Faith and films

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, The Metropolitan Theater and ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project Sagip Pelikula, presented Himala and Isang Himala as part of the morning program “Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino.” 

Himala is a cinematic masterpiece created by three eventual National Artists: director Ishmael Bernal, writer Ricky Lee and actress Nora Aunor.

The event marked the first public showing of the restored black-and-white 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, (MMFF) 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.

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.