Brocka’s newly-restored Maynila premiere set

MANILA, Philippines - The newly-restored Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag will have its long-awaited Philippine premiere on July 6 at the UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna.

The film had its world premiere at the 67th Cannes Film Festival this month, where it was part of the prestigious Cannes Classic section. The premiere was graced by Maynila lead actress Hilda Koronel and the Filipino filmmakers featured in this year’s fesival: Erik Matti, Lav Diaz and Adolfo Alix Jr. Together with Koronel, the film was introduced by FDCP chairman Briccio Santos, World Cinema Foundation’s (WCF) artistic director Kent Jones and Pierre Rissient known to be Lino Brocka’s and Philippine Cinema’s most ardent supporter in France. Martin Scorsese, WCF’s founder, also sent a video message for the premiere wherein he praised Brocka’s films for being “brave, extraordinary, powerful experiences.” The Cannes screening was warmly received as it was heavily applauded as the credits rolled.

Long considered as Philippine Cinema’s masterpiece, Maynila is lauded by many as the greatest Filipino film of all time. This is why FDCP in collaboration with WCF considered the restoration urgent and important. The restoration was carried out by L’Immagine Ritrovata in consultation with Mike de Leon, the film’s cinematographer and producer. Maynila is FDCP’s second restoration project after Genghis Khan which premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year.

The invitational Philippine debut of the restored Maynila at the UP Film Institute is a fitting homecoming for Brocka who was once a student in UP. Similar to last year’s successful Philippine premiere of Genghis Khan, which was attended by Pres. Benigno Aquino III, the Maynila premiere expects the attendance of dignitaries, members of the arts and cultural community, and representatives of relevant agencies and organizations.

The public will get to watch Maynila during its theatrical run in selected SM Cinemas in August.