The Philippine Cinema

Summary

This session on Philippine Cinema explores its rich history, from its early beginnings in 1897 with the introduction of cinematography by two Swiss men to the rise of independent filmmakers in the 2000s. Key historical periods are highlighted, including the First and Second Studio Periods, the impact of Martial Law on censorship, and the resurgence of independent and regional cinema. The lecture emphasizes how Philippine films capture the country's indigenous sensibilities, cultural struggles, and social issues, reflecting Filipino realities and identity through both mainstream and indie films. The session encourages viewers to engage with Filipino cinema to better understand its cultural significance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Philippine cinema began in 1897 when Swiss men introduced the cinematograph, the invention of the Lumière brothers.
• 🎬 The first Filipino film production house was established in 1917 by Jose Nepomuceno, who is considered the 'Father of Philippine Cinema.'
• 🎥 Early films were silent, with notable works including *Lagang Buid* (1917) and *Miracles of Love* (1928).
• 🎙️ The introduction of sound in 1933 by Malayan Pictures helped create a market for Filipino films, shifting to local language productions.
• 🏢 The First Studio Period (1933–1942) saw the growth of Filipino film studios like LVN Pictures, but the Japanese occupation in WWII led to censorship of films.
• 🎭 The Second Studio Period (1945–1960) saw the rise of films adapted from comics, radio serials, and popular culture, with notable films like *Kasi Gisan Gisan* gaining international recognition.
• 📉 The 1960s and 1970s marked the decline of the studio system, leading to the rise of independent filmmakers and the popularity of 'love teams' in cinema.
• ⚖️ The Martial Law era (1972–1986) brought strict censorship, but filmmakers like Ishmael Bernal and Mike de Leon produced critically acclaimed films that critiqued the regime.
• 🎬 Despite the fall of the dictatorship in 1986, the industry faced challenges such as piracy, high production costs, and the dominance of foreign films.
• 🎞️ The 2000s onward marked the rise of independent films, with movies like *Balangiga: Howling Wilderness* and *OTJ* showcasing Filipino talent on the international stage.

Q & A

What year did two Swiss men introduce the cinematograph to the Philippines?

In 1897, two Swiss men introduced the cinematograph, a film projection device invented by the Lumière brothers, to the Philippines.

Who is considered the father of Philippine Cinema and why?

José, a Filipino filmmaker, is considered the father of Philippine Cinema because he founded the first Filipino movie house and produced the first Filipino film, *Lagang Buid*, in 1917.

What marked the first significant development of sound films in the Philippines?

The introduction of the first Filipino talkie film, produced by Malayan Pictures in the early 1940s, marked a significant development in the film industry in the Philippines.

How did the Japanese occupation impact Philippine Cinema during WWII?

During the Japanese occupation from 1942-1945, the Japanese government censored films, allowing only pro-Japanese or anti-American films to be shown, halting the production of films that criticized the occupation.

What is a major characteristic of films produced during the second studio period (1945-1960)?

During the second studio period, many films were adaptations of popular comics, radio serials, or historical events, and they often propagated patriarchal values.

What was the role of independent filmmakers in the 1960s-1970s in the Philippines?

In the 1960s-1970s, the decline of studio films led to a rise in independent filmmaking, with directors like Fernando Poe Jr. and stars such as Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos leading the charge for more diverse film productions.

How did Martial Law (1972-1986) affect the Philippine film industry?

Martial Law brought government censorship and strict control over the film industry, requiring scripts to be approved before production. Despite this, filmmakers continued to create critically acclaimed films that challenged the regime.

Can you name some notable films produced during the Martial Law period?

Notable films produced during Martial Law include *Himala* by Ishmael Bernal, *Batch 81* by Mike de Leon, and *Sister Stella L* by the same director.

What challenges did the Philippine film industry face after the fall of the dictatorship in 1986?

After the dictatorship ended in 1986, the Philippine film industry faced challenges such as piracy, high production costs, and competition from foreign films, but still produced innovative and socially relevant films.

What defines the new wave of Philippine cinema in the 2000s onwards?

The new wave of Philippine cinema, emerging in the 2000s, is characterized by a rise in independent filmmaking, addressing social issues, experimenting with genres, and the prominence of regional cinema using local dialects.