A Double Feature of Faith and Film

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, The Metropolitan Theater, and ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project Sagip Pelikula, presented “Himala” back-to-back with “Isang Himala” as part of “Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino” and in celebration of National Women’s Month.

The morning program screened the restored black and white version of “Himala,” a cinematic masterpiece created by three eventual National Artists: director Ishmael Bernal, writer Ricky Lee, and actress Nora Aunor. This marked the first public showing of the restored B&W version.

“Himala” is widely recognized as a cornerstone of Philippine cinematic history. The film stars Aunor as Elsa, a young woman in a poor, drought-stricken, and isolated town whose life takes a dramatic turn after an apparition of the Virgin Mary, triggering mass hysteria in Barrio Cupang. The film received numerous awards, notably an almost clean sweep at the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival, and garnered recognition from both local and international film festivals.   

The afternoon session featured “Isang Himala,” directed by Pepe Diokno and also written by Lee. The musical film offers a contemporary perspective on the original “Himala,” drawing inspiration from the musical play of the same name and bridging the gap between theater and cinema. 

Aicelle Santos stars as Elsa, portraying a simple barrio woman who becomes a figure of hope and controversy when she claims to have seen the Virgin Mary and to possess the power to heal. The film explores how her faith healing transforms the town into a pilgrimage site and challenges the beliefs and relationships of its residents.   

Following the screening of “Isang Himala,” a talkback session was held to discuss the representation of women in Philippine cinema. Diokno and cast members Santos, Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, and MMFF 2024 Best Supporting Actress Kakki Teodoro shared their creative processes and insights into the film’s exploration of women’s issues. 

Kim Harold Peji of the Philippine Commission on Women contributed to the discussion, highlighting the government agency's programs for the month-long celebration.   

Both films delve into themes of blind devotion, questionable morality, and the blurring of reality and falsehood – issues that hold significant relevance in today's society.   

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the talkback speakers by NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz and NCCA Gender and Development Focal Point System Head Maricel Diaz.