16th Pandayang Lino Brocka: Finding Truths and Realities in Cinema
16th Pandayang Lino Brocka: Finding Truths and Realities in Cinema
Feature art by Abigail Manaluz
In the ever-evolving landscape of Philippine cinema, the 16th Pandayang Lino Brocka Film Festival stands as a bold platform where art and activism converge. Spearheaded by Tudla Productions since 2009, the festival is a tribute to the late National Artist for Film Lino Brocka and serves as a steadfast reminder of cinema's role as a catalyst for change.
"Bukod pa doon, ang Pandayang Lino Brocka (PLB) ay naniniwala dun sa kahalagahan ng paglikha ng mga politikal, kritikal, at mapagpalayang pelikula (In addition to that, Pandayang Lino Brocka (PLB) believes in the importance of creating political, critical, and liberating films)," says festival director Czyrene Farrales.
Lino Brocka, a staunch critic-activist and a visionary filmmaker during and after Martial Law, advocated for cinema that transcends entertainment. His works championed the marginalized, amplifying voices often silenced by systemic oppression—and the festival carries this torch with fervor.
"Kinikilala ng PLB ang paninindigan na ang pelikula ay hindi lamang upang mag-entertain, bagkus ay pinagsisilbihan ang malawak na hanay ng masang Pilipinong pinagsasamantalahan (PLB recognizes the stance that the movie is not only to entertain, but to serve the wide range of the exploited Filipino masses)," says Farrales.
At its core, PLB stands apart from other film festivals as a unique space for critical dialogue and collective action.
"Sa larangan ng sining at pelikula, ang Pandayang Lino Brocka ay kaiba (In the field of art and film, Pandayang Lino Brocka is different)," says Farrales. "Ang PLB ay plataporma para maipalaganap ang totoong kalagayan at reyalidad ng lipunang Pilipino na lantad ang usapin ng pagsasamantala at pinagsasamantalahan (PLB is a platform to spread the true condition and reality of the Filipino society that openly talks about exploitation and being exploited).
This year’s theme, "Lupang Sinira," dives deep into the ongoing struggles surrounding land rights in the Philippines. It sheds light on the destructive impacts of reclamation projects, forced evictions, and the militarization of rural communities.
"Nakikita namin sa temang ‘Lupang Sinira’ ang intersecting at cross-cutting issues ng iba’t ibang kampanya tulad sa climate justice na may kinalaman sa labor exploitation, press freedom, at iba pa (We see in the theme of 'Lupang Sinira' the intersecting and crosscutting issues of various campaigns such as climate justice related to labor exploitation, press freedom, and others),” says Farrales.
The selection process for PLB’s lineup is meticulous and mission-driven. Films are chosen based on their resonance with the theme and their capacity to inspire collective action.
"Lahat ng mga pelikulang napili ay talagang tumatalakay sa mga isyung kalakip ng tema (All the films selected really deal with the issues surrounding the theme),” the festival director shares.
"Bukod pa, ito rin ay talagang may paghikayat sa mga manonood na lumahok sa kolektibong aksyon upang labanan ang pagsasamantala (Furthermore, it also really encourages viewers to participate in collective action to fight exploitation),” she adds.
At the center of this year’s program is Brocka’s seminal film, Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag. The film’s enduring relevance lies in its depiction of labor exploitation, urban migration, and disillusionment.
"Kung bibigyan ng konteksto sa kasalukuyan, bumababa mula sa kanayunan ang mga katutubo, mga magsasaka, at manggagawang bukid upang makipagsapalaran (Given the context of today, indigenous people, farmers, and workers are coming down from the province and mountains to take risks),” says Farrales. "Naipakita rin ng pelikula ni Brocka ang labor exploitation at masahol na working conditions ng mga manggagawa (Brocka's film also showed the labor exploitation and bad working conditions of the workers).”
Pandayang Lino Brocka.
Challenges in a politicized landscape
But organizing a socially conscious festival in the Philippines comes with its own set of challenges. Securing logistical support, for instance, can be fraught with difficulties as the festival faces the broader threat of being labeled subversive.
"Kapag clinching ng sponsors, nadedecline rin dahil may iba na nag-iisip na ito ay masyadong politikal (When clinching sponsors, they decline because there are others who think that it is too political),” Farrales shares.
Despite these hurdles, PLB remains resilient.
"Kaya nga rin ito ang pinakamahabang political film fest dahil sa militansyang taglay at ang mahigpit na pagtangan sa responsibilidad na magmulat at magpakilos sa pamamagitan ng pelikula at sining (That's why this is also the longest political film fest because of the militancy it has and the calling of the responsibility to raise awareness and mobilize through film and art),” she adds.
As the festival evolves, its mission remains steadfast: to challenge audiences, inspire unity, and mobilize action.
"Nais naming ipagpatuloy hindi lamang para maging inspirasyon kundi maging challenge para pagpapalakas at pagpupunyagi ng pagkilos (We want to continue not only to be an inspiration but also a challenge to strengthen and strive for action),” says Farrales.
And now in its 16th year, the Pandayang Lino Brocka Film Festival continues to be a platform for the stories that matter most—stories of resilience, resistance, and hope. Through its curated films, community engagement, and unyielding advocacy, the festival continues to unearth truths and realities, compelling us to confront the injustices of our time. It reminds us that cinema is not just an art form; it is a mirror, a weapon, and a voice for the voiceless.
"Ang PLB ay plataporma para maipalaganap ang totoong kalagayan at reyalidad ng lipunang Pilipino (PLB is a platform to spread the true condition and reality of Filipino society).”
The 16th Pandayang Lino Brocka Political and New Media Festival opened on November 15. Future screening dates will be announced.
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Czyrene Farrales is the current Chief Editorial Cartoonist and multimedia editor of the alternative media organization Tudla Productions, and the Festival Director of the 16th Pandayang Lino Brocka Film Festival.
Czyrene Farrales’ Tapsilog Recipe:
Tapa (Favorite film) - Monster (2023)
Sinangag (Comfort film) - Rookie (2023)
Itlog (Recommended film) - Alipato at Muog (2024)
