On 1 January 1897, the Philippines experienced its first movies with these four films: Un homme au

chapeau (Man with a Hat), Une scéne de danse Japonaise (Scene from a Japanese Dance), Les Boxers
(The Boxers), and La place de l'opéra (The Place of L'Opera). The showing of these films was done in
Salon de Pertierra on Escolta Street. These films were shown using a Gaumont Chrono-photograph
projector (60 mm). This momentous event was envisioned by a Spaniard only remembered by the name
of Pertierra.

The first movie shot in the country happened in 1898 by Antonio Ramos using a Lumiere Cinematograph
imported from Paris. Ramos shot the following films: Panorama de Manila (Manila Landscape), Fiesta de
Quiapo (Quiapo Fiesta), Puente de España (Bridge of Spain), and Esceñas Callejeras (Street Scenes).

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 artists in the film category.

Gerardó "Gerry" De León 1913-1981 (Year of Conferment: 1982)

National Artist for Film Gerardó De León holds the sole distinction as the most awarded film director in
the country for the prestigious Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, the
country's equivalent to the Oscars. De León finished medicine but did not practice it to answer a calling
in cinema. Ama't Anak was his directorial debut, but De León's baptism in Philippine cinema royalty was
in the film Ang Maestra starring Rosa del Rosario and Rogelio de la Rosa.

De León also popularized the following films: Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo, Noli Me Tangere, Sisa,
Dyesebel, The Gold Bikini, Banaue, and The Brides of Blood Island.

Fig. 8.3. Gerardó De León (left) directed two film adaptations on Rizal's works: Noli Me Tangere in 1961
(center) and Sisa in 1951 (right)

Fernando Poe, Jr. 1939-2004 (Year of Conferment: 2006)

Fernando Poe, Jr. (also known as "Da King" or FPJ) has been given the title the king of Philippine movies.
He is one of the most admired Filipino film actors of all time. He is famous for his role as Flavio in the
mythical Ang Panday series. He also starred in other famous films such as Apollo Robles (1961), Batang
Maynila (Manila Boy, 1962), Mga Alabok sa Lupa (Dusts in Land, 1967), Ako ang Katarungan (I Am
Justice, 1974), Tatak ng Alipin (Mark of a Slave, 1975), Totoy Bato (1977), Asedillo (1971), and Partida
(Party, 1985).

FPJ is not only an exceptional actor; he is also a film producer and politician as well. In 2004, he ran an
unsuccessful bid for the presidential election. Subsequently, his political rival, former President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo, declared him a National Artist for Film in 2006.
National Artists for Film
Lino Brocka 1939-1991 (Year of Conferment: 1997)
The contribution of Lino Brocka to Philippine cinema is unparalleled, with 66 films that "breathed life
and hope for the marginalized sectors of society," according to NCCA. Awarded the National Artist for
Cinema in 1997, Lino Brocka has harvested countless , awards and recognitions here and abroad for his
films that are "a bounty of stunning images, memorable conversations that speak volumes on love,
betrayal and redemption, pestilence and plenty all pointing toward the recovery and rediscovery of our
nation."

In 1975, he directed the movie Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag. This film is considered as one of the
classics of Filipino cinema. His other films include 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), and Gumapang Ka sa Lusak (1990).

Fig. 8.1. Lino Brocka (left) is the most influential filmmaker behind Maynila sa mga kuko ng Liwanag
(center) and Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (right).

Ishmael Bernal 1938-1996 (Year of Conferment: 2001)

Awarded the National Artist for Film in 2001, Ishmael Bernal is considered to be one of the pillars of
Philippine cinema. In 1982, Bernal directed the critically acclaimed Himala starring Nora Aunor, the
country's most popular celebrity at that time. Many critics consider Himala as one of the greatest
Filipino films of all time because of its provocative and courageous depictions that has served "as social
commentaries and bold reflections on the existing realities of the struggle of the Filipino."

Bernal's contribution to Philippine cinema is both liberating and aesthetic as he pushes the artistry.
According to the NCCA, "polishing its visuals, or innovating in the medium, he manages to send his
message across: to fight the censors, free the artists, give justice to the oppressed, and enlighten as well
as entertain the audience."

Some of his other famous works include the films 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 (A Night With You, A Night With Me, 1978), Ikaw Ay Akin (You're Mine, 1979), and Menor
de Edad (Underage, 1979).

Fig. 8.2. Ishmael Bernal (left) directed the iconic Nora Aunor-starred film Himala (center) and City after
Dark (right).
Eddie S. Romero 1924-2013 (Year of Conferment: 2003)
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 functional, but never predictable." Romero's
presence in Philippine cinema is one that is "devoted to the art and commerce of cinema." Perhaps his
most recognized work, Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? is Romero's love letter to his country,
as it tried to portray the common Filipino in the backdrop of history and imagination. Another classic by
Romero is Kamakalawa, a film that probed into indigenous precolonial Philippines. He is also responsible
for bringing an on-screen adaptation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere in a 13-part series. The list of his
films also includes Aguila, Hari sa Hari, Lahi sa Lahi, Isumpa Mo Giliw, and Faces of Love.

Fig. 8.5. Eddie S. Romero (left) was the film producer behind movies such as Agulla (center) starring
Fernando Poe, Jr. in 1979, and Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? in 1976.

Big Ideas
1. Just like paintings and even literary works, films reflect the Filipino way of life and the
struggles that the common Filipino faces. This feature is evident in the films of Brocka.
2. The very common line "Walang himala!" is taken from Nora Aunor's iconic scene in
Ishmael Bernal's Himala.
3. Historical films are a way of informing the public about real- life events in history.
However, subjective interpretations of the filmmaker cannot be avoided, which is why
you should check facts to confirm what you see in films

Essential Learning
Without the brilliance and dedication of national artists, Philippine cinema will not be as competitive
and highly spirited as it is today. The Filipino movie industry will continue to thrive if we will continue to
show support and patronage to the craft. We should avoid buying pirated movies or downloading films
in the Internet because it can kill the movie industry in the country. Supporting local works can be
difficult especially for those with tight budgets. However, we can try legitimate alternatives such as
renting or waiting for the movies to be shown by local networks.