This article is an updated version of “#NeverAgain: Movies, documentaries on Martial Law, human rights abuses” published in 2021.
MANILA, Philippines – The proclamation of Martial Law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972, marked the beginning of a tumultuous period under the rule of dictator President Ferdinand E. Marcos. This era saw widespread human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and significant political and social upheaval, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Philippine cinema has crafted powerful works to illuminate the profound impact of Martial Law. These films and documentaries serve as vital reminders of the era’s harsh realities and the resilience of those who fought against oppression.
Here is an updated list of powerful films and documentaries that capture the complexities and consequences of Martial Law, ensuring that we #NeverForget this dark chapter of Philippine history:
A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution
A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution is a 1988 Canadian documentary by Nettie Wild that explores the political unrest in the Philippines after the fall of Ferdinand E. Marcos. It focuses on the New People’s Army and the broader revolutionary movements during a turbulent period of ceasefires and negotiations under Cory Aquino’s government. The documentary gained critical acclaim after its premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
The Kingmaker
Directed by Lauren Greenfield, The Kingmaker is a 2019 documentary that takes a deep dive into the controversial legacy of Imelda Marcos, unraveling not only her glamorous yet contentious political career but also the calculated efforts of the Marcos family to regain political influence in the Philippines. With intimate access and rare archival footage, the film offers a gripping portrayal of power, legacy, and the consequences of historical amnesia.
Dekada ‘70
Dekada ‘70, directed by Chito S. Roño and based on Lualhati Bautista’s novel of the same name, follows the Bartolome family’s struggles under Martial Law, with standout performances by Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon. It earned Second Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Now restored in high-definition, it continues to resonate with viewers through its portrayal of family resilience during the tumultuous era.
Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon
A 2014 drama film directed by Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon takes you to a remote town in the Philippines during the Marcos dictatorship, where eerie events like strange wails, dead cows, and burning houses unfold just as Martial Law is declared.
Respeto
Respeto (2017) dives into the world of an aspiring rapper Hendrix (Abra) whose life gets entangled with a Martial Law poet Doc (Dido de la Paz). The film mixes rap, poetry and drama to tackle the pressing issue of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte.
ML
In a chilling exploration of memory and drama, ML immerses us in the unsettling world of a retired Metrocom Colonel (Eddie Garcia), who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and thinks the Philippines is still under the oppressive Marcos dictatorship. When a visiting student (Tony Labrusca) arrives, the colonel’s delusions spiral into a disturbing cycle of capture and torture, reminiscent of his past.
Aswang
In the dark shadow of Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, Aswang, directed by Alyx Ayn Carumpac, explores the harrowing realities of life under his controversial war on drugs, where nightly violence transforms Metro Manila into a battleground for suspected criminals. The film earned the FIPRESCI award at the 2019 Amsterdam International Film Festival.
A Thousand Cuts
Delving into the turbulent world of Philippine journalism, A Thousand Cuts spotlights Nobel laureate and Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa, as she navigates the perilous landscape of press freedom under Rodrigo Duterte’s regime. The documentary premiered at Sundance in 2020 and follows Ressa’s courageous investigative work, alongside her team of journalists like Pia Rañada and Patricia Evangelista. The documentary captures the relentless conflict between the media and the government.
Imelda
Directed by Ramona S. Diaz, this 2003 documentary captures the tumultuous life of Imelda Marcos, exploring her childhood, marriage, exile in Hawaii, and return to the Philippines. This documentary not only garnered critical acclaim, winning the Excellence in Cinematography at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, but also became a surprising box office hit in the Philippines, even outselling Spider-Man 2.
Barber’s Tales
Written, co-produced, and directed by Jun Robles Lana, the 2013 Filipino drama film captures the struggles of Marilou (Eugene Domingo), a widow who takes on her late husband’s role as the town’s barber during the politically charged final days of the Marcos regime, earning Domingo the Best Actress award at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Moral
Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by Ricky Lee, Moral is a groundbreaking Filipino coming-of-age drama that forms part of a feminist trilogy exploring the lives of four close friends — Joey, Kathy, Sylvia, and Maritess — navigating taboo topics like abortion and gender inequality in the shifting societal landscape of the late 1970s and early 1980s during the Martial Law era.
Insiang
Being the first Philippine film to be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, Insiang is a seminal Philippine drama film directed by Lino Brocka that offers a raw and powerful portrayal of urban poverty and personal trauma set in the slums of Tondo, Manila. The film follows Insiang, a young woman whose life is turned upside down when her mother’s much-younger boyfriend, played by Ruel Vernal, sexually assaults her.
Sister Stella L.
In Sister Stella L., director and co-writer Mike de Leon brings to life a politically charged drama inspired by the real experiences of Sister Chayong Battung and Sister Mary Pilar Versoza. The film stars Vilma Santos as Sister Stella, a nun, who, initially detached from the political world, becomes deeply engaged in a labor strike fighting for workers’ rights.
Batch ‘81
Winning Best Picture at the 1983 Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) awards, Alpha Kappa Omega Batch ’81, also known as Batch ’81, is a harrowing psychological drama directed by Mike de Leon that centers on the violent hazing rituals experienced by seven new members of a Greek-letter fraternity. Mark Gil, in his breakout role as Sid Lucero, provides a gripping perspective on the trials faced by the neophytes as they navigate the dehumanizing rituals of hazing.
Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag
Lino Brocka’s Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila in the Claws of Light) is a landmark drama that follows Júlio Madiaga, portrayed by Rafael Roco Jr., as he navigates the harsh realities of urban Manila in search of his lost love, Ligaya. Celebrated for its raw depiction of poverty and corruption, the film won nine awards at the 1976 FAMAS Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its status as one of the greatest Filipino films.
Arrogance of Power
Arrogance of Power, a 38-minute documentary by Lito Tiongson, explores the extensive human rights abuses during the Marcos regime through stark visuals and insightful commentary, highlighting how militarization normalized abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It also provides a critical look at the events leading up to the 1986 People Power Revolution, offering an important perspective on the abuses of power that prompted the nation’s call for change.
Batas Militar
Batas Militar (Martial Law), directed by Jon Red and Jeannette Ifurung, is a 1997 documentary that examines the extensive human rights violations and economic turmoil during Marcos’ martial rule, featuring interviews with key figures that provide firsthand accounts of the abuses leading to the People Power Revolution.
Marcos: A Malignant Spirit
Directed by Rolly Reyes and narrated by the late Angelo Castro Jr., Marcos: A Malignant Spirit exposes the corruption and economic devastation caused by the Ferdinand E. Marcos regime through rare archival footage and legal depositions from the Marcos family. This powerful documentary reveals the systematic plundering of the Philippine economy. – with reports from Zulaikha Palma/Rappler.com
Zulaikha Palma is a Rappler intern studying AB Journalism in the University of Santo Tomas.
