Movies - GMA Films

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	Movies - GMA Films

GMA Network Films, Inc. is a film production company established in 1995 by GMA Network in the Philippines.

Its movie productions have reaped both critical acclaim and commercial success, among which is the Philippine Centennial offering Jose Rizal, the biggest blockbuster movie in 1998. Proving that a primary medium of entertainment can bring to light societal ills and issues, the company dared to raise the consciousness of the Filipino people with Sa Pusod ng Dagat, Sarrangola, Muro Ami
and Deathrow.

After 5 years of hibernating, the film outfit made a comeback in 2005 with the box office hit and light romantic flick Let the Love Begin
. This was followed by Lovestruck, another romantic comedy which starred the products of GMA Network's teen-icon reality search StarStruck. GMA Films is now quite active once again.

The film outfit is also into co-producing, co-distributing, etc. Here are some of the movies in which the film outfit have taken part in one way or another: Anting-Anting (1998), Guevarra: Sa batas ko walang hari (1998), My Guardian Debil (1998), May Sayad (1998), Armadong Hudas (1998), D'Sisters: Nuns of the Above (1999), Bakit Pa (1999), Kilabot at Kembot (2002), Ang Galing-Galing Mo, Babes (2002) and Magnifico (2003).

GMA Films is now repositioning itself as an entity that will complement GMA Network's programming requirements and talent development initiatives.

Alliances

Viva Films(1995-2003)
Regal Films(2005-present)

Sa Pusod ng Dagat ("In the Navel of the Sea")

Date Released: March 13, 1998

GMA Films and Film Experts, Inc.'s "Sa Pusod ng Dagat", internationally titled In the Navel of the Sea, stars Jomari Yllana with Chinchin Gutierrez and Elizabeth Oropesa. Marilou Diaz-Abaya directs the movie. The film however didn't do well in the box office but it was critically acclaimed in local and international film festivals.

Synopsis

In the remote fishing island in the 50's, Pepito (Jomari Yllana) grows up learning the trade of his mother, Rosa (Elizabeth Oropesa), the only midwife capable of delivering the newborn babies of their community. t first, the young son doesn't mind the unusual arrangement, but as he grows older, he begins to resist the role traditionally meant only for women.

In time Pepito's coming of age intersects with the lives of the other islanders whose beliefs and struggles become critical impetus to his maturity. Eventually, embarrassment and prejudices are overcome by accptance and love between mother and son.

Awards and nominations

The film received nominations and awards from different local award-giving bodies. It got two Star Awards in 1999 for Cinematographer of the Year (Romeo Vitug) and Original Screenplay of the Year (Jun Lana)

The movie had received invitations from 17 prestigious film festivals abroad, an unprecedented achievement in the history of Philippine cinema.

"Sa Pusod ng Dagat" is the country's official entry to the Singapore International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Hong Kong Film Festival, Fukuoka International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival and Oslo Film Festival. It is an entry to the film festivals in London, Cairo, Bombay, Barcelona, Haifa and New York.

The movie also made it to the Chicago International Film Festival, Montreal Film Festival, Nantes Festival of Free Continent and Chicago Film Festival. It was also the Philippine entry for Best Foreign Language Film in the Oscars.

Jose Rizal

Date Released: December 25, 1998

Jose Rizal was GMA Films' entry to the 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival. It is touted as one of the biggest films ever made in the history of Philippine cinema with a record-breaking P80-million budget despite the fact that historical films are often notorious flops during that time. GMA's faith was rewarded. Released on Christmas Day, the movie packed theaters and swept awards ceremonies. It is the most successful Philippine film of all time.

The movie depicts the life of the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, who was played by Cesar Montano. The movie was directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

Synopsis

Accused of treason, Dr. Jose P. Rizal awaits trial and meets with his colonial government-appointed counsel, Luis Taviel de Andrade. The two build the case and arguments for the defense as significant events in the central figure's life prior to his incarceration unfold. Upon hearing Rizal's life story, Taviel begins to realize that the accused not just is innocent but exhibits in fact all the qualities of an extraordinary man. When the mock trial unreels, Taviel is all set to act as the prime advocate for his client as Rizal himself is about to give an earth-moving speech to defend his honor and address his countrymen. Meanwhile, the Spanish authorities have worked out the vast political machinery to ensure a guilty verdict. A revolution waits in the wings.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for GMA Films ]

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