National artist, personalities endorse Kapampangan’s indie film

STA. RITA -- A national artist and a host of media personalities and politicians are one in endorsing “Captive,” the latest film of Kapampangan independent filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, in light of its Philippine premiere this September.

National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, in a statement, has gone to the point of endorsing the film for viewing of students.

“Captive” is Mendoza’s latest contribution to the independent film industry here and will have a provincial premiere at SM City Pampanga on September 2.

The film was an entry in the recent Berlin Film Festival last year. However, the film failed to bag any award but received wide-ranging reviews from different critics.

The film tells of the “story of holiday makers and missionaries kidnapped in the Philippines by an al Qaeda-linked rebel group.” The news turned into film with that significant flair and signature Brillante Mendoza style.

“As an educator myself, I fully endorse the tour of schools of Mr. Brillante Mendoza with the intention of introducing young people to the movies he has made as part of their education in film appreciation. His films are certain to sharpen student appreciation of the art of film as practiced by our very own film artists,” Lumbera said.

Television personality Ces Drillon, who once fell captive to rebel groups, said the film captures the fear and helplessness that a captive feels.

“The film confronts the uncomfortable issues that surround the centuries-old inequity in the South and the quest for self-determination of our Moro brothers,” Drillon said.

Broadcaster Karen Davila also lauded the film in an official statement.

She said the film is a “must-watch for all Filipinos, especially students to understand the complexity in the life, struggles, beliefs of our brothers in the deep forests in Mindanao,” Davila said.

“Captive makes you understand that in any situation, the human spirit triumphs and has the strength to go,” Davila said.

The film stars French actress Isabelle Huppert and a host of talented and award-winning Filipino cast that include Sid Lucero, Angel Aquino, Maria Isabel Lopez, Joel Torre, Mercedez Cabral, Mon Confiado, Ronnie Lazaro, Coco Martin, and Raymond Bagatsing.