‘Brocka x Bernal’ documentary to premiere on Aug. 8

‘Brocka X Bernal’ documentary to feature interviews from Cherie Gil and more | Image: Facebook/Gerry Torres

“Brocka X Bernal,” a documentary on the life and work of two of the most influential Filipino filmmakers, National Artists for Film Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, is set to premiere in this year’s Cinemalaya. 

Architect-director Gerry Torres took to Facebook to share that the documentary is directed by Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining awardee Doy del Mundo and former Benilde faculty member Ida Anita Del Mundo and produced by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Campus Art.

“Using archival footage and scenes from their major works, Brocka’s “Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag” (1975) and Bernal’s “Manila by Night” (1980), the documentary further explores their influence as well as their activism and causes,” he wrote in the caption.

The documentary features interviews from the late Cherie Gil, actress-director Gina Alajar, seasoned actor Bembol Roco, and directors Joey Javier Reyes, Peque Gallaga and Mel Chionglo. Torres wrote that “the interviews with Gallaga, Chionglo, and Gil are likely the last comprehensive ones they gave before their passing.”

The documentary will premiere on Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. at Cinema 2, Ayala Malls, Manila Bay, as part of the screening of the 2024 Cinemalaya.

Meanwhile, Hollywood breakout star Dolly de Leon leads the panel of judges for Cinemalaya’s Main Competition in its 20th year.

Joining de Leon are writer and academe member Nicanor Tiongson, Berlinale film curator Nicola Marzano, multi-awarded director-composer Jerrold Tarog, and Founder and Festival Director of the Dhaka International Film Festival, Ahmed Muztaba Zamal.

For this year’s festival, 200 films will be screened, including 10 full-length features and 10 short film finalists. Also part of the lineup is the opening film, Sheron Dayoc’s “The Gospel of the Beast,” while the Brocka-helmed “Bona” will close the festival.

Cinemalaya 2024 will run from Aug. 2 to 8.