Panaghoy sa Suba

Infobox Film
name = Panaghoy sa Suba
(The Call of the River)


caption = "Panaghoy sa Suba" poster deletable image-caption
director = Cesar Montano
producer = Cesar Montano
writer = Cris Vertido
starring = Cesar Montano
Juliana Palermo
Jackie Woo
Joel Torre
Ronnie Lazaro
Rebecca Lusterio
Daria Ramirez
Caridad Sanchez
Suzette Ranillo
Disi Alba
Phil Anthony
Reiven Bulado
Dr. Warfe Engracia
Chelo Espina
Flora Gasser
Rommel Montano
Rowald Montano
Ramon Villanueva

music = Nonong Buencamino
cinematography = Ely Cruz
editing = Renato de Leon
distributor = CM Films Inc.
released = 2004
runtime = 2 hours
country = flagicon|PhilippinesPhilippines
awards = Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress
language = Visayan with English captions; Filipino; Japanese; English
budget = PhP 25,000,000.00
preceded_by =
followed_by =
amg_id =
imdb_id = 0422909

"Panaghoy sa Suba", entitled "The Call of the River" in English, also referred to as "Cry of the River" [ [http://www.nordis.net/news/2005/ndw050109/ndw050109_09suba.htm Cry me a river no more for Pinoy film industry] www.nordis.net Retrieved 4 December, 2006.] is a 2004 film produced, directed and starred by Filipino actor Cesar Montano. It features Filipino actors Juliana Palermo, Jackie Woo, Phil Anthony, Caridad Sanchez, Joel Torre, Daria Ramirez, Ronnie Lazaro, Suzette Ranillo, Rommel Montano, Dr. Warfe Engracia, Ramon Villanueva, Chelo Espina, Flora Gasser, Disi Alba and Rebecca Lusterio. [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422909/ "Panaghoy sa Suba"(The Call of the River)2004] www.imdb.com Retrieved 29 November, 2006. ]

It is an epic story set during the American Occupation (1942) and the Japanese Occupation (1945), shot amidst the virgin splendor of the island province of Bohol, Philippines mostly along and around the Loboc River which plays a significant role in the story. [http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/sb/sb003480.htm Cesar Montano's not-so-impossible dream] www.newsflash.org Retrieved 29 November, 2006.] It is a mixture of action, drama, romance, and history.

The film is Cesar Montano's directorial debut with an almost entirely Visayan cast, and perhaps the biggest film ever to be shot in its entirety in the Visayas. The film, intended for both national and international exhibition, boldly used Visayan as the main language.

It was given an "A" rating by the Cinema Evaluation Board or CEB of the Film Development Council of the Philippines and was CM Films' entry to the 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival. The CEB described Cesar Montano's direction as "meticulous but light-handed." It turned "a somewhat rambling and slow screenplay into a poetic, sometimes even magical, current of silent struggle and survival." [http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_sho/2005/jan/04-02.htm A-rating for 'Panaghoy sa Suba'] www.inq7.net Retrieved 29 November, 2006.]

The Call of the River is a multiple award-winner. It has bagged Second Best Picture (to Mano Po 3), Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score, Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award at the Metro Manila Film Festival, 2004; [ [http://www.abs-cbn.com/Entertainment/ent-123004-mmff.aspx And the winners are...] www.abs-cbn.com Retrieved 30 November, 2006. ] and Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress at Gawad Suri Awards, Manila, 2005. [ [http://www.cinemaya.net/c7-fi.asp?filmid=39&ur=af&sect1=3 The Call of the River] www.cinemaya.net Retrieved 30 November, 2006.]

"Panaghoy sa Suba", which garnered 16 awards and 11 nominations including 5 from the Metro Manila Film Festival, was also given an endorsement by the UNESCO. [http://www.thefreeman.com/lifestyle/story-20050108-26479.html Panaghoy sa Suba] www.thefreeman.com Retrieved 30 November, 2006.] It was named Best Picture at the "International Festival of Independent Films" held in Brussels, Belgium. Montano was also chosen Best Director. [ [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=21670 Two Pinoy films triumph at international film fests] www.abs-cbnnews.com Retrieved 30 November, 2006.] In addition, Montano also won Best Actor in "Panaghoy sa Suba" in the Golden Screen Awards. [ [http://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/ent-030705-awards.aspx Congrats sa mga Winners ng Golden Screen Awards] www.abs-cbn.com Retrieved 30 November, 2006.]

