Historical Representations of the Philippine Cinema
Becoming a Social Studies Major truly alter the deeper introspection on me. I always think about it, makes me questioned things and consider many issues. We all know how much cinema shapes people's perspectives whether for the better or worse and that younger generations are more likely to be visual learners than older generations. Last June, when I was hanging out with my classmates, we discussed historical topics that made me wonder, " Why are there so few movies about historical events in the Philippines for the next generation to watch? ". When we did practice teaching last semester on elementary students it was clear that they preferred visual aids than reading and hearing about the subject. After that, if you ask them simple questions about history, they don't know the answers. It is concerning that newer generations are unaware of the world's progress and sacrifices.
Talking about Philippine Cinema. We must find out more when did it started. It is when two Swiss businessmen supported the opening of the Cinematografo in Manila during the Philippine Islands uprising against Spain in 1897, motion pictures were first displayed there. As a result, the word "cine" started to refer to movies. Manila saw the opening of two cinema theaters in 1900 and 1901. They screened silent documentaries, which were the only available material at the time. The Cinematografo Rizal, which bears the name of national hero Dr. José Rizal (1861–1896) helped spark the Philippine Revolution inaugurated in Manila in 1903. It was the first cinema that a Filipino owned. Later, in Tondo, Cinematografo Filipino debuted establishing cinema as a crucial component of Philippine culture.
In 1909, the focus of movies shifted from documentaries to entertainment. To bring these kind of Hollywood films to Manila, distribution companies for movies were founded. Soon, Manila was peppered with cinemas. Before turning to film, José Nepomuceno (1893–1959) the Father of Philippine cinema found fame as a photographer. In 1917, he established a film firm named Malayan Movies. The first movie made in the Philippines, Dalagang Bukid (Country Maiden) starring Atang de la Rama (1905-1991) was released by Nepomuceno in 1919. After the war, four significant Philippine film studios were established. Sampaguita Pictures specialized on melodrama while LVN Pictures focused on comedies. Action movies were produced by Premiere Productions and Lebran International.
Philippine post-war films emphasized courage, patriotism and raw emotion. Garrison 13, Dugo at Bayan (The Country's Blood), Walang Kamatayan (Deathless), and Guerilyera were among the war movies made in 1946. The first well-received post-war movie was Manuel Conde's (1915–1985) Orasang Ginto (LVN). Films about the war both honored resistance movements and portrayed friendship with the United States. So Long America (1946), a new genre of movie that dealt with the Filipino's independence from the United States, was directed by Gerardo de Leon (1913–1981).
A large number of Filipino films had been produced during that time. For them, the trek was very far. However, these movies are no longer available on any streaming services. It is saddening that those who want to learn about the past cannot easily access movie materials like this. As the cinema emerged, there's quite few historical adaptations about the philippine history that are available in this era. All of them are a helpful guide for the teacher's and learners to be aware about the history. Who are the prominent figures of it, their contributions to the philippine independence and more. Here are the top 6 ;
1. Jose Rizal ( 1998 )
Marilou Diaz-Abaya is the director. Her perspective on the life and demise of José Rizal will resonate with everyone, with a star-studded ensemble that included Cesar Montano as the main character along with Gloria Diaz, Gina Alajar and Chin Chin Gutierrez, it debuted as the most expensive Filipino film ever made.
2. El Presidente ( 2012 )
The spotlight now moves to Emilio Aguinaldo, the founding president of the Philippine Republic under the direction of Mark Meily. El Presidente the life narrative of the first president of the Philippines the guy who helped the Filipinos defeat the Spanish colonizers. Starring Christopher De Leon, Nora Aunor, and E.R. Estregan.
3. Bonifacio : Ang Unang Pangulo ( 2014 )
The film was directed by Enzo Williams. It was an official submission for the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival. It was based on the life of Andres Bonifacio played by Robin Padilla. A man who became a leader in the fight against Spanish oppressors and would come to hate even to those who shared his cause.
4. Heneral Luna ( 2015 )
Jerold Tarog is the director. Philippine Hero Heneral Luna was performed by John Arcilla as he leads the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the early stages of the Philippine-American War. The tragic and controversial event of his leadership and death.
5. Goyo : Batang Heneral ( 2018 )
Jerold Tarog is also the director of this. In historical movies, sequels and spin-offs are very uncommon. However, Jerold Tarog managed to pull it off with Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. The focus of Tarog's fictional world shifts from Heneral Luna to Paulo Avelino's youthful general Gregorio del Pilar, who is entrusted with eliminating Luna's devoted supporters. During the Philippine-American War, the young general sets out to establish his merit for the position.
6. Quezon's Game ( 2018 )
Matthew Rosen is the director of the 2018 Philippine biographical drama film Quezon's Game. In the years leading up to World War II, Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany and Austria sought refuge in the Philippines under the leadership of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon which become an important event of countries tie up until now.
In the Philippines, adaptations are underappreciated. Not everyone is drawn in by it. I suppose it's because not everyone is fascinated by history. However, other people can learn more by using these materials. Since it was carefully cultivated, the writers, directors and the entire production added facts and research. Despite the Philippines rich history which has to be shared and learned about having easy access to these kinds of movies and books needs to be done. Here, we see how much the cinema has evolved to have amazing cinematography skills, well chosen and portrayed actors.
There are further depictions of historical events in addition to the aforementioned films. Tikoy Aguiluz directed Rizal in Dapitan, Richard Somes directed Supremo, William Mayo directed Lapu Lapu, Carlo Caparas directed Tirad Pass and Darryl Yap directed Maid in Malacañang. Learning about the history of our nation is crucial. It would be more thoughtful if there were only movies about the three colonization of Spain, America and Japan. But for now, it seems difficult to produce it.
Since the history of the Philippines is so extensive and rich, it is not surprising that filmmakers are frequently inspired by it. Numerous historical dramas and biopics have enthralled audiences with their compelling narrative and educational themes over the years.They have transported viewers back in time. These are essential to view as it stirs up our deeper sense of nationalism and appreciation for the significance of these historical personalities, as well as their braveness and sacrifices made to secure the freedom we enjoy today.
https://reelrundown.com/film-industry/filipino-movies
