The Cultural Center of the Philippines honors National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Ricky Lee, and Nora Aunor, with the Cine Icons program launch on March 17, 2023, 4pm, at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).
Known as one of the movers in the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, Diaz-Abaya directed 21 full-length films, documentaries and TV shows, including the acclaimed trifecta Brutal, Moral, and Karnal as well as Sa Pusod ng Dagat (In the Navel of the Sea), May Nagmamahal Sa’yo (Madonna and Child), Jose Rizal, Muro Ami, and Bagong Buwan. The founder of the Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute and Arts Center, and a former director of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Diaz-Abaya was known for cinematic works that mirror the social realities in the Philippines.
A screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright, Lee has written more than 180 scripts and screenplays, which garnered him numerous awards and recognitions. His recent works included: Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita, Mila, Anak, Muro-Ami, Burlesk King, and among others.
Popularly known as the Superstar, Aunor is a Filipino actress, recording artist and film producer who has appeared in several plays, TV shows, and concerts. Her notable works are: Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Minsa’y May Isang Gamu-Gamo, Bulaklak sa City Jail, Thy Womb, and Dementia, among others.
A Congressional Initiative project under Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Cine Icons kicks off with the special screening of classic film “Himala,” written by Ricky Lee and starring Nora Aunor. A talkback with the two National Artists follows after the screening.
Directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal, the classic film tells the story of an orphan claiming to have visions of the Virgin Mary and abilities to heal people through a variety of ailments which then made the rest of the residents of her isolated village find themselves questioning their own beliefs and values. As word of this phenomenon spreads, tourists, pilgrims, patients and a documentary filmmaker all arrive on a quest to partake in the miracle.
Watch out for Cine Icons featuring Nora Aunor this May, featuring Bulaklak sa City Jail, in time for her birth month. In October, Cine Icons will feature Diaz-Abaya with screenings of Moral and Karnal.
The screenings are free to the public. Everyone is encouraged to register in Event Brite.
For inquiries, call the CCP Box Office 8832-3704 or e-mail customercare@culturalcenter.gov.ph. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for latest updates.
