Title: Barako

Run Time: 2 hours

Category: Independent

Genre: Historical, non-fiction

Screening Dates/Time: July 9-15, regular screening hours

Venue: Cinema 8, Robinsons Galleria

“Barako” means strong and brave. This is what the characters in indie film Barako need to be in order to propel their town into a progressive present. Written and directed by author Manolito C. Sulit (co-directed by Emman Pascual), the film chronicles the ordinary lives of people of a Batangas town.

The peaceful façade starts to show cracks when a group of civic-minded individuals start an informal discussion group, a “barakuhan”, in response to events like an energy crisis and upcoming elections. The townsfolk are farmers, teachers, engineers, people who operate carinderias and parlors, etc. and they must raise their voices in order to be heard. It’s an echo of the town’s past in the 1900s, when they held out against the invaders during the Philippine-American war.

Barako had its world premiere at the 2007 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Initial reviews proclaimed it as the new “Noli” because of some similiarities with Rizal’s novel. National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera also observed that the film "completely tackles Philippine politics."

Arnold Reyes plays the lead role as the Publisista, ably supported by the likes of respected veterans Leo Martinez and Behn Cervantes. Interestingly, artists such as Nanding Josef, poets Mike Coroza and Vim Nadera also lend their presence to the film.

On July 9-15, 2008 the film will have its first commercial run at the Cinema 8/IndieSine of Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas, Pasig City. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a homegrown and heartfelt social commentary, based on historical events.

(Gina V, media coordinator)