The Philippines’ Martial Law period (1972 – 1981) was a dark time when numerous human rights abuses were committed against ordinary civilians, activists, and journalists.
Just this year, more than 11,000 victims received compensation from the government, a minuscule amount considering that more than 75,000 people have reported that they faced unspeakable horrors during those nine years (plus the five years after it, before the People Power Revolution in 1986).
This September, in time for the 46th anniversary of its declaration by late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, micro theater Cinema Centenario and the Commission of Human Rights are presenting the Never Forget Film Festival, a month-long event which will showcase movies that depict how it was like to live at the time.
Tickets to the fest are priced at PHP200 (US$3.74) and the movies will be shown at Cinema Centenario located at Teacher’s Village in Quezon City.
Happening from Sept. 1 – Sept. 30, the film fest’s timing is apt, after former First Daughter Imee Marcos was blasted last week for saying that people should just “move on” from what happened during her father’s tyrannical rule.
From a tale about a group of girlfriends finding and losing love to a film about two men who were falsely accused of killing the president, here are the movies cineastes can expect to see during the fest.
Eskapo by Chito Roño (Sept. 1, 7:30pm; Sept.27,6pm)
The festival will present the digitally remastered version of this classic film Eskapo, which shows that even powerful families were unable to escape the abuses committed by the government.
Based on a true story, Geny Lopez Jr. and Sergio Osmeña — both scions of powerful clans — are falsely accused of plotting the assassination of the president. After four years in prison, they plan the impossible — escaping from their military prison to fly overseas for a new life.
Starring Christopher De Leon, Richard Gomez, and Dina Bonnevie.
Barber’s Tales by Jun Lana (Sept. 2, 9pm; Sept.11, 6pm; Sept.20,8:30pm; Sept.21, 5pm; Sept.28, 10pm)
Newly widowed Marilou finds herself in a bind when she suddenly inherits a barbershop. Incapable of running it, her life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends a prostitute named Rosa, who forces her clients to patronize the barbershop under threat of exposing their infidelities. The film is one of Lana’s early successful films after spending years working as a television scriptwriter.
Starring Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, and Eddie Garcia.
Tu Pug Imatuy by Arnel Barbarona (Sept. 30, 5pm)
Tu pug imatuy is the Manobo phrase for “the right to kill,” an apt title for this film which tells the story of a couple’s nightmarish encounter with the Philippine military.
Starring Malona Sulatan, Jong Monzon, and Luis Georlin Banaag III.
Moral by Marilou Diaz-Abaya (Sept.29, 4pm)
A group of college friends come face-to-face with the harsh realities of adulthood as they experience professional failures and the loss of the men they love in this drama, set in 1979 – 1982. One of its more memorable scenes includes Joey’s (Lorna Tolentino) heartbreaking scene when she learns that her activist friend — and unrequited love — was killed by the military.
Starring Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, and Anna Marin.
Citizen Jake by Mike de Leon (Sept. 8, 1:30pm; Sept.15, 6:30pm; Sept. 21, 2:30pm; and Sept.30, 11am)
Journalist Atom Araullo stars in this controversial movie where he plays a reporter in conflict with his dysfunctional family.
Starring Araullo, Cherie Gil, Dina Bonnevie, Adrian Alandy, Gabby Eigenmann, Max Collins, Teroy Guzman, and Nonie Buencamino.
Respeto by Treb Monteras (Sept. 7, 5pm; Sept. 10, 6pm; Sept. 12, 1pm; Sept. 21, 10pm; Sept. 26, 11pm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nyzjp9MbFs
A wanna-be hip-hop star finds himself engulfed in a life of crime until he meets a poet who is still haunted by the nightmares of Martial Law. Other than its Martial Law themes, the movie is also a celebration of the Pinoy underground hip-hop scene.
Starring Abra, Dido de la Paz, Loonie, Chai Fonacier, Sylvester, Nor Domingo, Kate Alejandrino, Brian Arda, and Thea Yrastorza.
Ang Panahon ng Halimaw by Lav Diaz (Sept. 15, 11am; Sept. 23, 4pm)
An entry at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival, the movie tells of a young doctor who opens a clinic in a remote village controlled by a paramilitary group. She suddenly vanishes without a trace, prompting her husband to search for her, coming face-to-face with the horrors experienced by the villagers.
Starring Piolo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao, and Bituin Escalante.
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