Module 8:

The National Artists of the

Philippines for Film
“The most notable people behind
Philippine Film”
 What is Film?
Film - is the art of making motion pictures. It is
the definition of cinema that communicates
ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty or
experiences by the means of recorded or
programmed moving images along with other
stimulations. It usually includes an optical
soundtrack, which is a recording of the spoken
words, music and other sounds, which
accompany the images.
How is it connected to art?
Film is somehow connected to
art simple because it conveys ideas
and opinions that can give us
perspective in a certain subject that
we could never once imagine. No
matter how dark or twisted its
themes may be, film will always be
considered art.
You can sometimes think of it as
a mirror or a portal to another
dimension, it can either reflect our
society and how we live on it today
or transport us to a whole new view
or possibility.
 History of Philippine Film

On, 1 January 1st 1897, the Philippines experienced its first

movies with these films:
 Un homme au chapeau (Man with a Hat)
 Une scene de danse Japonaise (Scene from a Japanese Dance)
 Les Boxers (The Boxers)
 La place de Popera (The Place of L’Opera)
The showing of these films was done in Salon de Pertierra on
Escolta Street and shown using a Gaumont Chrono-
Photograph projector.
Gaumont Chrono-Photograph projector
Over the years, since the arrival of cinema in the country,
Filipino artists have thrived and triumphed in the fast-
paced world of cinema. Without the brilliance and talents
of the people behind the art, filmmaking will not be made
possible. That is why the country continues to honor
deserving artists in the field of cinema. Here are the
national artist in the film category.
  Brocka’scontribution to Philippine
cinema is unparalleled, with 66 films
that “breathed life and hope for
the marginalized sectors of
society” according to NCCA.
 Heharvested countless recognitions
here and abroad for his films that “a
bounty of stunning images,
memorable conversations that
speak volumes on love, betrayal
and redemption, and plenty all
Lino Brocka pointing towards the recovery
1939 – 1991
Year of Conferment: 1997
and rediscovery of our nation”.
 Lino Brocka
In 1975, he directed the

movie “Maynila sa Kuko ng
Liwanag. Which is
considered as one of the
classics of Filipino cinema.
His other films:
 Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970)
 Tinimbang ka ngunit kulang (1974)
 Insiang (1976)
 Jaguar (1979)
 Bona (1980)
 Macho Dancer (1988)
 Ora Pro Nobis (Fight for us, 1989)
 Gumapang Ka sa Lusak (1990)
  Is considered to be the pillar of Philippine
Cinema. Critics have hailed him as “the
genius of Philippine cinema.”
 In 1982, he directed the critically
acclaimed “Himala” starring Nora Aunor.
 Bernal’s contribution to Philippine
cinema is both liberating and aesthetic as
he pushes the artistry.
 According to NCCA “polishing its visuals
or innovating in the medium, he
manages to send his message across: to
Ishmael Bernal fight censors, free artists, give justice
1938 – 1996 to the oppressed, and enlighten as well
Year of Conferment: 2001 as enlighten the audience”.
 Ishmael Bernal
His other famous works:
 Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon (Two Nests, One Bird 1977)
 Lagi na Lamang Ba Akong Babae? (Will I Always Be Just a Woman? 1978)
 Isang Gabi sa Iyo, Isang Gabi sa Akin (1978)
 Ikaw Ay Akin (1979)
 Menor De Edad (1979)
  Also known as “Da King” or FPJ
 Has been given the title the king of
Philippine Movies. And one of the
most admired Filipino film actor of
all time.
 Famous for his role are Flavio in
“Ang Panday” series.
 He is also a film producer and
politician. He ran the presidential
election in 2004 but lost.
Subsequently, his politician rival,
Fernando Poe Jr.
1939 – 2004 former Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo,
Year of Conferment: 2006 declared him a National Artist for
Film in 2006.
 Fernando Poe Jr.
Some of the movies he starred in:
 Apollo Robles (1961)
 Batang Maynila (Manila Boy, 1962)
 Ang Alabok sa Lupa (Dusts in the Land, 1967)
 Ako ang Katarungan (I Am Justice, 1974)
 Tatak ng Alipin (Mark of a Slave, 1975)
 Totoy Bato (1977)
 Arsedillo (1971)
 Partida (Party 1985)
  Was a Film Producer behind the
movies; “Aguila” and “Ganito kami
noon…. Paano kayo ngayon?”
 His presence in Philippine cinema is
one that is “devoted to the art and
commerce of cinema”
 National Artist for Film Eddie
Romero’s works, as cited, “are
delivered in an utterly simple
style-minimalist, but never empty,
always calculated, precise and
Eddie Romero functional, but never
1924 – 2013 predictable.”
Year of Conferment: 2006
 Eddie Romero
 His work “Ganito kami noon…. Paano kayo ngayon?” portrays the
common Filipino in the backdrop of history and imagination.
 Another classic by Romero is “Kamakalawa”, a film that probed into
precolonial Philippines.
 He is also responsible for bringing an on-screen adaptation of Jose
Rizal’s “Noli me Tangere” in a 13-part series.
Some of his Films also includes
 Hari sa Hari
 Lahi sa Lahi
 Isusumpa Mo Giliw
 Faces of Love
  Holds the sole distinction as the most
awarded film director in the country for
the prestigious Filipino Academy Movie
Arts and Science (FAMAS) awards, the
country’s equivalent to the Oscars.
 De Leon finished medicine but did not
practice it to answer a calling to
cinema.
 He directed the two film adaptations on
Rizal’s works: Noli me Tangere and Sisa
 Ama’t anak was his directorial debut,
but De Leon’s baptism in Philippine
cinema royalty was in the film “Ang
Gerardo “Gerry” De
Maestro”
Leon
1913 – 1981
Year of Conferment: 1982