After a triumphant appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, the classic Filipino film Bona is making its homecoming. The film will conclude the 20th edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on August 10 at 8:30 pm, screening at Ayala Malls Manila Bay (Cinema 2, 8, 9, and 10).
Directed by National Artist Lino Brocka and penned by Cenen Ramones, Bona tells the story of a middle-class schoolgirl who skips classes to immerse herself in the world of low-budget films. Her father’s attempts to correct her lead Bona to move into Gardo’s shack in the slums, only to find herself in the role of a maid rather than a wife.
The film stars National Artist Nora Aunor in the title role, alongside Philip Salvador, Marissa Delgado, Raquel Monteza, Rustica Carpio, Venchito Galvez, Nanding Josef, and Spanky Manikan. The film also introduced the PETA Kalinangan Ensemble.
Since its 1980 release, Bona remained largely forgotten until rediscovered by University of Illinois professor Jose B. Capino, who was researching Brocka for his book. In 2023, Carlotta Films and Kani Releasing undertook a restoration of the film. The 4K restoration from the original 35mm image was completed at Cité de Mémoire laboratory in Paris, while sound restoration was managed by L.E. Diapason, utilizing negatives preserved by LTC Patrimoine.
National Artist Lino Brocka, honored with the award in 1997, was a staunch advocate for “freedom of expression” in Philippine cinema. His work, including 66 films, portrayed the struggles of marginalized communities and contributed significantly to the cultural landscape. Brocka was also active in theater and various organizations like the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP).
Nora Aunor, a celebrated actress with a filmography spanning 170 films, has earned numerous awards. Her notable roles include The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995) and Naglalayag (2009). Aunor received her first Best Actress awards for Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976) and the film Himala (1982) won her multiple accolades, including the CNN APSA Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Asia Pacific Film of All Time in 2008. She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022.
Tickets for the screening are priced at Php 300 (Php 560 for Cinema 8) and can be purchased at the Ayala Ticketing Counter or online via sureseats.com.
For more details, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.
