With this year’s theme “PAMANANG LOKAL: Binhi ng Kulturang Pilipino”, the recent National Heritage Month celebrations highlighted our film tradition at SM Cinemas in SM City North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Bacolod, and SM City Cagayan de Oro. Cheers to the SM Malls for celebrating the film heritage of the Philippines.
Appreciating Our Filipino Film Heritage
In partnership with Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., SM showcased classic films – Manila by Night, Manuel Conde and Sonata. It also held a special screening of the 2020 MMFF Film Magikland and concert series Alagad : Silang Bumuhay Sa Teatro (A Tribute To The National Artists For The Theater).
The iconic Genghis Khan presented by FDCP Film Archives and Society of Filipino Archivist for Film (SOFIA) took center stage at SM City Cagayan de Oro. This classic film directed by Manuel Conde is based on the life of the legendary Mongol ruler and emperor, and was the earliest film to depict Genghis Khan’s life.
It holds the distinction of being the first Filipino acclaimed in an international film festival with a technical achievement citation upon its debut at the 1952 Venice Film Festival, and was also shown at the 1952 Edinburgh Film Festival.
North EDSA
At SM City North EDSA, Manila by Night took moviegoers on a trip down memory lane with its depiction of Manila is in the 80s. This restored version presented by FDCP Film Archives and Society of Filipino Archivist for Film (SOFIA), showcases the hidden nightlife of ordinary people living in Manila. This landmark film of Ishmael Bernal depicts the darkness of city life so vividly that it was once prohibited to use the word “Manila” in its title.
Bacolod
SM City Bacolod proudly showcased the works of two homegrown filmmakers. Peque Gallaga’s Sonata through Pelikula Natin; and Christian Acuna’s Magikland produced by Brightlight Productions and Gallaga Reyes Films.
Sonata, which highlights the Beauty of Negros, is a heartwarming story of failure and redemption as the characters discover the healing power of love. Meanwhile, Magikland, a Filipino fantasy adventure film and official entry to the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, revolves around four kids who were transported to Magikland, a fantasy world in a mobile game.
Mall of Asia
At the SM Mall of Asia, “Alagad : Silang Bumuhay Sa Teatro (A Tribute To The National Artists For The Theater)” directed by Floy Quintos paid tribute to National Artists in concert/performance series. It featured contemporary artists performing, re-interpreting, re-imaging the work of a National Artist in Music, Dance, and Literature.
The National Heritage Month celebration takes pride in creating among the Filipino people a consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of the nation’s cultural history through our film heritage. It is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM and SM Cinema nationwide.