The Philippine Film Archive (PFA) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is delighted to showcase a special exhibition titled “From the Archive: Pamanang Pelikula 2023.” This event pays tribute to National Heritage Month and will be held from May 26 to 27 at Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Iloilo, Davao, Nabunturan, and Negros.
In alignment with the theme of National Heritage Month 2023, “Heritage: Change and Continuity” the PFA has meticulously curated a collection of six award-winning Filipino films spanning from the 1950s to the present day. This selection includes renowned works from National Artists and esteemed local filmmakers. These films have been chosen for their remarkable storytelling techniques, showcasing both innovation and the preservation of cherished Filipino values and traditions.
From the Archive: Pamanang Pelikula features the following Filipino titles, which are open to audiences for free at Cinematheque Centres nationwide:
- Genghis Khan (1952) by Manuel Conde
- Mababangong Bangungot (1977) by Kidlat Tahimik
- Himala (1983) by Ishmael Bernal
- Kinatay (2009) by Brillante Mendoza
- Whether the Weather is Fine (2021) by Carlo Manatad
- Leonor Will Never Die (2022) by Martika Escobar
Rediscover the Magic of Filipino ’90s Classics – From the Archive: Pamanang Pelikula Spotlights International Acclaim
Step back in time and relive the glory of Filipino cinema as two iconic ’90s classics, “Genghis Khan” and “Mababangong Bangungot,” made their remarkable debuts at esteemed film festivals. “Genghis Khan” captured the hearts of audiences at the Venice Film Festival, while “Mababangong Bangungot” enthralled viewers at the Berlinale, receiving rave reviews from international film critics and industry insiders.
Another jewel in the lineup of From the Archive: Pamanang Pelikula is the celebrated film “Himala,” which not only competed for the prestigious Golden Bear award at the Berlinale but also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino film restored by the ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project (Sagip Pelikula). Its digitally restored version premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2012, marking a significant milestone in Filipino cinema.
Adding to the accolades, “Kinatay,” a groundbreaking film, became the first Filipino entry to receive the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009. It also triumphed at the influential Gawad Urian Awards, securing recognition for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Sound, solidifying its position as a monumental achievement in Philippine cinema.
The captivating Filipino contemporary drama film, “Whether the Weather Is Fine” (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon), was honored with the Cinema e Gioventù Prize at the Locarno Film Festival. Supported by the FDCP’s FilmPhilippines International Co-Production Fund (ICOF) in 2019, this film can also be accessed on the streaming platform Prime Video across Southeast Asia.
Lastly, “Leonor Will Never Die” (Ang Pagbabalik ng Kwago) etched its name in history by winning the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award: Innovative Spirit at the renowned Sundance Film Festival in 2022. This remarkable achievement at the largest independent film festival in the United States was made possible through the sponsorship of FDCP’s Full Circle Lab PH and CreatePHFilms programs in 2021.
From the Archive: Pamanang Pelikula joyfully celebrates the vital role of Philippine cinema in shaping and preserving the cultural identity and heritage of Filipinos. The Philippine Film Archive (PFA) proudly organizes this annual event, along with similar activities, to champion Philippine contemporary cinema and introduce younger audiences to the timeless classics of Filipino film.
For more information about From the Archive: Pamanang Pelikula 2023, please visit the official Facebook pages of the Philippine Film Archive and Cinematheque Centre.
