Exposing untold stories of Martial Law

MANILA, Philippines - Sigwa is director Joel Lamangan’s entry to the 6th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Directors Showcase category, produced by Beginnings at Twenty Plus, Inc., Star Express and Sine Totoo.

As an independent film that consists of top mainstream actors and award-winning writer Bonifacio Ilagan, not to mention the direction of Lamangan, Sigwa revolutionizes the meaning of the word “indie film.” Sigwa is now showing at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

At this time, direk Joel shifts once more from mainstream to indie. He’s at his best element since Sigwa is close to his heart and mind.

“I am a product of the First Quarter Storm in the ’70s,” says direk Joel. “My experiences during those years inspired me to do a movie like Sigwa. There are only a few who know what happened during those years and for those who want to know what happened, especially the young generation, this is your chance,” he added.

Sigwa is the story of six young lives caught in the tempest of the First Quarter Storm during the ’70s. Set in persecution, intrigue, torture and betrayal, a bloodstained page in the history of the Philippines, Sigwa depicts the struggle of people from an abusive regime. It recounts and exposes the untold stories and secrets of the horrors and sins of Martial Law.

Sigwa stars Dawn Zulueta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Jaime Pebanco, Marvin Agustin, Allen Dizon, Pauleen Luna, Lovi Poe, Megan Young, Jay Aquitania, Rico Barrera and Ayen Laurel.

“We have a very good ensemble. With that alone, it’s already a plus factor for the moviegoers. And with a great story, and a good cinematography, I can say that Sigwa is more beautiful compared to other typical mainstream films,” he concluded.

Sigwa screening dates are July 14, 12:45 p.m., Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theatre); July 15, 12:45 p.m., Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall); July 16, 9 p.m., Tanghalang Huseng Batute; and July 17, 3:30 p.m., Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre).

For details, call 544-7906.