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.
In partnership with Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., SM showcased classic films – Manila by Night, Genghis Khan, and Sonata as well as a special screening of 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.
At SM City North EDSA, Manila by Night took moviegoers on a trip down memory lane with its depiction of Manila 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 by Ishmael Bernal depicts the darkness of city life so vividly that it was once prohibited to use the word “Manila” in its title.
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.
Magikland, a Filipino fantasy adventure film and an 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.
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, and 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. It is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM and SM Cinema nationwide.