The birth Anniversary of National Artist Lino Brocka is celebrated on April 3 every year in the Phillippines. Brocka, a radical filmmaker whose socially-conscious films shine brilliant spotlights on the disadvantaged and disregarded segments of Filipino society, has become a lens for the world to experience the Philippines’ rehabilitation and rediscovery. Brocka was a social activist until his death, and he received numerous prizes and was even imprisoned for the unedited character of his films. Today, on the anniversary of his birth, Brocka is hailed as one of the finest auteurs to come out of South East Asia by film enthusiasts and theatre experts worldwide.
History of Birth Anniversary of National Artist Lino Brocka
Catalino Ortiz Brocka, better known as Lino Brocka, was raised by a politically active father in Pilar, Sorsogon. As a result of his father’s murder, Lino and his mother were forced to work odd jobs to make ends meet.
Brocka acquired a keen interest in films, particularly American films, as a child, and despite his impoverished childhood, he was able to excel academically and get a scholarship to the country’s top university, the University of the Philippines. During his time at the university, he switched from studying to be a lawyer to studying literature. He also joined the Drama Club, but his accent and character were criticized.
After quitting school, he converted to Mormonism, journeyed to the United States in search of a better life, and returned to the Philippines with a renewed desire to make films.
Once he returned to the Philippines, his career took off. He joined the Philippine Educational Theatre Association, where he met the group’s founder, Cecille Guidote. This led to his first movie, “Wanted: Perfect Mother,” a remake of “The Sound of Music” that was a big hit at the box office and the only movie he ever made that wasn’t about social injustice or drama.
He began breaking new ground in the 1970s with films like “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanang, Insiang,” “Jaguar,” and “Bon,” which won him both national and international recognition at the time.
The 1980s saw Brocka take a more activist stance. To protest against the Marcos dictatorship, he formed the Concerned Artists of the Philippines in 1983. In 1985, he was sentenced to 16 days in prison for participating in a statewide jeepney transportation strike.
In 1986, he was invited to join the Coalition for the Restoration of Democracy (CORD) by Marcos’ successor, Corazon Aquino, to help draft the Philippines’ constitution.
Lino Brocka died in a car accident on his way to Tandang Sora, Quezon City, on May 21, 1991. He was 52 years old.
Birth Anniversary of National Artist Lino Brocka timeline
Brocka graduates from Nueva Ecija High School in the Philippines.
Brocka’s first film wins the Best Screenplay Award at the Manila Film Festival.
Brocka wins the FAMAS Awards for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Picture, and Best Supporting Actor for his work on “Manila In The Claws Of Light.”
Brocka’s film “Jaguar” becomes the first Filipino film to get nominated in the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Brocka creates an activist organization for artists in the Philippines.
Brocka and another movie director, Behn Cervantes, are arrested during a nationwide strike by public transportation drivers.
President Corazon Aquino appoints Brocka as a member of the committee drafting the country’s new constitution.
Brocka dies in a road accident.
Birth Anniversary of National Artist Lino Brocka FAQs
Who are auteurs?
An auteur is a filmmaker whose distinct style and complete control over all aspects of a production lend a personal and distinctive imprint to a picture. Using the instruments of filmmaking, he creates meaning that only he can see through the filter of his mind and emotions.
Who is the founding father of Philippine cinema?
Jose Nepomuceno is widely regarded as the “Father of Philippine Cinema.”
Who first introduced silent films to the Philippines?
Jose Nepumuceno’s first silent narrative film was “Dalagang Bukid” (1919). Even though the picture is silent, Jose Nepomuceno arranged for an orchestra to provide the music.
How to Observe Birth Anniversary of National Artist Lino Brocka
Watch any of Brocka's films
You can start by watching one of Brocka’s films. With over 66 renowned films to his name, Brocka’s catalog is an exciting one for film lovers and scholars to explore and enjoy.
Read about Brocka's life and work
Learn more about Brocka’s life, his desire for social activism, and his interesting beliefs on this day. Take a look at his career and how his work has helped shape films in the Philippines.
Visit the Lino Brocka Art Gallery in Manila
If you’re ever in Manila in the Philippines, then make sure to stop by the Lino Brocka Art Gallery. Explore Brocka’s catalog of work and perhaps get a sneak peek at some restricted versions of his films.
5 Interesting Facts About The Philippines
The world’s biggest malls are there
S.M. Megamall, S.M. North Edsa, and S.M. Mall of Asia are three of the world's 10 largest retail complexes.
There’s a city of volcanoes there
Camiguin is the only island in the world with more volcanoes than towns, despite its small size of 14 miles long by 8.5 miles wide.
Home of Asia’s basketball league
One of the oldest in the world, and Asia's first, the Philippines professional basketball league is a close second to the N.B.A.
The monkey-eating eagle
Even though it doesn't eat monkeys, it is one of the rarest and most powerful birds in the world, and killing one gets you 12 years in prison.
Over 175 languages in the Philippines
Although the country is considered the fifth largest English-speaking nation, it’s also home to over 175 active languages.
Why Birth Anniversary of National Artist Lino Brocka is Important
He knew his craft
Brocka was a bold filmmaker who battled for social change. His outstanding work won him a lot of awards and inspired filmmaking on the Asian continent.
He made relatable content
He was a true artist when it came to capturing the day-to-day life of the Filipino people. And his work usually elicited an emotional response from audiences. Eventually, his work became a blueprint for exploring the lives and traditions of ordinary Filipinos.
His work inspired social reforms in the Philippines
His movies were not only entertaining, but they also provoked deep thinking and taught viewers valuable lessons. We love this!
Birth Anniversary of National Artist Lino Brocka dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 3 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | April 3 | Thursday |
| 2026 | April 3 | Friday |
| 2027 | April 3 | Saturday |
| 2028 | April 3 | Monday |
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