Award-winning actress Vilma Santos has taken on a passionate advocacy, urging both government and private sectors to support initiatives aimed at preserving and restoring classic films produced from the ‘70s to the 2000s, which were recorded in film format.
After a special screening of the restored version of Anak at the Frassati Auditorium of the University of Santo Tomas, the senior actress spoke to reporters about the critical importance of safeguarding these cinematic treasures for future generations.
“This effort is really for the Z generation,” Santos emphasized, highlighting the educational and inspirational value of these films. “It’s vital for them to learn and be inspired by the experiences of their mothers, grandmothers, and our society during those times.”
Santos, along with National Artist for Film Ricky Lee, was a guest of honor at the latest event hosted by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Cine Icons program, which brought special screenings of Bagong Buwan and Anak to the University of Santo Tomas on April 15.
Starring Santos and Claudine Barretto, Anak is about a Filipina overseas contract worker whose social circumstances compel her to leave her family and accept a higher-paying job in a more prosperous Asian country. Unaware of her husband’s death, she is greeted with resentment and hatred from her children when she finally returns to the Philippines.
“Because of ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula digital restoration program, we can share these stories with the new generation so they can appreciate works from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s,” shared National Artist Lee, who wrote the script for this drama film centered on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The film received awards for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Amy Austria) at the 2001 Film Academy of the Philippines. Vilma Santos also won Best Actress of the Year at the 2001 Star Awards for Movies.
“This cause has become my personal advocacy,” Santos shared, reflecting on her interaction with students during a talkback after Anak screening. “I feel immense joy when connecting with the Gen Z crowd and millennials. Today, I witnessed the students’ enthusiasm in hearing about our experiences.”
The event marked the CCP’s debut at UST with the Cine Icons program, showcasing Santos’ commitment to promoting Filipino filmmaking and nurturing film appreciation among younger generations.