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"Restored 'Jose Rizal' Film
Draws Full House at New York Premiere,
Bringing Together Filipinos Across Generations
The international premiere of the fully restored and
remastered 1998 film "Jose Rizal" took place at LOOK
Cinemas W57 in New York,
drawing a full house despite the short notice.
This special event marked the first international screening
of the restored film, following its recent debut at the
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in the Philippines just
days prior.
Presented by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the
Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), and Fiesta in
America, the premiere attracted a diverse audience,
including film enthusiasts and members of the Filipino
American community.
Rochelle Ona, MMFF executive director, flew in for the screening and
fielded questions about the Manila film festival, which is
held every December in the Philippines.
The event successfully highlighted cultural and historical
connections between the Philippines and the United States,
emphasizing the life and legacy of one of the Philippines'
most revered national heroes,
Dr. Jose Rizal.
The evening began with a red carpet welcome and an engaging
networking session, followed by the screening of the film,
which resonated with the audience through its vivid
portrayal of Rizal’s final days before his execution in
December 1896.
Directed by the late National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the film features
a star-studded cast, including Cesar Montano in the titular
role, alongside notable actors such as Jaime Fabregas, the
late Peque Gallaga, Gloria Diaz, Pen Medina, Mickey Ferriols
and Chin Chin Gutierrez.
Among the distinguished attendees was Fiel Zabat, the
production designer for legendary Filipino filmmakers Lino
Brocka, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and others. Zabat praised the
film's production design, remarking that "Jose Rizal" boasts
"the best production design of any historical film by
Leo Abaya."
This high praise further underscored the film's meticulous
attention to detail and its commitment to authentically
portraying the historical period. Notable figures such as
Nathan Angelo, a Filipino on Broadway, were also in
attendance.
The film also uncovered lesser-known aspects of Rizal's
life, surprising some audience members who were unaware that
Rizal had a newborn child who tragically died shortly after
birth.
The child’s mother was Josephine Bracken, an Irish woman who
accompanied her blind American godfather from Hong Kong to
the Philippines seeking eye treatment.
This poignant detail added emotional depth to the portrayal
of Rizal, offering the audience a more intimate
understanding of the personal sacrifices he endured.
Gil Quito, a New York-based writer and media producer,
provided a compelling introduction to the film and later
conducted a thought-provoking talkback session.
Quito’s extensive work includes artist entries on "Jose
Rizal" director Marilou Diaz-Abaya and others for the
Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia of Art;
book-length biographical surveys of Diaz-Abaya and Lav Diaz
in the anthology "Direk"; and essays on Diaz-Abaya for "Kani"
and "Asian Cinevision."
His production credits include roles as associate or
executive producer for Laurice Guillen’s "American Adobo,"
Lav Diaz’s "From What Is Before" and "Children of the
Storm," Sheron Dayoc’s "Mientras Su Durmida," and Ida del
Mundo’s "Never Forget."
Quito also has screenplay credits for Gil Portes’ "Merika"
and Mike de Leon’s "Itim." Additionally, he served as a
consultant for the major 2017 and 2022 Philippine film
retrospectives at the Museum of Modern Art and is the
curator of the Visions/Panawin film series at New York
University.
The screening not only celebrated the cinematic achievement
of "Jose Rizal" but also underscored the enduring impact of
the national hero’s ideals and sacrifices on Philippine
history and culture.
The event was met with strong enthusiasm, with tickets selling out
quickly, and a notable number of students taking advantage
of exclusive offers, including free and discounted tickets,
made available through
Fiesta in America.
Attendees left the venue with a renewed appreciation for the
rich cultural heritage of the Philippines and a deeper
understanding of Jose Rizal's pivotal role in the nation's
history. The premiere successfully paved the way for further
cultural exchange and collaboration between the Philippine
and American entertainment industries.
For those who missed the New York screening, additional
showings are planned, ensuring that more audiences will have
the opportunity to experience this remarkable film.
Stay tuned for future announcements by visiting
www.gophilippines.co
www.philippinefiestausa.com
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