The Cultural Affairs Office, in collaboration with Silip@Lente, held a two-day movie screening for “Katips” at the Adamson University Theater from October 19 to 20.
The musical film was directed by lawyer Vince Tañada and was notable for winning seven awards at the 2021 FAMAS Awards including Best Picture and Director.
The film illustrates the struggles in democracy and injustices that the Filipino people have attained during the imposition of Martial Law in the Philippines, illustrated through student activists who opposed the regime in the film.
The premiere was anticipated and attended by the Adamsonian students and community members, seminarians, and even just outsiders who were interested in partaking in the movie screening.
In an interview, Cultural Affairs Office head Ma. Catherine Cequena addressed the lingering issues of historical revisionism in the Philippines.
“As we know, we transitioned to the new leadership. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and issues, one of which is historical revisionism. It suggests distorting our history, especially of what has happened during the Martial Law.” she said.
She also stated the importance of the screening, especially for the younger generations, to know what is the truth implicated during the Martial Law era.
“Kaya mahalagang panoorin at himay-himayin ang pelikulang ito. Saksihan natin at imulat natin ang ating mga mata sa katotohanan: Katotohanan na ang kwentong ito ay hindi lamang parte ng ating nakalipas. Ang kwento ito ay sumasalamin din magpahanggang sa kasalukuyan.” she added.
[ “That’s why watching and dissecting this film is important. So we could witness and open our eyes to the truth: The truth is that this story is not something that is just merely a part of the past. This story reflects what we are now, even in the present.” ]
After the two-day screening, some of the students who watched the film shared their insights after the screening.
Erika Nicdao, a 2nd year Comm student, rated the film in terms of its quality as a film:
“If I were to rate the movie, I would give it 8/10; For a historical movie plus the fact that it is a musical drama, I think they did a great job, and they really worked hard for it kasi konti lang yung scenes na feel kong patay and the rest can make you feel a lot of emotions na. [because there were only a few scenes that I felt were dead, and the rest can make you feel a lot of emotions already. ]” she said.
Andrei Manalastas, a 2nd year Comm student and Silip@Lente member, also expressed the same sentiment, otherwise for its context:
“In my opinion, it is a 10/10. For me, this kind of movie helps the society to be oriented and knowledgeable about our true situations under the Martial Law, especially now that our true history is gradually fading; It will open our eyes to see the unseen. It will give us the knowledge to know the unknown.” he said.
Upon receiving the overwhelmingly positive reactions of the majority from the screening, Tañada expressed his gratitude to the Adamson community for his closing remarks on the first day of the film screening.
“Thank you very much, Adamson University. You have been a partner, and you have been an ally. Patuloy po tayong tumindig para sa katotohanan [Let’s continue to stand, for what’s the truth. ].” he said.
Comments