In commemoration of Independence Day on June 12, a diverse collection of critically acclaimed short and full-length films on the self-determination and sovereignty of the country will be screened for free on Wednesdays of June.
Starring “King of Comedy” Dolphy, “Markova: Comfort Gay” (2000) is a historical comedy-drama that narrates the life of Walter Dempster Jr., also known as Walterina Markova, the last surviving Filipino “comfort gay.” Written by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr. and directed by Gil M. Portes, the biopic bares the hardships faced by the cross-dressing entertainers in the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. It was on view on June 8.
In “A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution” (1988), award-winning Canadian filmmaker Nettie Wild investigates the realities and revolt within the Philippine political landscape that persists through different periods and administrations. The 112-minute documentary chronicles the three points of the political triangle. It screens on June 15.
Created by director, producer and educator Mark Meily, “Sentry” (1988) provides a glimpse of the atrocities in a military camp through the lens of a young soldier. The six- minute short will be showcased on June 22.
“Bangsamoro: Isang Sulyap sa Kanilang Pakikibaka” (2022) by award-winning filmmaker Milo Alto-Paz is a 12-minute collage of interrelated segments. It follows the challenges of 13 ethnolinguistic groups that comprise the Bangsamoro people and how they fight for their rich and complex history, and destiny against colonization and war-induced displacement. It screens on June 29.
Curated by Museum of Contemporary Art and Design of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the selection invites the audience in a discussion about the various concepts, notions and theories of the Filipino liberation in the contemporary postcolonial landscape.
The free and public online screenings will be conducted via Zoom every 12 noon on the scheduled dates.
Email mcad@benilde.edu.ph.