Philippine independent cinema is getting support from both the young and the old and nowhere was this more evident than in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival that opened Friday night at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

As folk and rock bands played with sonic ferocity at the CCP main entrance, the audience of mostly students and young professionals mingled at the lobby with stalwarts and upstarts in the film scene, as well as cultural workers and advocates.

Ite was heartening to see this mix of fans and supporters for independent film, which has truly emerged as a viable alternative to mainstream cinema whichl, as always, has been bearing the brunt of the onslaught of slick, big-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

As usual, the young filmmakers were at their element. Especially significant was the premiere of the full-length feature by filmmaker Adolf Alix, Jr., "Adela" which stars no less than veteran, legendary 83-year-old actress Anita Linda.

Ms. Linda's career spans six decades of Philippine cinema history, from pre-World War Two black-and-white movies, to her latest digital film project, where she plays the lead role.

Ms. Linda was the brightest star on Cinemalaya opening night, and was teary-eyed during her speech. She thanked all people she has worked with in her entire life as an actress--from National Artists Gerardo de Leon and Lino Brocka to various directors through the decades.

“Hindi ko makakalimutan sa tanang buhay ko ang lahat ng mga taong nakasama ko sa pelikula. (I can’t forget all the people I’ve worked with in the movies all my life)” she said.

"Adela" was the opening film at the Cinemalaya 2008 and was both a fitting showcase and tribute to Ms. Linda and her enduring legacy in film.

Linda is irrevocably part of Philippine cinematic history. She, in fact, won the very first Maria Clara award in 1951 (the Maria Clara award is the predecessor of all the acting awards in the Philippines today.) for Best Actress. Linda was given the award for her  most memorable performance as Sisa in the film of the same title, which was adapted from Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tangere.”

In “Adela,” Ms. Linda plays the title role of an eighty-year-old woman who resides alone in a reclamation area in Roxas Boulevard. Adela was a radio talent but ended up in poverty and isolation following her retirement.

The story of "Adela" happens only in one day, chronicling Adela's existential journey into the twilight, her soul wracked by the squalor and despair in the dumpsite where she ends up living in.

"Adela" also stars another veteran of Philippine cinema, actress Perla Bautista (born February 18, 1940) who plays a friend of the lead character. Bautista put on a searing, memorable performance as a character that will surely be discussed in film class for decades to come: an old widow who, abandoned by her children, takes in a young stud as a lover to ease her loneliness.

Bautista even has a love scene with her young co-star, a scene that would not only jolt audiences but also be memorable to the actress herself because of the pain it caused her--during the filming of "Adela", Bautista was recovering from minor surgery on both her breasts.

“May cyst ako in both my breasts. Nang mag-shooting ako ng eksena ko, hirap na hirap akong kumilos. Ayaw kasi akong pagbubuhatin ng doktor ng mabibigat na bagay. E, may love scene kami ng partner ko. Kailangang dumikit siya sa akin nang mahigpit kaya nasasaktan din ako sa yakap niya," said the actress.

(I had cysts removed from both my breasts. During filming I was actually having a hard time moving. The doctor had even advised me not to do any heavy lifting. But my co-actor and I had to shoot a love scene. The scene called for him to hug me tight so it was really painful to have him pressed against me.)

Among the celebrities who graced the event were directors Gil M. Portes, Joel Lamangan, Mel Chionglo, Felino Tañada, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, actress Rosanna Roces, movie writers Junne Quintana, Bibsy Carballo, Boy Borja, Vir Mateo, Obette Serrano, Ricky Calderon, Danny Vibas, newcomers Chanel La Torre, Zach Urdaneta, stage actor Miguel Castro and many more.

Cinemalaya 2008 is ongoing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines until July 20. 

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment

• First Filipino entry in "Woodstock of short films"
• The Local Film Festival Circuit
• Philip Morris International Caught in Philippines in Another Concert Sponsorship
• Inside the Cinema features Dawn Zulueta
• Ben Stiller praises Fil-Am actor
• ‘Selda’ is Montreal-bound
• Godfather of independent filmmaking in the Philippines
• Katrina stars in 'Sundo' by special request
• ‘Ambulancia’ Is First Filipino Entry in ‘Woodstock of Short Films’
• Catch Philippine music stars Kyla and Hale this weekend