THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) is reviving its cinema program by screening selected films revisiting one of the most tumultuous periods in Filipino history — the Marcos Martial Law era.

Starting Sept. 25, 3 p.m., the CCP Arthouse Cinema, through the CCP Channel, will be screening a selection of films that were featured in past editions of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and the Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video. The films will be available for viewing for 48 hours

These films serve as the start of the relaunch of the CCP Arthouse Cinema and CCP Film Society on the digital platform.

The following films will be shown in the #Never Forget program:

• EDJOP (directed by Joe Cuaresma, 1987). The documentary follows the life and times of student leader Edgar Jopson. The young “Edjop” led the student movement that sparked the historic First Quarter Storm. The documentary won the top prize at the first Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.

• ML (directed by Benedict Mique, Jr., 2018). The political thriller tells the story of college jock Carlo (Tony Labrusca) as he experiences Martial Law-style incarceration and interrogation when he stumbles into the demented existence of a retired military general (played by Eddie Garcia). Eddie Garcia won the Best Actor award and the film was awarded as having the Best Editing at Cinemalaya. It was lauded for direction and editing at the 2019 Gawad Urian Awards.

• Sigwa (directed Joel Lamangan, 2010). Dolly, a junior correspondent of a US magazine, is sent to the Philippines in 1970 to do a story on student activism in Manila. She returns after being arrested and deported in 1975, the third year of martial law. Returning decades later, her mission is personal this time: to look for her daughter, who was supposed to have died 35 years ago, but who, she has been told, is alive. The 6th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival awarded the Best Supporting Actor to Tirso Cruz III for his work in Sigwa; while the film won Best Story and Best Screenplay at the 2011 FAMAS Awards. It also bagged Best Motion Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Best Supporting Actor for Tirso Cruz III at the 2011 Golden Screen Award Phils.

• Beyond the Walls of Prison (directed by Lito Tiongson, 1987). A documentary about the quest for justice and freedom of former political detainees under the new government, the video bagged Best Documentary at the 1st Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.

On the days leading up to their premieres, audiences can learn more about the films by reading the informational content that will be released on the CCP Official Facebook page. The films will be available for 48-hours free public viewing beginning at 3 p.m. on Sept. 25, on the CCP Channel Vimeo Video-On-Demand Platform.

Audiences may use the promo code NEVERFORGET to avail themselves of the free screening of films.

As part of the online relaunch of the CCP Arthouse Cinema and CCP Film Society, audiences will be able to watch online all of their exclusive offerings featuring the best of Philippine cinema.

The P100 Membership to the CCP Film Society comes with year-long access to the film screenings and special programs of the CCP Arthouse Cinema. For more information they can visit the CCP Media Arts Division Facebook page.

For more information on #Never Forget, call the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division at 8832-1125, local 1705 and 1712.  Or visit the CCP Facebook accounts and website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

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