Unique Filipino films showing at New York MoMA

Fabella Hospital in Manila celebrates the birth of 100 millionth baby, in 2017 film “Motherland.” INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

NEW YORK — The heat is on here, and so are the fiestas. One of the notable events happening in town is the celebration of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, with contemporary films never seen before including a feature film, “Manila,” which pays homage to Ishmael Bernal and Lino Brocka films.

A total of 18 films are currently showing at the Museum of Modern Art’s Roy and Niuta Titus Theatres until June 25.

Grande dame of Philippine cinema Nora Aunor stars in a spontaneous, heartfelt performance as the quiet heroine of an award-winning picture, “Thy Womb,” with Bembol Roco and Lovi Poe. The superstar portrays a young Muslim midwife confronted by her own inability to have a baby. It is set on the Tawi-Tawi island, Southern Philippines. Aunor fans can catch the 7:00 p.m. screening on June 13.

Scene from “Motherland,” showing fathers’ role in Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) incubation. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

Following the film about infertility is a new documentary “Motherland,” about mass baby deliveries at Manila’s Fabella Hospital, where doctors celebrated their 100 millionth infant.  Filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz delivers a firsthand glimpse into the guts of Philippine society where poverty-stricken mothers fight for a shared bed space in a maternity ward. There are more than 150 deliveries in any given day, while visiting fathers are trained in the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) system, a 24/7 application of body heat for preterm babies in lieu of incubators. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Commanding Vision. “Motherland” is showing on June 14.

Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz, Felix Roco, Jomari Angeles and Andi Eigenmann star in “Ma’ Rosa,” a 2016 film directed by Brillante Mendoza, a documentary-like drama offers a realistic portrayal of life on the edge involving police corruption. Jaclyn Jose nabbed the festival’s Best Actress award, a first for a Southeast Asian, for her powerful performance as the resourceful matriarch. Completed shortly before the election of President Rodrigo Duterte, “Ma’ Rosa” is a slice of life at ground zero in the president’s controversial war on drugs. It is showing on June 15.

On June 16, two films will be shown. “Manila” pays homage to a Philippine film classics, Ishmael Bernal’s “Manila by Night” (1980) and Lino Brocka’s “Jaguar” (1979). Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s two-part work reconsiders the legacy of their forebears. Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, who is also an executive producer on the film, shines as the main characters in both segments. “Manila” is a multigenerational dialogue on film, Philippine cinema and Manila.

Another film by Raya Martin combines horror and experimentalism to critique Philippine society and uncover its subconscious. “How to Disappear Completely,” is about a teenage girl who lives in a dysfunctional family with her joyless mother and alcoholic father; abuse is just a matter of time. Then a spirit, in the form of an old lady with long white hair, visits the girl at night. The pulsating electronic score, by Eyedress, seems more like a character than an accompaniment, unleashing an atmosphere of distress and menace.

NY MOMA

An interesting film, “Engkwentro” (Clash) shot in 2009 reminds us of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs that has gained international notoriety since his inauguration in June 2016. This film brings us to the slums where we experience how the drug business flourishes among young people.  Gang violence and chases through narrow streets give us an account of how depressing this side of the country really is.  The surprising ending, ironically, depicts a state-sponsored killing within a broad view of a moving traffic — killing that involves both the drug pusher and an innocent bystander. Screening is on set on June 23.

“Gemini, a tale of twin horror. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

“Gemini” takes us on a hallucinatory ride through a mindscape filled with mysteries and trauma. Real-life identical twins Sheena McBride and Brigitte McBride Bonus put on stellar performances as the indistinguishable Julia and Judith in this bloodcurdling tale of twin horror. Directed by Ato Bautista, the psychological thriller switches between black-and-white and color imagery awash in a chilling bluish tone. Screening on June 17.

“Expressway,” also directed by Ato Bautista is a story of a “retiring” middle-aged hitman, who promises his boss, “Governor,” one final assignment. He is paired with a young, reckless gunman whose roots take him back when he was 12 years old, the first time he shot and killed another boy. Ironically, the morally conflicted elder hitman realizes that his young partner in crime is the person who took the life of his own son. The riveting sequence of killings brings to light how some political bosses own their goons and easily liquidate another who gets into his business.  While this engaging thriller might bring to mind Erik Matti’s widely lauded “On the Job” (2013), also about two hitmen (and featured in this series), it shares a closer kinship with the highly stylized Hong Kong gangster films of the 1980s and ’90s. Screening is on June 21.

Young boys are in and out of prison, without humane accommodation, in the Cebuano film “Bunso.” INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

Finally, one other film worth noting is “Bunso: The Youngest.” Directed by Ditsi Carolino in Cebuano with English subtitles, focuses on juvenile prison life showing what it’s like to survive in an overcrowded, dirty and mixed prison confinement. The documentary takes the story of children who stole money for food and are languishing in adult prison, abandoned by their own parents. Three boys, aged 11 to 13, reveal horrendous living conditions and speak openly about their lives behind bars and back at home, including stories of poverty, domestic violence, drug abuse and petty crimes. The youngest inmate, fondly called Bunso, confronts his mother who refuses to plead for his release. Moments of innocence of young boys, intertwined with their damning abilities to commit crimes is truly heartbreaking to witness.

The complete synopses and screening schedule of 18 films currently showing at the Museum of Modern Art until June 25 may be found at https://www.moma.org/calendar/film/3843?locale=en