The Presidential Proclamation of National Artists for 2022 serves as a victory for Philippine Cinema and gave us a number of firsts. Three artists from the film sector were conferred the great honor of being inducted into the Order of the National Artists of the Philippines, the highest national recognition bestowed upon Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to the development and promotion of the country’s art and culture.
As the national film agency, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) congratulates the new National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Nora Aunor, and Ricky Lee. Indeed, many milestones have been reached with them as the first female film director, the first film actress, and the first screenwriter hailed as respective National Artists. Director Diaz-Abaya and Miss Aunor’s conferment symbolize a win, not just for the film industry, but also for the women who have, through the decades, enriched and empowered Philippine Cinema by finding their voices and taking their rightful place at the table.
On behalf of the film industry, the FDCP would like to express its sincerest thanks to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) who jointly administer the Order conferred by the Office of the President of the Philippines.
FDCP Chairperson and CEO Undersecretary Liza Dino extends her exhilaration at the news of the proclamation. “This is such inspiring news for all of us in the industry. Though we all work hard here for the love of the craft, for the upliftment of film workers in the Philippines, or just to have a means of livelihood—this affirmation is a boost to the morale of the film sector who has been recovering not just from the economic ravages of the pandemic, but also from the years of neglect. We, as a sector, are being seen.”
“I had the privilege of being able to personally work and be acquainted with these three legends. Ate Guy has always been a staunch supporter of the FDCP programs. It was under Direk Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s tutelage that I finished my basic and advanced filmmaking course. And Sir Ricky Lee, of course, has been FDCP’s Camera Obscura Excellence Award recipient last 2019. During the celebration of Sine Sandaan, all of them were hailed as Sine Sandaan’s icons. Simply for this fact of knowing them, their work ethic, and their passion for the craft—I am deeply honored and inspired,” she adds.
National Artist Nora Aunor, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life, has been a part of national consciousness for many decades, from her breakthrough performance as a young singer, to teen movie star, toward her maturity as a consummate actress whose name has become synonymous to an unparalleled level of craftsmanship in the field of the performing arts. As a multi-awarded actress, Ms. Nora Aunor has been exemplary in her depiction of Filipinos’ everyday realities and aspirations in some of the most important Filipino films such as Himala, Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, and The Flor Contemplacion Story.
National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya is one of the pioneers of the country’s “Second Golden Age of Cinema” and is seen as a feminist filmmaker because of her films that reflect women’s aspirations and sentiments which depicts strong, nuanced women characters. She used her platform to interrogate the exploitative and diluted image of women in cinema. She directed several critically-acclaimed films such as Brutal, Moral, Karnal, and later, the acclaimed Muro-Ami and the biographical film Jose Rizal.
A man of many talents, National Artist Ricardo “Ricky” Lee is also a playwright, a fictionist, a journalist, and an educator, aside from being an award-winning screenwriter for film and television. He has written over a hundred Filipino films such as classics The Flor Contemplacion Story, Anak, Himala, Moral, Karnal, Sa Kuko ng Agila, and many more unforgettable titles. As one of the most prolific writers in the Philippines, he generously extends his many gifts to the hundreds of students he has mentored over the years in his writing workshops.
The FDCP also extends its congratulations to our new National Artists Antonio “Tony” Mabesa (Theater), Fides Cuyugan (Music), Gimeno Abad (Literature), Agnes Locsin (Dance), and Salvacion Lim-Higgins (Fashion). May they all ever be beacons of hope, truth, and inspiration to the arts and the country.
Mabuhay ang ating mga bagong Pambansang Alagad ng Sining!
PRIDE & PULCHRITUDE 