Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka, Marilou Diaz-Abaya classics to show on FDCP’s JuanFlix

Image: FDCP

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in partnership with ABS-CBN Film Restoration (Sagip Pelikula), is making available more classic Filipino films on JuanFlix starting Oct. 20.

The films include the digitally restored versions of the cinematic masterpieces from National Artists for Film Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka and Marilou Diaz-Abaya, along with award-winning Filipino filmmakers Butch Perez, Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara and Jeffrey Jeturian.

Nunal sa Tubig (1976)

Ishmael Bernal’s “Nunal sa Tubig” is about the love triangle involving ferry owner Benjamin, his regular passenger Chedeng, who aspires to be a trained midwife, and her best friend and neighbor Maria. Unbeknownst to the two women, they share a relationship with Benjamin. But complications arise when Maria finds out that she’s pregnant. This film received the prestigious 1981 Gawad Urian Dekada Award.

Cain at Abel (1982)

Lino Brocka’s modern-day interpretation of the biblical legend “Cain at Abel,” written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, follows the story of strong-willed matriarch Señora Pina, who favors her younger son Ellis over the older Lorenzo, whom she blames for her husband’s death. The film bagged the 1983 Gawad Urian Awards for Best Actor (Philip Salvador) and Best Supporting Actress (Baby Delgado).

Karnal (1983)

“Karnal,” directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by Ricky Lee, tells the story of Narcing and his wife, Puring, in their hometown Mulawin in the 1930s. Their lives are marred by misfortune and violence, including rape, incest, parricide and tyranny perpetrated by the cruel Gusting. This film earned accolades from Gawad Urian Awards 1984, FAP Awards 1984, FAMAS Awards 1984 and Metro Manila Film Festival 1983.

Haplos (1982)

Butch Perez’s “Haplos” revolves around Al (Christopher de Leon) who returns to his hometown after his mother’s death and becomes involved with two women—one his childhood friend and the other a mysterious woman whom he meets in the town cemetery while visiting his mom’s grave.

Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976)

Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara’s “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo” touches on American imperialism, with a young nurse (played by Nora Aunor) getting disillusioned about her planned emigration to the United States following her brother’s fatal shooting after being mistaken for a boar by an American soldier from the nearby military base. This film received multiple awards from the 1977 FAMAS Awards and 1976 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Ekstra (2013)

Jefrey Jutian’s “Ekstra” is a socio-realist drama comedy film that follows the mundane life of an extra, Loida Malabananan (Vilma Santos), as she embarks on another shooting day for a soap opera. The film gives a glimpse of the exploitation of the marginalized laborers like her. Vilma Santos won the best actress award at the Dhaka International Film Festival and Golden ScreenAwards.

These classic Filipino films from ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula will be available on JuanFlix via subscription worth P99 per month or P499/year.  /ra