Filipino artists urged to resist corruption, carry on Lino Brocka’s legacy

“Let us not be blinded by bias, financial influence, and corruption,” Brocka said, calling on artists to remain courageous and freely express their humanity through their work.

“Please, stand up for what you believe in because other than film and cinema, that is what my Lolo Lino did,” she added.

Antonia Gabriella made the remarks during the opening night of Philippine Film Industry Month, organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), where she served as guest of honor alongside Christopher de Leon, lead actor of Brocka’s landmark 1974 film “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.”

“Tinimbang” was the opening film at the EDSA Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinemas, bringing filmmakers, artists and movie lovers together to celebrate Brocka’s enduring contribution to Philippine cinema.

For Antonia Gabriella, however, Brocka’s legacy goes beyond his stature as one of the country’s most important filmmakers. She wanted people to remember not only the films he made and the international recognition he brought to Philippine cinema, but also what she described as “Lino Brocka’s heart.”

“I never had the privilege of meeting my Lolo Lino,” she said, but she came to know him through stories shared by her family, particularly her grandfather Danny, Brocka’s brother.

She recalled intentionally lingering after family dinners and lunches, waiting until everyone had finished eating so she could hear her grandfather tell stories about his brother.

Despite hearing countless stories about Brocka from different people, she said there was a consistency in how they described his character.

“With confidence, I can say that my Lolo Lino was a brave man who stood by his principles and a fearless artist who gave Filipinos a voice through his movies,” she said.

Brocka said her granduncle did not make films simply for fame, success or money. His work was driven by his passion as an artist and his willingness to speak the truth.

She believes his humanity and ability to empathize with Filipinos were at the heart of his brilliance.

“He was an artist with passion, never afraid to speak the truth,” she said.

That humanity, she added, is what makes Brocka’s work continue to resonate with filmmakers and audiences decades after his death.

For the Brocka family, the continuing admiration for his work has been deeply meaningful. She thanked filmmakers, artists and movie lovers who continue to remember Brocka through screenings, industry events, or simply by sharing stories about his impact.

She encouraged today’s filmmakers to carry his spirit forward by creating with the same courage, integrity and truth that defined his work.

“Let us continue to create art fearlessly with integrity, courage, and truth,” she said.

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