This Is My Country (film)

This Is My Country (Filipino: Bayan ko: Kapit sa patalim) is a 1984 Filipino drama film that is directed by Lino Brocka. The film was entered into the 1984 Cannes Film Festival.[1] It was selected as the Philippine entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 58th Academy Awards, but was not nominated.[2]

This Is My Country
Theatrical release poster
Directed byLino Brocka
Produced byVéra Belmont
Written byJose F. Lacaba
Based on
  • A Strike
    by Jose F. Lacaba
  • Host or Hostage
    by Jose Carreon
StarringPhillip Salvador
Music byJess Santiago
CinematographyConrado Baltazar
Edited by
  • Ike Jarlego Jr.
  • Roberto Yujeco
  • Hero Reyes
Production
company
  • Malaya Films
  • Stéphan Films
Release date
Running time
108 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino

Plot

Arturo "Turing" Manalastas (Phillip Salvador) together with his wife, Luz (Gina Alajar), works in a printing press. Turing was later forced to ask for a raise from his boss after his wife became pregnant. Turing's boss asked him to sign a waiver that he is not a member of any labor union. Shortly after, his friends invited him to be part of a labor union that they are planning to form but Turing has no option but to refuse due to his waiver. Turing was badly treated and was called a traitor after refusing to join. The printing press later closed and Luz is unable to get discharged from the hospital where she is confined due to pending fees. Turing needs money to pay the hospital bill so Luz can finally get out from the hospital and turns to crime to acquire the money he needs.[3]

Cast

Naming

The native name of the film "Bayan ko: Kapit sa patalim" was derived from Bayan Ko, a protest song and "Kapit sa Patalim" (Gripping unto a Blade) came from the Filipino saying "Ang taong nagigipit, kahit sa patalim kumakapit" (A desperate person will even grip unto a blade).[3]

Release

The film included actual footage of demonstration which censors did not let the film to be screened in the Philippines. Director Lino Brocka appealed the Supreme Court to let the film be screened in the country. After about a year after it screening at the Cannes Film Festival, it was screened in the Philippines in November 1985.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Festival de Cannes: Bayan Ko: My Own Country". festival-cannes.com. Retrieved 22 June 2009.
  2. Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
  3. "Dekada Cinemanila ends with "Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim"". PEP.ph. 29 October 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
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