This year, the untold story of the Mother of the Philippine Revolution will be breathed into new life – in the form of a “docufiction” film, Lakmbini Gregoria de Jesus, It took 12 years to build it.
Known as the Lakmbini ng Katipunan, or the muse of the Katipunan, Gregoria de Jesus is finally front and center in her own narrative. The film follows several Revolutionary era biopics focusing on male heroes such as Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Gregorio del Pilar, and Antonio Luna.
,I have another penny, and I have a penny too (There have been a lot of films with different angles, which make us think about what the truth is),'' said the film's director Arjanmar Rebetta. businessworld At a press conference in Quezon City.
Gregoria de Jesus married Andres Bonifacio, supremo of the Katipunan and president of the revolutionary government, and played a major role in the revolution against Spain. After Bonifacio was killed, she married Julio Nakpil, a musician, composer and general of the Revolution.
The film blends interviews and anecdotes from descendants, historians and artists with an unfinished biographical film first shot in 2015. This makes the film a “meta docu-fiction”, which, according to Mr. Rebetta, is a safer bet for portraying historical truth than “fictional heroes.”
,Snake-hugging a naked una kasi hindi ko porma ang documentaryPero tinanggap ko dahil mas makatotohanan ito (I was hesitant at first because documentaries are not my usual format, but I accepted the project because it is more truthful that way),” he said.
Lakambini Gregoria De Jesus Follows the titular character, also known as Ka Oriang, a patriot, warrior and leader who served as the guardian of the secrets and weapons of the Katipunan. The film shows his steadfastness in confronting not only the Spanish colonialists, but also the political traitors of his own countrymen.
Produced by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil and directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and Arjanmar Rebeta, the film never took off in 2015 as it was rejected by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) that year.
“When we lost the big budget commitment, it was disappointing. It took 12 years because I didn't know what to do with the material. A feature film is expensive, so I thought about a documentary, but I didn't want a straight film because not many people watch them. Marinig and Bosses Nee to remove enthusiasm Oriang (I really want Oriang's voice to be heard),” Ms Ongkeko-Marfil said.
With Mr. Rebetta's pitch, the original biopic narrative included intriguing parts that turned it into a documentary. “That's when I thought, 'This is it,'” she continued.
150th Year
The milestone coincides with 150th The birth anniversary of Gregoria de Jesus, celebrated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in May.
,sabi ni Gregoria“Allahanin tuwina ang mga banal na aral ng mga bayaning nasawi dahil sa pagibig sa bayan.” A ginagawa natin ngayon a napakahalga sapagakat ito ang saktong ibilinin niya,” said historian Xiao Chua, who was a consultant on the film. (“Gregoria once said, 'Always remember the sacred teachings of the heroes who died out of love for the country. What we are doing now is important because it is exactly what he told us.'”)
This quote is a reference to Oriang's “Ten Pieces of Advice to Youth”. Mr Chua said: “We need to remember the role of women like her in our history.”
starring in Lakmbini Lovi Poe as Gregoria De Jesus and Rocco Nacino as Andres Bonifacio. The older and younger versions of Gregoria are played by Gina Pareno and Elora Españo, respectively. The late Spanky Manikan and Paulo Avelino portrayed the older and younger Julio Nakpil.
Ms Ongkeko-Marfil said, “Gregoria de Jesus' life is a testament to resilience, enduring political betrayal and immense personal struggle. Her unfulfilled search for justice reflects our decade-long fight to bring her story to the screen.”
He said that by weaving the two narratives the film demonstrates how “the conflicts of the past are inspirations for the present.”
“When MMFF rejected us, they told us there were no ‘fight scenes.’ “Is this what bravery is all about? Combat?” He told. “We deserve to see the experiences of women who bring different values to heroism.”
Supported by NHCP, Lakmbini Following the screening of the film in Congress, the proposal for the Lacambini bill (House Bill 5332 filed by Akbayan representative Dada Kiram Ismula) has gained momentum. If passed, it will institutionalize the teaching of Filipino heroines at all levels of public and private education in the country.
Lakambini Gregoria De Jesus It will premiere in theaters across the country on November 5. Those interested in block screening can contact Pelikulov pelikulove@gmail.com, Bronte H. Laxmana
