Joel Lamangan and Ricky Lee to honor Nora Aunor with biopic

Veteran filmmaker Joel Lamangan is set to bring the extraordinary life of National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor to the big screen. He will collaborate with acclaimed screenwriter Ricky Lee for the project, which comes shortly after the actress passed away on 16 April 2025 due to acute respiratory failure.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Lamangan honored Aunor, his longtime collaborator and friend. He looked back on the six critically acclaimed films they made together: Muling Umawit ang Puso, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Bakit May Kahapon Pa?, Sidhi, Hustisya, and Isa Pang Bahaghari. These films showcased Aunor’s unmatched talent and earned her numerous Best Actress awards both locally and abroad.

“In each of those films, Nora’s brilliance lit up every frame,” Lamangan wrote. “Her performances weren’t just technical — they were truthful, born out of her life experiences rather than any acting workshop. That’s what made her different. That’s what made her real.”

Lamangan shared that their filmmaking process often included passionate creative discussions. “There were moments of debate, raised voices, but always ending with her saying, ‘Ikaw na ang bahala, Direk. I trust you.’ That was the kind of respect Ate Guy gave her collaborators,” he said. “She was kind, generous, and always professional.”

He also shared the principle that guided their work. “Ate Guy taught me never to conceal the truth, never to rewrite history. Her life itself was a testament to resilience and authenticity.”

Screenwriter Ricky Lee, best known for writing Himala, one of Aunor’s most iconic films, expressed his admiration for the actress and confirmed his role in the upcoming project.

The biographical film will not only revisit the highlights of Aunor’s career but also shed light on the challenges she overcame. Lamangan and Lee aim to portray the strength and spirit that made her one of the greatest Filipino artists of all time.

The public wake for Aunor began on Saturday, 19 April, giving her loyal fans, known as the Noranians, the opportunity to pay tribute. Viewings will continue until Sunday, 20 April. A state funeral and interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani is scheduled for Tuesday, 22 April.

With the biopic in development, the legacy of Nora Aunor is poised to reach a new generation. Her story, both on screen and beyond, continues to inspire.