2:00 PM
Restoration Asia VI will begin with the international premiere screening of the restored 1976 Philippine classic Nunal sa Tubig [Speck in the Water] directed by Ishmael Bernal.
Described by Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) – the Philippine Society of Respected Film Critics – as ‘Employing a quiet, experimental cinematic style, Ishmael Bernal’s opus recreates the quality and slow pace of life in a dying village surrounded by the sea, as it is caught in the eternal cycle of love and hate, of fertility and pollution, of birth and death. A bold—and successful— attempt to depart from the usual commercial fare, it cryptically paints a large, bleak canvas showing rural fold and how their chances at redemption and happiness are irreversibly decimated by poverty, ignorance, neglect and the dark side of big business.’
The film has been digitally restored in Bangkok in 2018 by Kantana for ABS-CBN, Manila using a 35mm print from the collection of the Fukuoka City Public Library Film Archive. This was prepared and digitally scanned by Tokyo Ko-on Ltd; a presentation on this was made by Nobukazu Suzuki of Tokyo Ko-on in Restoration Asia IV in Fukuoka last year.
Nunal sa Tubig will be screened with both Japanese and English subtitles.
4:00 - 6:00 PM
The screening will be followed by a discussion on the restoration of Nunal sa Tubig and film restoration challenges in Asia where so much content is not even within the continent, let alone the country of origin
Chaired by Hisashi Okajima, Director of the National Film Archive of Japan, it will include the following panellists:
Hisashi Okajima became the founding Director of National Film Archive of Japan following it becoming an autonomous body in April, 2018. Hisashi served as the 12th President of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) between 2009 and 2011. In 2010 he was awarded a Fellowship by the Southeast Asia-Pacific Audio Visual Archive Association (SEAPAVAA) for his pre-eminent role in raising awareness and advocacy of film archiving both in Asia and around the world. He was further honoured with the Jean Mitry Award in 2016 for making a significant contribution to film preservation and the appreciation of cinema.
Liza Diño-Seguerra, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Film Development Council of the Philippines:
Liza Diño is the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). She is a film, TV, and stage actress who appeared in numerous films for both independent and commercial studios. Her most notable performances in the independent movies, In Nomine Matris and Toto, earned her a Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress nominations, as well as the Best Actress awards in International Film Festivals. Diño graduated with BA Speech Communication from the University of the Philippines, Diliman (UP) where she ventured in stage acting.
Since becoming Chair and CEO in August 2016, FDCP has become the lead agency in empowering all Filipino filmmakers – from young to regional to established ones – to continue with the production of quality films that can cross over from local to international distribution. It has also been more relevant in its support of Filipino delegates participating in international film festivals and markets. FDCP is the parent body of the Philippine Film Archive established in 2012, a division that Liza takes a very active interest in the day-to-day oversight of.
Leo Panililio Katigbak, Head of Film Restoration and Archives, ABS-CBN Corporation, Manila
In 1994, Leo set-up the ABS-CBN Film Archives and concurrently worked in ABS-CBN Acquisitions prior to his assignment in STUDIO 23 as Head of Programming / Acquisitions, and subsequently, Head of Studio 23, a post he held till 2008 before going back to ABS-CBN. From 2008-2015, he headed the Content Management Group & Film Archives as well as Special Projects under the Office of the President of ABS-CBN.
Today, he heads the ABS-CBN’s Film Restoration efforts/SAGIP PELIKULA Campaign using his knowledge and passion to not only save classic films from complete deterioration & destruction but to preserve it for the study and appreciation of future generations.
© Steve Cook
Adrian Wood, Founder & Coordinator, Restoration Asia, Fukuoka
In 2011 as much more of Adrian Wood’s work focussed on the supervision of film restorations in Asia, Europe and N. America he recognised the growing divide in film restoration and preservation between these three major regions of the world. Advocating for recognition of this problem and also for the promotion of recovery and restoration of ‘lost’ Asian films and history from other regions he proposed a workshop during a regional conference to address this.
His aspirations have been realised with many films being found and restored, many with the support of the World Cinema Project. These films have been recognised both with international awards and prestigious screenings within Asia and elsewhere around the world. He has lived in Fukuoka since 2016 where he co-founded OWL Studios.
Restoration Asia VI an event in partnership once again with FIFF, the Focus On Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival, gratefully supported by Japan Foundation – Asia Center with the endorsement of FIAF.