"Panaghoy sa Suba" was invited as an exhibition in the "Tous les Cinemas du Monde" (Movies of the World) at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005. [ [http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/sb/sb003597.htm "Panagahoy sa Suba (Call of the river)" to Cannes Filmfest] www.newsflash.org Retrieved 30 November, 2006. ] [http://www.filipinoreporter.com/archive/3319/entertain.htm Cesar Montano’s "Panaghoy..." to screen in Cannes filmfest] www.filipinoreporter.com Retrieved 30 November, 2006.] It has also been invited for exhibition in other international film festivals in Berlin, Toronto, Tokyo, Korea and in the Czech Republic’s "Karlo Vary Film Festival". It was shown at the Shanghai International Film Festival on June 11 to 19, 2005 - its second international screening after Cannes (World Cinema category, non-competition). Panaghoy was also shown at the New Delhi’s Asian Festival of Asian Cinema on July 15 to 24, 2005. [ [http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/sb/sb003612.htm More Pinoy Films To Int’l Filmfests] www.newsflash.org Retrieved 4 December, 2006.]

Plot

The film tells the story of a love-triangle set in Bohol during World War II; though the main underlying themes deals with nationalism and colonial mentality.

The entire story occurs on the island province of Bohol, located in Central Visayas, during the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines. Duroy (played by Cesar Montano) is a banca-operator-turned-guerrilla who is in love with Iset (played by Juliana Palermo), the most bewitching girl from the same village where the main thoroughfare is the river. Iset is an obedient child whose father and materialistic aunt hopes that she will marry an American businessman, instead of a local boy.

John Smith,(played by Philip Anthony) an abusive, rude and stingy landowner, has also taken notice of Iset's beauty. Iset, however, has made it plain that she likes Duroy who she asked to express his love in a letter. Duroy takes his time in trying to win the love of his life. Meanwhile, Ibô (Reiven Bulado), Duroy's brother, is also smitten with Iset and has asked to see her. Since Duroy adores his family and does not want to get in his brother's way, he stops courting Iset.

Duroy is devoted to his family, who now only consist of his mother (Daria Ramirez), Ibô and his sister, Bikay (multi-awarded former child star Rebecca Lusterio). Duroy's father left them earlier to go off with an American. Heartbroken and ill, Duroy's mother dies because they have no more money to buy medicine.

In his anger at the abusive American who tries to separate him and Iset, Ibo tries to kill John Smith, who successfully fights for his life and kills Ibo in the process. Duroy vows revenge.

When the Japanese invasion begins, Mr. Smith is drafted into the army and has to leave the village. The new Japanese commander takes control and also falls in love with Iset. Meanwhile, all the men hide in the mountains while the women and children remain with the American priest.

Years pass before Duroy and his men finally reach the end of their resources and patience, and the Filipino launch an attack against the Japanese garrison. Mr. Smith returns and Duroy attacks him but stops short of killing him. Upon seeing him again, Iset's eyes are opened to the abuses and prejudice of John Smith and refuses his offer of love.

The end implies a once-more blossoming romance between Iset and Duroy.

Cast

*Cesar Montano - Duroy
* Juliana Palermo - Iset
* Reiven Bulado - Ibô (Duroy's brother)
* Daria Ramirez - Duroy's mother
* Rebecca Lusterio - Bikay (Duroy's sister)
* Jackie Woo - Fumio Okohara
* Philip Anthony - John Smith (as Phil Anthony)
* Caridad Sanchez -Aunt Lahi
* Joel Torre - Damian
* Ronnie Lazaro -
* Suzette Ranillo - a nun
* Rommel Montano -
* Dr. Warfe Engracia -
* Ramon Villanueva -
* Chelo Espina -
* Disi Alba -

Analysis

The story of Iset and Duroy is a beautiful tale of the patience and faithfulness of true love. Duroy never ceases to love the object of his affections and continues to respect her despite the rejection and prejudice her family displays against their own people. Iset, for her part, though wooed and received much from her foreign suitors, remains attached to Duroy. She follows him even into the mountains, risking the safety of the rebels.

Iset is an image of the Philippines, a nation whose patriots fight and die for, whose affections are often turned to other nations, but who will ultimately realize that her true fulfillment will only be realized in loving her own.

It is a poignant statement against colonial mentality.

Beautiful Islands

"Panaghoy sa Suba" was shot in Bohol. The scenes showing the beauty and bounty of the river clearly speak of Cesar's love for his country. The fact that the film was almost entirely spoken in Visayan made it clear that it was a tribute to Cesar's heritage as a Filipino and a Visayan.

The scenes at the old church, the market and the river all show the true culture of the Visayans, their life and their concerns. It shows a simple life, but also one that is vulnerable to the temptation of having a "better life". Iset's Aunt Lahi (Caridad Sanchez) plays her role convincingly and naturally. She is the one who seeks a better life for Iset, by trying to marry her off to a rich and powerful foreigner.

