Film explores ’70s
turmoil in Philippines

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

The '70s -- marked by establishment of martial law, random arrests and political prisoners -- was an era of turmoil in the Philippines. Lualhati Bautista chronicled the decade in her novel "Dekada '70," which has been turned into a movie. The red carpet will be rolled out this weekend for the film's Hawaii premiere at the Wallace Art House Theatre at Restaurant Row.

The film tells the story of a middle-class family struggling with the new realities. Julian and Amanda Bartolome raise their five sons in a traditional manner, but the family's conservative values and ideologies are threatened, and as the children grow up, the family's bonds are inevitably put to the test. Radicalism eventually empowers each of them.

Actor Piolo Pascual won a best supporting actor award at the Metro Manila Festival for his role as an activist-turned-NPA rebel in the film.

Other stars are Marvin Augustin, Danilo Barrios, Carlos Agassi, Dimples Romana, John Wayne Sace, Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon.

Although Filipinos of a younger generation may not relate as well to "Dekada" as those who suffered under martial law, Candice Fajardo, president of BSB Promotions, which is sponsoring the screenings, said, "There is a huge fan base of Filipino movies here in Hawaii." The group's aim is to make new releases from Manila accessible to the local Filipino community "and to interested moviegoers in general."

Fajardo plans to bring more films from the Philippines to Hawaii on a regular basis.

Meet the stars Autograph sessions following the screening of "Dekada '70," rated PG-13 Where: The Art House at Restaurant Row, beginning Friday Piolo Pascual: The star of the soap opera "Sa Puso Ko, Iingatan Ka" and member of the Hunks on the "ASAP" variety show will attend the 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday screenings. Marvin Augustin: Actor who appeared on the soap opera "Tabing Ilog" and is set to star in another soap will attend the 7 p.m. screening on March 8.

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