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Aica Mercado

The Stellar Presence of Marilou Diaz-Abaya

A praise to the woman who kept up with the great male filmmakers in the Philippine film industry.


Source: Ranada, P. (2012) Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s limitless horizons. Rappler.com. Retrieve from https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/marilou-diaz-abayas-limitless-horizons



There is no denying that most of the well-known and well-awarded films in the past and today are mostly claimed by talented men directors. Only few women were credited as a part of the rich historic past of Philippine filmmaking. Only few are brave enough to compete with the men filmmakers in the industry.


In the golden episodes of the Philippine Cinema, a great number of men have acquired an international acknowledgement for their great works. Zamboanga who was directed by Eduardo de Castro, a film that is starred by Fernando Poe and Rosa del Rosario, achieved international plaudit. Genghis Khan made by Manuel Conde that was release in the 1950 was a talk at the Venice Film Festival in 1952. The movie was even shown in Paris in 1954 and dubbed in French. There is also Gerardo De Leon, who was known for slasher films in the 60’s and his award-winning films based on books and serial comics. Lamberto Avellana, who also earned international success. He received awards in the Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Hong Kong for Anak ng Dalita and Best of Asia award in Tokyo for his film Badjao. Following Avellana’s footsteps is Lino Brocka, whose works such as Manila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag, have been showcased at the Cannes Film Festival.


According to an article by Pinoy Rebyu100 best Filipino Films Directed by Women’ they said that 10% of the total number of the active local filmmakers are Filipino female directors.

The ratio of female to male filmmakers was unequal in the Philippine cinema, not only does it allow less opportunities for women, but also how it has failed to continue measuring the contributions they have provided to the said industry. Only a few of these women are remembered and reveled by breaking stereotypes by directing films that were something that only male filmmakers could create. But this didn’t hinder women like Marilou Diaz-Abaya in being a director and being a successful one in the industry. She made a stellar presence in the tail end of the Second Golden Age of the Philippine Cinema. She drew attention as someone who would take after the country’s great film master Lino Brocka.


Marilou Diaz-Abaya made her debut in feature film with “Chains” or Tanikala in 1980. From then on, she drew attention through such films “Of the Flesh” or Karnal and “Baby Tsina” released in 1984, motion pictures that are critical of the Marcos regime. Abaya also made Brutal and Moral one of those films that any church would wince and those of her most well-acclaimed films. In these films she was asked to confront our hypocrisy and twisted sense of the proper.


She started making television programs after the fall of the regime, yet her works are consistently presenting social reform and democracy in the Philippines. She made films that drew a clear distinction from entertainment films such as the “Madonna and Child”, “Milagros” and “In the Navel of the Sea” or Sa Pusod ng Dagat that addressed women as their theme, and of which attract international attention.


“Jose Rizal” is Abaya’s most successful film that is released in 1998, is one of the most spectacular and controversial Philippine epics made up to date. A movie that demonstrated that Filipino art films can compete with international standards. There is also the very familiar movie Muro-Ami or “Reef Hunters” that won 13 out of 14 nominations in the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture.


And with all these information’s, the most important one to know is that Abaya was the first Filipina film director to win internationally. She was not only the leading film director of the Philippines but also of Asia. She was honored and won awards in Berlin and Tokyo. The recipient of the 12th Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize in 2001 and the Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival introduced to the world.


There is no denying of the great inspiration and contribution that Abaya has provided to the world of filmmaking that continues to change overtime. An industry where a lot of talents are emerging, drawing inspiration to the successful filmmakers.


She made films that examined the reality of the Philippine society, showcasing the normal common people who strives to survive in their own way. Which serve as an eye opener to the difference of the situation and lives of each people.


It is also important to appreciate the talents and works of the film director’s despite of their genders. To always look back in the history and the art that each of them have given and left in the world. The opportunities and inspiration each of the film and filmmakers has and will give to those who aspire to walk into the path that have opened. Abaya might be the first Filipina to be acknowledged internationally but she won’t be the last, the same goes with everyone who are dedicated to their chosen craft.


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