A major collaboration between two greats of Filipino cinema, Lino Brocka and Nora Aunor, Bona has remained largely unseen since its release in 1980, its elements long believed lost.

‍

Selected in 1981 for the Directors’ Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival, the film is closely tied to its lead actress and producer, Nora Aunor, who recently passed away in April of this year. As the first superstar to not embody Western standards of beauty, Nora, then aged 28, was adored by the working-class from which she came. Her role in Bona, a film she produced in the hopes of being recognized as a “serious” artist, flips the script of her life. Lino Brocka strips away her star status by casting her as a girl who gives up everything – her family and social status – to get closer to her idol Gardo.

‍
‍

As in Insiang or Manila in the Claws of Light, Brocka excels in grounding his melodrama in a vivid social context (the daily life in a slum, filmed in quasi-seclusion), yet steering clear of making poverty the sole focus of the film. Facing an impressive Phillip Salvador (Jaguar) portraying a selfish monster, Nora Aunor’s reminds of Adèle H. – a character blinded by unrequited love. Seldom seen and unavailable since its initial release, Bona embarks on a new life on the big screen in a stunning 4K restoration!

‍

‍

Presented in partnership with Anakbayan LA, the local chapter of the comprehensive national democratic mass organization of Filipino youth and students in the U.S, who will provide a contextual introduction to Nora Aunor's history of activism and support for the Philippine National Democratic movement.

‍

‍

‍

‍

dir. Lino Brocka, 1980
Philippines, digital projection
86 mins

‍

‍

New 4k restoration courtesy of Kani Releasing.