There is an old adage that goes, "A woman with a voice, is by definition, a strong woman."
In Philippine cinema, filmmakers have given women a voice by featuring scenes that show the significant roles they play in society.
As we celebrate International Women's Month, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) looks back at Filipino movies that have showcased their massive influence and valuable contributions.
BARBER'S TALES (MGA KUWENTONG BARBERO, 2013)
Barber’s Tales is a drama film set in a rural town during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1975.
It follows the story of Marilou, played by Eugene Domingo, a woman who takes over her husband's job as a barber in a small rural town.
Read: Eugene Domingo named Best Actress in 26th Tokyo International Film Festival for Barber's Tales
When her husband dies, she runs the town’s only barbershop—a business that has been passed down by generations of men in her husband’s family.
She endures gender discrimination, but prevails with the help of her female support group as they surpass a politically charged situation with rebel insurgents.
Read: MOVIE REVIEW: Eugene Domingo-starrer Barber's Tales: a treasure of Philippine cinema
This movie brought honor to the Philippines through accolades received abroad.
Eugene earned the Best Actress Award at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival, while Jun Robles Lana won the Best Director Award at the 2014 Madrid International Film Festival.
The film also bagged the Crystal Mulberry Audience Award at the 2014 Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, as well as the Best Project Award at the 2013 Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum.
DIE BEAUTIFUL (2016)
Die Beautiful is directed by Jun Robles Lana. This film shows us the hidden but obvious truths behind LGBTQIA+ people growing up in a homophobic household.
It follows the story of Trisha Echevarria/Patrick played by Paolo Ballesteros, who struggles to be accepted by his family and society because of his sexual preference.
Patrick has wanted to be a girl since childhood, but his father disagrees and kicks him out of their house.
Upon leaving home, Patrick changes his name to Trisha.
In coming out as transgender, Trisha plans to fulfill her dream of becoming a beauty queen.
Read: MMFF 2016 REVIEW: Paolo Ballesteros takes a meaningful look at transgenders in Die Beautiful
This film leaves plenty of room for valuable discussion, particularly in a society that embraces the LGBTQIA+ community for entertainment value but still struggles to accept and and understand the community fully.
LIWAY (2018)
Liway was part of 14th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2018, where it bagged a special jury commendation and the audience choice award in the full-length film category.
This film is based on real-life events, telling the story of an eight-year-old boy named Dakip (Kenken Nuyad), who grew up in prison camp during the Marcos regime, and his mother Cecilia Flores-Oebanda (Glaiza de Castro), a dissident known as Commander Liway or Day.
To shield Dakip from the harsh realities of the outside world, Commander Liway tells him stories of an enchantress in the forest.
Read: Glaiza de Castro-starrer Liway becomes highest-grossing film in 14-year history of Cinemalaya
Directed by Kip Oebanda, this film exhibits the courage of a mother protecting her son’s innocence from all the horrors surrounding them.
The film is not only a love letter from Kip to his mother, but to every woman who endures all odds for their children.
BUY BUST (2018)
The highly-anticipated action thriller Buy Bust shows a commentary of the Philippines' “War on Drugs” during the Duterte regime.
Anne Curtis plays the lead role as rookie police officer Nina Manigan, who joins an anti-narcotic elite squad.
Read: Anne Curtis-starrer Buy Bust will get world premiere in this New York film fest
Their mission is to conduct a buy-bust operation in the slums of Manila.
But when things go wrong, she and her comrades fight for their survival as they face a brutal drug gang and hordes of blood-thirsty citizens.
The film proves women are capable of taking roles in movies that require courage and physical strength.
FAN GIRL (2020)
Fan Girl follows the story of a school girl named Jane, played by Charlie Dizon, who is an obsessed fan of movie star Paulo Avelino.
Read: Litrato ng prosthetic penis ni Paulo Avelino sa Fan Girl, viral sa social media
The film revolves around the concept of fandom from a feminist viewpoint. Jane knows every little detail about Paulo's biography and career, and she is proud of it.
It also dares to destroy toxic masculinity that oppresses men in today's society.
Read: An honest-to-goodness review of MMFF entry Fan Girl
Read: Charlie Dizon, Paulo Avelino win top acting honors at 4th EDDYS