Today, we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution that triumphantly stymied the brutal dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., as violence against the people on the streets and electoral fraud united an exhausted and abused nation.
Nearly ten years ago, as well, is the anniversary of the former Pres. Duterte's acceptance of the deposed dictator’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Stating that the cruelties that occurred during his term were “mere challenges and allegations on the other side.” In response, the Loyola Film Circle released a list of films depicting the layers of monstrosities that occurred under Marcos Sr.’s rule.
Once more, the Ateneo de Manila University becomes active as “EDSA @ 40” banners are hung around campus, the thrum of the student organizations in preparation, and students and faculty remain pensive on the state of affairs. Nearly four years have passed since the 2022 elections, with their polarising results that left a nation disillusioned and a bitter, defeated taste in the mouth. It was falling witness to the dangers of disinformation that catalyzed one of the largest contradictions in Philippine politics and history. What followed was careful observation of the administration of the former dictator’s son, and as crises were mishandled, scandals were exposed, and promises were failed to be upheld, it became clear that the masses needed to move once more. In the last few months, as the flood control projects corruption scandal sparked tumultuous uproar against those involved, the call to action has been made clear—we must continue to step up, and let word take root that we cannot forget again.
The Loyola Film Circle continues to hold history close to its heart, remembering the tribulations of forebearers braving the terror. This inherited struggle still moving countless artists to build a generational body of work that depict the almost perennial pain of the blackest years of the nation. Today, these works now serve as both cultural touchstones and tributes to those who have been at the very forefront of the horrors. Here, we continue to remember, here, now, we continue to struggle.
List of Martial Law Films & Documentaries:
(in alphabetical order)
11,103 by Mike Alcazaren & Jeannette Ifurung (2022)
A documentary of survivor stories of state-sponsored violence during the martial law era of the dictator, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Thousands were jailed, tortured, raped, and killed as communities were massacred in the crossfire between state forces, Maoist rebels, and Muslim separatists. In 2013, the Philippine government passed a landmark law which officially recognized these atrocities and mandated compensation for the victims, funded by the illegally-acquired wealth of Ferdinand & Imelda Marcos hidden in their Swiss Bank accounts. 11,103 victims were given compensation as a result of the law.
TRAILER:
A Dangerous Life by Robert Markowitz (1988)
The final years of the Philippines under Ferdinand Marcos’ rule, from the assassination of Benigno Aquino, Jr. in 1983 to the People Power EDSA Revolution in 1986 that ousted Marcos. The film focuses on an American TV journalist (Gary Busey), who finds himself in the middle of key events that lead to the downfall of the Marcos regime.
Aparisyon by Isabel Sandoval (2012)
Set in early 1971, an extern nun, Sister Remy, finds out her activist brother has gone missing. When Mother Superior Ruth rejects her for an indefinite leave of absence, she starts secretly attending meetings of families with missing relatives. Suddenly, one night, accompanied by a newcomer, Sister Lourdes, they fall victim to violence on their way back.
TRAILER:
Ang Panahon ng Halimaw by Lav Diaz (2018)
Set in the late '70s, Ang Panahon ng Halimaw (Season of the Devil) recounts the atrocities of a state-backed militia in a far-flung village during the Marcos regime. A fearless young doctor, Lorena, opens a clinic for the poor, but disappears without a trace. Her activist poet husband sets out to find her.
Bakit Dilaw ang Gitna ng Bahaghari? by Kidlat Tahimik (1994)
Considered his magnum opus, Kidlat Tahimik and his eldest son, Kidlat Gottlieb Kalayaan, use the “spaghetti machine” (Tahimik’s Bolex camera) to create their own spaghetti western. What follows is a documentary of a decade-long journey intermixed with significant personal moments from his son’s life and the events that emerge from the assassination of Benigno Aquino to the decommissioning of the air base of Camp John Hay.
Batas Militar by Jon Red and Jeannette Ifurung (1997)
Narrated by Jonee Gamboa, Batas Militar: A Documentary on Martial Law in the Philippines is a definitive documentary on the martial law era under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and the People Power Revolution that ousted him.
FULL DOCUMENTARY:
Batas Militar by Jess Lapid Jr. (2006)
After the alleged suicide of his younger brother in the military and the death of his mother, Captain Miguel Cortez is court-martialed and dishonorably discharged from the army. Cortez is spurred on to transcend revenge, uncover the truth, and bring justice to his brother’s death.
TRAILER:
Batch ‘81 by Mike de Leon (1982)
Alpha Kappa Omega Batch ‘81, or known simply as Batch ‘81, follows the story of seven neophytes attempting to enter the titular fraternity through a difficult hazing process. Centered on the 21-year-old student, Sid Lucero, who is seeking out a place to belong. The film is an allegoryofn the power and repression during the Martial Law era.
TRAILER:
Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim by Lino Brocka (1984)
Turing, a Manila print-shop worker, finds himself branded as a traitor after signing a waiver claiming he’s not a member of any labor union, in exchange for some money from his boss. As a worker’s strike breaks out, he is branded as a traitor by his friends, and the printing press is eventually closed down. With his pregnant wife at the hospital and struggling to pay the bills for her release, Turing turns to a life of crime.
