Film archiving group processing 2 PH classics for possible restoration

Mona Lisa (left) and Gina Alajar in “Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim”

Two films, both made by National Artists, were among the historical and cultural gems that went through the process of “rewinding, transfer and inventory” conducted by the Philippine Film Archive (PFA) from April to June of this year.

“Noli Me Tangere” (1961), in original print, by National Artist for Cinema Gerardo de Leon, and “Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim” (1984), by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Lino Brocka, were among the films—with Class A and Class B elements—that underwent processing.

The PFA acquired the said films from the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) Film Center.

Those under Class A elements are films “in good condition with minimal damage,” while Class B elements have “medium to heavy damage such as warping, light to medium deterioration, slight blockage, and low to high level of vinegar syndrome.” Those with Class C elements are subject for disposal “because of having melted images, blockage or heavy deterioration.”

Scene from “Noli Me Tangere”

In August 2019, the UPFI Film Center turned over 1,024 film reels to the PFA for archiving, scanning, digitization and possible restoration.

“There is excitement during acquisition; feeling of loss upon seeing that some films were destroyed in time; thrill during inspection; and tension during the handling of some delicate and damaged films,” said PFA head Don Gervin Arawan as he tried to explain the roller-coaster of emotions that he and his team felt about the archiving process.

He continued: “Then, there is pleasure after initial cleaning and transfer to a new container, and fulfillment when we complete the inventory and put them on racks or inside the film vaults. And before the day ends, we feel very honored to be able to do this for our country and for the present and future generations.”

The PFA is a division of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.