious filmmakers. An assistant director to Peque Gallaga, he made his debut with Scorpio Nights 2 (1999), a sequel to his mentor’s erotic classic. He has made subversive horrors, world-building fantasy epics, gritty crime dramas and costumed superhero films. While always audience-focused, Matti and his films are becoming more political; they have recently focused on systemic corruption and religious hypocrisy in the Philippines. BuyBust is his headiest achievement yet, spinning high-octane action tropes into a scathing commentary on the ongoing drug war. Here are his favorite Filippino films, in no particular order
1. Of the Flesh
2. Oro, Plata, Mata
3. Scorpio Nights 4. City After Dark
5. Misteryo sa Tuwa 6. High School Circa ’65 7. Rage
8. Itanong Mo Sa Buwan 9. Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak 10. Bunso: The Youngest (Ditsi Carolino, 2005 )...
1. Of the Flesh
2. Oro, Plata, Mata
3. Scorpio Nights 4. City After Dark
5. Misteryo sa Tuwa 6. High School Circa ’65 7. Rage
8. Itanong Mo Sa Buwan 9. Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak 10. Bunso: The Youngest (Ditsi Carolino, 2005 )...
- 3/3/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The biggest European film festival excludsively dealing with Asian cinema will open on Friday the 22nd of April with the South Korean blockbuster “The Tiger” and close with the Hong Kong thriller “The Bodyguard” on Saturday the 30th with the presence of the legendary Sammo Hung. Legendary director Johnnie To and composer Lim Giong will also attend.
The festival will feature 72 films in the official selection (5 world premieres) a retrospective of Japanese science fiction, the restored 4K versions of four Bruce Lee masterpieces and over 100 events organized around the city.
The line up of 2016 includes the followings:
Competition Section
China (10)
Chongqing Hot Pot, Yang Qing, crime-action- hipster noir, China 2016, European Premiere
The Dead End, Cao Baoping, cop-loves-cop thriller, China 2015, European Premiere
Destiny, Zhang Wei, human drama, China 2016, World Premiere
The Left Ear, Alec Su, youth drama, China 2015, European Premiere
Lost in Hong Kong, Xu Zheng, clash of cultures comedy, China 2015, International Festival Premiere
The Master,...
The festival will feature 72 films in the official selection (5 world premieres) a retrospective of Japanese science fiction, the restored 4K versions of four Bruce Lee masterpieces and over 100 events organized around the city.
The line up of 2016 includes the followings:
Competition Section
China (10)
Chongqing Hot Pot, Yang Qing, crime-action- hipster noir, China 2016, European Premiere
The Dead End, Cao Baoping, cop-loves-cop thriller, China 2015, European Premiere
Destiny, Zhang Wei, human drama, China 2016, World Premiere
The Left Ear, Alec Su, youth drama, China 2015, European Premiere
Lost in Hong Kong, Xu Zheng, clash of cultures comedy, China 2015, International Festival Premiere
The Master,...
- 4/21/2016
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The 18th Feff will feature 50 titles in competition, including Lost In Hong Kong, Mojin: The Lost Legend and Ip Man 3, as well as a new Focus Asia market.Scroll down for full programme
The Udine Far East Film Festival (Feff) has revealed the programme for its 18th edition (April 22-30), featuring a myriad of high-profile Asian titles from the past year.
The event will close with the European premiere of director and actor Sammo Hung’s latest feature, The Bodyguard [pictured], with Hung due to be in attendance.
Hung’s appearance marks the second year in a row that the festival has played host to a Hong Kong film icon, after Jackie Chan attended last year’s edition.
The Bodyguard (also known as My Beloved Bodyguard) has grossed close to $50m since its release in China on April 1. The film stars Sammo Hung as a retired bodyguard who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young girl.
The...
The Udine Far East Film Festival (Feff) has revealed the programme for its 18th edition (April 22-30), featuring a myriad of high-profile Asian titles from the past year.
The event will close with the European premiere of director and actor Sammo Hung’s latest feature, The Bodyguard [pictured], with Hung due to be in attendance.
Hung’s appearance marks the second year in a row that the festival has played host to a Hong Kong film icon, after Jackie Chan attended last year’s edition.
The Bodyguard (also known as My Beloved Bodyguard) has grossed close to $50m since its release in China on April 1. The film stars Sammo Hung as a retired bodyguard who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young girl.
The...
- 4/13/2016
- ScreenDaily
Jun Lana started his career in film writing screenplays for directors Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Maryo J. de los Reyes, among others. In the several years where the country was starving for quality films, he penned films like Diaz-Abaya's Sa Pusod ng Dagat (In the Navel of the Sea, 1998), Jose Rizal (1998), and Muro-ami (1999), tasteful alternatives to the crass, titillating films that were being produced by the dozens. Interestingly, Gigil (2006), Lana's directorial debut, capitalized largely on babes clad in bikinis, parading both their bodies and loose morals in the beach. He then dabbled in various other genres, directing disposable horrors like Mag-ingat ka sa... Kulam (2008) and Tarot (2009) and sleazy dramas like Roxxxanne (2007) and My Neighbor's Wife (2011) for various...
- 9/10/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Jun Lana started his career in film writing screenplays for directors Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Maryo J. de los Reyes, among others. In the several years where the country was starving for quality films, he penned films like Diaz-Abaya's Sa Pusod ng Dagat (In the Navel of the Sea, 1998), Jose Rizal (1998), and Muro-ami (1999), tasteful alternatives to the crass titillating films that were being produced by the dozens.Interestingly, Gigil (2006), Lana's directorial debut, capitalized largely on babes clad in bikinis, parading both their bodies and loose morals in the beach. He then dabbled in various other genres, directing disposable horrors like Mag-ingat ka sa... Kulam (2008) and Tarot (2009) and sleazy dramas like Roxxxanne (2007) and My Neighbor's Wife (2011) for various studios...
- 7/30/2012
- Screen Anarchy
When a film is described as poetic, it is often taken as a compliment. However, when a film is described as theatrical, it is seen as a critique, scathing at that. What makes poetry the better spouse to cinema? Isn't cinema but a visual and aural interplay of poetry and theater to begin with? Theater provides the cornerstones: the narrative, the milieu, the setting and the characters. Poetry, on the other hand, more than the façade and the flourishes, provides the requisite subtlety in the execution --- the minute gestures that accentuate a character, that last five seconds of absolute silence before a cut, the symbols, the verses, the rhymes, and rhythms. This is purely hypothetical. But if films are judged based on a balance where theatricality is measured with poetry, and the former outweighs the latter by a large margin, does it mean that the film is better off staged than filmed?...
- 7/22/2010
- Screen Anarchy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.