. Bukas na Lang Sapagka’t Gabi Na by Jet Leyco (2013)
Four interconnected stories centered on the same wedding. Set during the height of the Martial Law crackdown against rebels, the film portrays a state of paralysis among Filipinos, unable to move through this dark cloud of history. Packed with an undercurrent of themes and overall discussion on the communist movement’s identity crisis, propaganda, and censorship, the film illustrates the suppression of freedom in the Philippines under Martial Law.
TRAILER:
. Curacha, ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga by Chito Roño (1998)
Curacha’s life is a chaotic, drug-addled world of political power and subservience, where she struggles between forces beyond her control. One night, she is reunited with a long-lost friend, Myrna, and makes it her mission to better Myrna’s life as she reflects on her own.
FULL MOVIE:
. Citizen Jake by Mike de Leon (2018)
Journalist Jake Herrera is forced to face the contradictions of his social class head-on. Out of a desire to prove he’s not anything like his estranged father, a powerful senator, Jake had built his life far away from him. But as the brutal murder of a young student at the university where he teaches forces him to investigate. He is put on a path to encounter corruption and to finally face his own demons.
TRAILER:
. Dahling Nick by Sari Luch Dallena (2015)
A documentary-drama of acclaimed writer Nick Joaquin refusing to accept the National Artist award until the Marcos administration releases a well-known writer who was being unjustly detained during Martial Law.
TRAILER:
. Dekada ‘70 by Chito Roño (2002)
Set during the time of Martial Law in the Philippines, Amanda and Julian are doing their best to rear their five sons. Most of their sons bristle at life under martial law and turn towards activism to express their dissent. Amanda and Julia, on the other hand, consider themselves apolitical. After suddenly falling victim to extreme violence, Amanda begins to see the true state of the country.
FULL MOVIE:
. Desaparadiso by Khavn (2015)
Following the story of a single family, Dir. Khavn paints the distress and effects of experiencing a sudden disappearance of people during the time of Martial Law. The film explores how this single family comes to cope with the disappearances, and serves to reinforce the brutal nature of Martial Law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
TRAILER:
. Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino by Lav Diaz (2004)
Spanning 1971 to 1987, in rural areas under the brutal Marcos regime, a poor farming family struggles to overcome challenges brought on by corruption and greed for power.
. Eskapo by Chito Roño (1995)
Set during the terrifying reign of Filipino despot, Marcos, two upper-caste but very different strangers team up to try and survive the physical and mental torture they undergo after they are suddenly jailed. Geny is the conservative businessman, while Serge is more sensitive and outgoing. Both of the young men’s parents give all of their money, but the government refuses to free them. Even a mutual hunger strike fails to move their jailers. In desperation, Geny and Serge begin plotting their escape.
TRAILER:
. Forbidden Memory by Teng Mangansakan (2016)
Forbidden Memory summons remembrances and memories of the fateful days in September 1974, when about 1,500 men from Malisbong and neighboring villages in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat were killed, while 3,000 women and children were forcibly taken to naval boats stationed nearby, where they encountered unspeakable horror. For 40 years, the survivors lived in relative silence. Now they tell their stories.
. History of the Underground by Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat (2017)
‘History of the Underground’ is a documentary that takes a hard and painful look at life during Martial Law with rare and recently unreleased footage from the era. It covers the "days of disquiet and nights of rage" from post-WWII through the Marcos dictatorship.
. Imelda by Ramona S. Diaz (2003)
An extraordinary look into the life and times of former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos. Spotlighting her rise from one-time beauty queen to politician's wife to figurehead in her own right, Diaz—drawing on personal accounts by Marcos and her associates as well as her political rivals -- paints a unique portrait of a woman whose well-documented extravagances often overshadowed her contributions to Philippine politics.
TRAILER:
Insiang by Lino Brocka (1976)
The remarkable film of Lino Brocka, produced during the Martial Law era, was famously smuggled to France to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival. Set in the slums of Tondo, Manila, the film stars Hilda Koronel as the eponymous character: the young daughter of a resentful mother, whose much-younger lover rapes her. After her assault and the betrayal of her own lover, Insiang seeks revenge.
TRAILER:
Kisapmata by Mike de Leon (1981)
Mila, who is two months pregnant, is gearing up to marry her boyfriend, Noe,l and escape from her abusive household. But her father does everything he can to stop the wedding.
FULL MOVIE:
Kusina by Cenon Palomares and David R. Corpuz (2016)
The silent witness to the life and love of Juanita. It is her sanctuary, the place where she creates dishes for her family, her friends, even enemies and strangers. Through cooking, she gets to know the people around her, and in return, reveals herself to them.
TRAILER:
A young woman witnesses the beginning of a revolution during the martial-law regime of Ferdinand Marcos.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTaGYZgFQ0E
Ka Oryang by Sari Lluch Dalena (2011)
A young woman witnesses the beginning of a revolution during the martial-law regime of Ferdinand Marcos.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTaGYZgFQ0E
Kangkungan by Mike de Leon (2019)
On the eve of the EDSA Revolt in 2019 (33rd Anniversary), Filmmaker Mike De Leon released this short on the eve of the 1986 EDSA Revolt anniversary. During its 5 minutes, De Leon draws a harsh critique of the Philippine president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
List too long for one page, come back again for the rest…
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