Films are more than just mediums for entertainment. With the ideal cinematic elements, it can become an art form or a platform for disseminating truth to its audiences. Veteran Filipina actress Cherry Pie Picache sees her latest movie, Oras de Peligro, as an agent of truth that aims to bring the facts to Filipino audiences about a crucial part of Philippine history.
The film follows the story of a family living during Martial Law and witnessing some of the horrors and abuse that many Filipinos experienced.
Produced by Attorney Howard Calleja and Alvi Siongco of Bagong Siklab Productions, Oras de Peligro also stars Apollo Abraham, Marcus Madrigal, Timothy Castillo, Elora Espano, Jim Pebanco, Mae Paner, Dave Bornea, Rico Barrera, Alvi Siongco, Gerald Santos, Crysten Dizon, Nanding Josef, Therese Malvar, Allan Paule, and Allen Dizon.
Each cast member plays a significant role in portraying the truth to the Filipino public at the time. The film also utilizes footage from news agencies from the decade to further emphasize its message.
“My only prayer is that you will support us [to] tell the truth because I think it’s very vital nowadays, di ba, to be able to campaign for disinformation. At saka importante lalo na sa mga kabataan ngayon na malaman nila kung ano talaga totoong nangyari sa kasaysayan natin,” Cherry Pie said.
She added that this support benefits the actors, the film, and the everyday Filipinos who strives to get their perspective of the truth out.
Cherry Pie was 16 years old during the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, which she joined with her family. She recalled witnessing the military tanks and the nuns giving away provisions to the attendees.
For her, the movie isn’t challenging anybody, nor is it meant to be political. Oras de Peligro comes from the perspective of those who witnessed and lived during the EDSA Revolution.
“Hindi pwedeng i-edit, hindi pwedeng baguhin. That’s why it’s history. Hindi mo made-deny ‘yung actual na nangyari. Let’s spread love and the truth,” the actress added. .
The actress also considers Oras de Peligro as a tool to encourage audiences to fight against disinformation, especially with technology and social media as platforms that disseminate information with just a few clicks.
“Kaya kapag nagpo-post tayo sa social media siguraduhin natin na responsible tayo. Alam natin kung ano ang facts, kasi tayong may mga edad na okay alam natin kung ano ‘yung totoo sa hindi,” she said.
However, Cherry Pie also expressed concern for the younger generations because of the abundance of disinformation in their environment.
“Paano nila maipaglalaban ang bansa na mahal na mahal natin kung mabubuhay sila sa disinformation or false facts? ‘Di ba ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan?” she said.
Fortunately, Therese assures everyone the younger generation uses technology and other available resources to discover the truth about Philippine history. Since working on the film, the young actress considers fighting disinformation as personal because of how it affects and polarizes society.
Directing the film is Joel Lamangan, the visionary behind Himala, Mano Po, Rainbow Sunset, and many more.
Oras de Peligro premieres in theaters on March 1, Wednesday.