Cinemalaya PAYS tribute to Manuel Conde

A SPECIAL tribute to Manuel Conde, pioneer of Philippine independent filmmaking, will be held during the 2008 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition from July 11 to 20 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The tribute will include the launching of the book The Cinema of Manuel Conde by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson, the opening of the exhibit on this maverick of the Filipino cinema, and the first public screening after many decades of Conde’s films, especially the famous Genghis Khan, the first Filipino movie to be invited to participate in an international film festival, in this case the very prestigious Venice Film Festival of 1952.

Manuel Conde (1925-85) was a director-writer-actor-producer who made 40 films from 1940 to 1963.  He established his own film organization, MC Productions, because he wanted to do movies with an independent spirit that studio producers would not touch.

The most important Conde films that embody the independent spirit that is celebrated by Cinemalaya today are his Juan Tamad films, in which Conde successfully transformed the slapstick comedy into timely social satire.

Conde’s uncommon courage in satirizing social and political evils, his playful but insightful revitalization of genre movies, his unflagging and absolute dedication to artistry, and, most of all, his passionate and absolute commitment to his truth, definitely qualify him to be called the “Father of Independent Filmmaking in the Philippines.”

Six Conde films will be shown during the 2008 Cinemalaya Festival and Competition at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theater). These are Genghis Khan (1950), Ibong Adarna (1955), Verganza (1958), Señorito (1953), Cruz na Kawayan (1956) and El Robo (1957). The Conde films will be shown from July 17 to 19 with screenings set at 12:45 pm for Ibong Adarna, Cruz na Kawayan and Verganza; and 3:30 pm for Señorito, El Robo and Genghis Khan.

Cinemalaya is presented by the Cinemalaya Foundation, Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Econolink Investments Inc. Cinemalaya is an all-digital film competition aimed at discovering new Filipino filmmakers. It will be highlighted by the screening of world premieres, director’s cuts and the very best Filipino independent films on wide ranging and controversial topics. Films from Cinemalaya 2005, 2006 and 2007 will also be shown. A major event of the festival will be the Cinemalaya Independent Film Congress with the theme “Spreading the News: Promoting, Distributing and Exhibiting Indie Films.” This year Cinemalaya will also feature a new children’s section dedicated to children’s films.

For information: 551-7930, 832-1125, locals 1800 to 1808; 832-3704, 832-1125, local 1409.

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