Nurses have risked their lives to provide quality healthcare services to their communities. Their noble profession helps preserve the way of life, and they tirelessly do so despite being underserved.
Yet their time to shine on the silver screen has finally come around. As the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) celebrates its centennial anniversary, it partnered with Dr. Carl E. Balita, a medical professional, broadcaster, and entrepreneur, to release a film titled Siglo Ng Kalinga.
Siglo Ng Kalinga is a film revolving around nurses’ stories inspired by the life of PNA Founder Anastacia Giron Tupas. The Ilocana became the first-ever Filipina to become a chief nurse at the Philippine General Hospital. She lived in service and inspired awe from those who came after her.
“I want the nurses to dream to be nurses again when they watched this film. I want them to commit that in their next lives, they will continue to become nurses because of the pride that we will give after watching this film,” Balita said.
Balita directed several films in the past, including Nars (2007) and Maestra (2017), which gathered awards in film festivals. Siglo Ng Kalinga is his latest passion project that exhibits his dedication to the medical profession.
He added that Siglo Ng Kalinga aims to change the public’s perspective of nurses by highlighting their sacrifices on the big screen. Yet this time, he doesn’t plan on casting notable celebrities to get the message across. Instead, he opened a casting call exclusive for nurses who could act to become part of the film. He believes their perspective will give the movie more gravitas as it tells healthcare professionals’ experiences in the field of service.
Since the film is no ordinary project, Balita shared there will be an acting workshop for the nurses spearheaded by Angeli Bayani.
Lemuel Lorca, known for his work in Ned’s Project (2016), Intoy Shokoy ng Kalye Marino (2012), and Water Lemon (2015), will direct the film. Joining him as the film’s screenplay writer is Archie Del Mundo.
Moreover, Balita also shared that he tapped the National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee, as their creative consultant to add dramatic flair to the film.
The PNA signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Balita last October 9, Sunday. It marks a partnership that puts the nursing profession on the silver screen to commemorate their sacrifices throughout a century.
Balita proudly announced that proceeds from the film would go to the PNA so they can further their mission of protecting local nurses’ well-being while finding steps to develop the experience.
“Ang layo na ng narating ng nursing sa bansa. Global na nga tayo, and we Filipinos are considered among the best in the field, so I think this film is quite timely,” Balita said.
Aside from the casting call, Balita also opened poster-making and song-making contests for nurses. Winning entries from the competition will become the official poster and theme song for Siglo Ng Kalinga.
Dr. Carl Balita Productions and the PNA aim to premiere Siglo Ng Kalinga sometime in 2023.