During the Araw ng Kagitingan celebration of Cinema ’76, audiences were treated to more than just a special free screening of ‘Heneral Luna’ when the cast and producer (John Arcilla, Epy Quizon, Mon Confiado, Leo Martinez, Bing Pimentel and E.A. Rocha) spent some quality time with a ‘full house’ audience, answering questions and sharing some thoughts and insights on the game-changing film.
With the elections just around the corner, the film stirred some patriotic emotions, leading to an emotional question and answer portion.
There were a lot of questions raised as to the significance and relevance of the film, in a critical time in our history. Sadly, it’s 118 years later and we are still asking the same question:
“Bayan o Sarili?”
There is some assurance knowing that there are films like these that ignite much needed love for our country. I was happy to see a group of students, choose to spend their Saturday morning there with us, reliving the country’s past and wishing the best for its future.
This could be a good turning point for Filipino Cinema and the fact that there is dedicated venue like Cinema ’76 whose singular mission is to ‘create a new theatrical distribution platform for filmakers while developing its appreciative audience’
The Cinema aims to screen rare films and classics ‘via retrospective programs and tributes to film legends.’ No need to depend on commercial and traditional cinemas when looking for local insightful films. Make sure to like and follow Cinema ’76 on social media for updated schedules. It was our first time in the Cinema and the fact that it was on Araw Kagitingan just makes it all the more meaningful.
