“Pelikula Journal” is a compilation of essays, critiques, tributes celebrating Philippine cinema.
Putting together the “Pelikula Journal” of Santelmo’s “Liwanag sa Dilim” may be the closest thing we have done in gathering and publishing articles, studies, features, critiques, reflections, even artworks and photographs on the art that has cradled and molded us; the same art that we are helping and serving now – film.
The journal is divided into four parts. The first part is an industry report.
Rica Arevalo, the project development head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), shared the Impact of the 2024 Film Industry Conference and discusses our steps moving forward as a sector. This is followed by Film Producers’ Guild of the Philippines’ head Perci Intalan’s feature on the very real and urgent concerns of producers whom he calls “mad dreamers” and explains why they still produce films despite all the challenges. Next is Paolo Villaluna’s plan of action as the new head of the Film Academy of the Philippines as he fixes systems and strengthen the guilds. Very interesting is the post mortem on the controversial documentary film “Lost Sabungeros,” and an update on the expose’s life post-QCinema by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs head Nessa Valdellon.
En Villasis tackles the popularity of Vivamax; while Avid Liongoren writes on the very tedious but rewarding process he has undergone as an animation director. The section also has the very enlightening article written by ABS-CBN restoration boss Leo Katigbak, and their admirable advocacy in keeping the old and saving our classic films. Our very own Gay Ace Domingo ends the first section with her upbeat feature on the best poster artist in the country today, Justin Besaña, whose various excellent works are visual delights.
The second section of the Pelikula Journal highlights the works of critics and teachers of film. Dr. Nic Tiongson gives us a thorough guide on “Paano Nga Ba Magbasa ng Pelikula Ngayon: Apat na Dulog saPagsusuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino.” This will be a must-read piece for movie reviewers, students and critics. Dr. Joi Barrios -Leblanc comes up with her version 2.0 of her classic essay “Kung Bakit Lagi Kong Pinapanood ang mga Pelikula ni Sharon Cuneta” to include other exemplary actresses of this generation. Then there is Dr. Patrick Flores’ “Revisiting Sister Stella L” and Direk Pepe Diokno’s “Revisiting Himala.”
The third section is a tribute to movie greats. Very valuable revelations are made by both National Artists for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee and Marilou Diaz-Abaya on their works together. This is followed by Direk Joey Romero’s summary of his National Artist father – Eddie Romero’s 100 years celebration this year. Then it’s Direk Lore Reyes’ turn to pay tribute as he also sheds light on his directorial partnership with the great Peque Gallaga. Celebrated writer Sarge Lacuesta pens a touching tribute to his dad, award-winning screenplay writer Amado Lacuesta. Then the section ends with a 2024 In Memoriam portion with FDCP Chair Joey Reyes paying tribute to Mother Lily Monteverde, Direk Jim Libiran scribbling everything he has learned from mentor Armando “Bing” Lao, and Professor Joel David writing a thorough and loving obit on the much missed Cannes Best Actress Jaclyn Jose.
The fourth and last part of the “Pelikula Journal of Santelmo” focuses on film workers and their welfare. We have Joel Saracho of the League of Filipino Actors o AKTOR talking about the revelance of being an artist today. MOWELFUND Chair Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo reflects on the 50 years of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation. And then the most loyal movie fans: Albert Sunga talks about superstar Nora Aunor and Jojo Lim pens a loving tribute to the “Star For All Seasons” Vilma Santos. They also share a lot of rare photos of the two great actresses from their collection.
Each section is marked by very special poems done by Sir Rio Alma, Krip Yuson, Frank Cimatu, Giancarlo Abrahan, Edgar Samar, Khavn dela Cruz, Juaniyo Arcellana and Jerry Gracio; as well as artists who contribute images, drawings, photos and posters all connected to Philippine cinema; with highlights on the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
The cover called “Roundtrip Overload” is by the much-awarded and esteemed artist Mark Justiniani.
The launch of “Pelikula Journal” will be on Saturday, December 7 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Arete Lobby coinciding with the 7th Noel Christmas Celebration in Arete. It is open to the public.