Bikay is a revelation. The young actress gives life to every scene in which she appears. Her face is expressive, her dialogue effective and her youthful charm captivating. She is a lovely Visayan child, dedicated to her brother and devoted to her mother. She is a picture of Filipino women, who are still bound by close family ties with love and no mere sense of obligation.

Panaghoy sa Suba is like a love song proceeding from the deep recesses of a nationalistic soul. It reaches the ears of its viewers with a simple yet touching chord that makes one want to sing along.

Awards

* Metro Manila Film Festival, 2004 (won)
** Best Screenplay - Cris Vertido (won)
** Best Cinematography - Ely Cruz (won)
** Best Musical Score - Nonong Buencamino (won)
** Best Supporting Actress - Rebecca Lusterio (won)
** Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award - CM Films (won)
** Best Director - Cesar Montano (won)
** Best Picture (2nd place) [http://shop.regalfilms.com/shop/customer/pages.php?pageid=31&mode=preview Award Winning Movies MMFF] Regal Films Retrieved January 30, 2007.]
* Film Academy of the Philippine Awards, or FAP, Philippines 2005
** Best Cinematography - Ely Cruz (won)
** Best Musical Scoring - Nonog Buencamino (won)
** Best Screenplay - Cris Vertido (won)
** Best Director - Cesar Montano (nominated)
** Best Picture (nominated)
** Best Sound (nominated)
** Best Supporting Actor - Ronnie Lazaro(nominated)
** Best Supporting Actress - Daria Ramirez(nominated)
*Gawad Urian Awards, 2005
** Best Actor - Cesar Montano (won)
** Best Cinematography - Ely Cruz (won)
** Best Direction - Cesar Montano (won)
** Best Music - Nonog Buencamino (won)
** Best Picture - (won)
** Best Sound - (won)
** Best Editing - Renato de Leon (nominated)
** Best Production Design (Pinakamahusay na Disenyong Pamproduksiyon) - Allan Leyres and Ron Heri Tan (nominated)
**Best Screenplay (Pinakamahusay na Dulang Pampelikula) - Cris Vertido(nominated)
**Best Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor) - Jacky Woo (nominated)
**Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres) - Rebecca Lusterio (nominated)
**Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres) - Juliana Palermo(nominated)

References

* [http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-49/4-49-river.html A River Worth More than a Thousand Films]
* [http://www.abs-cbn.com/Entertainment/ent-122704-panaghoy.aspx Cesar's Obra]
* [http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_sho/2005/jan/04-02.htm A-rating for 'Panaghoy sa Suba'] at [http://www.inq7.net|Philippine Daily Inquirer]
* [http://www.theboholchronicle.com/searchresult.php?sid=1463&rtopic=Panaghoy%20sa%20Suba&section=1 Cesar Montano wins film award in Brussels]
* [http://www.theboholchronicle.com/searchresult.php?sid=2297&rtopic=Panaghoy%20sa%20Suba&section=1 Global search for outstanding Boholanos capped]
* [http://www.theboholchronicle.com/searchresult.php?sid=336&rtopic=Panaghoy%20sa%20Suba&section=5 Best Picture]
* [http://www.theboholchronicle.com/searchresult.php?sid=277&rtopic=Panaghoy%20sa%20Suba&section=3 Talented young actress who lives by the sea]
* [http://www.theboholchronicle.com/opinion.php?issue=23&s1=305&s2=309&s3=314&s4=324&s5=329&s6=77&s7=330&s9=&s10= The Movie “Panaghoy sa Suba”: Some Comments]
* [http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/sb/sb003480.htm Cesar Montano's not-so-impossible dream]
* [http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/sb/sb003597.htm Panaghoy sa Suba (The Call of the River) to Cannes Filmfest]
* [http://www.cinemaya.net/c7-fi.asp?filmid=39&ur=af&sect1=3 7th Festival of Asian Cinema]
* [http://www.thefreeman.com/lifestyle/story-20050108-26479.html Panaghoy sa Suba]
* [http://www.peyups.com/article.khtml?sid=3951 Movie Reviews : Panaghoy sa Suba]
* [http://www.clickthecity.com/movie/movie.asp?movid=8706 ClickTheCity - Movie Guide: "Panaghoy sa Suba"]
* [http://www.asiapacificfilm.com/ProjectDetails.php?projectID=12 Asia Pacific Film Institute Project in Focus: "Panaghoy sa Suba"]

External links

* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422909/ "Panaghoy sa Suba" (The Call of the River) 2004] at [http://www.imdb.com|Internet Movie Database]