Movies: Marilou Diaz-Abaya

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 ...

Fredo is a fisherman who has endured more than his share of hardship in life; his wife and child both perished in a boating accident, and today Fredo approaches each trip to the sea with the angry determination of a man out for revenge....

In a remote fishing island in the 50's, Pepito grows up learning the trade of his mother, Rosa, the only midwife capable of delivering the newborn babies of their community. At first, the young son doesn't mind the unusual arrangement, but as he grow...

Gruff retiree Rene rejects most human contact, but begins to soften once he comes to terms with his homosexuality....

The film explores the tension between human freedom, what people decide to do with their lives, and divine wisdom, what God asks for each person. Also starring Noel Trinidad and Sandy Andolong....

Baby Tsina a famous underworld figure during the 50's who acquired the nickname because of her ivory skin and slanting eyes. She led the police in a frenetic chase before she was convicted for murder. Ironically it was a crime she did not commit. Whi...

The episodically connected lives of four college friends unfold throughout the incipient martial law years, as they struggle to define their sexual and professional desires and how best to attain them....

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Joey comes home after nearly a decade of living in the States. With Joey back, the four friends find themselves complete again they reminisce on the good old times, marvel at the changes in each other’s lives. Indeed, a lot of things may have changed...

The fates and wisdom of five older gays and their longings for young love between envy, despair and gay porn. The director dedicates this docu-fiction film to the Philippine director Ishmael Bernal....

Milagros is a prostitute who becomes the maid of a family of four men. With them, she finds the family she never had. With her, each man finds the salvation he needs. Together, they begin to tear each other apart....

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A woman after killing her husband and his friends goes into post-traumatic shock and withdraws from any form of communication. A feminist journalist becomes interested in the case and resolves to unravel the truth behind the murders....

Rod leaves Helen for his career and she falls in love with another. Rod becomes successful and goes back to Helen who obviously still feels strongly for him. An illicit affair ensues....

Newly trusted to take over the management of a rich family's business, a poet rekindles his love for the matriarch's only daughter, a spinster who is harboring a horrific secret....

The melding together of two separate stories that share a similar premise - each detail the account of a young Filipino woman who becomes a victim of sexual violence and takes her attacker to court....

A newlywed Sol learns that her husband Roy is a psychotic who alternated between treating her tenderly and beating her up when she disobeys his orders....

Film critic Tony Rayns interviews Lino Brocka and other prominent Filipino filmmakers....

Evangeline spends most of her time working late, editing TV commercials. Her work doesn’t leave her much time to spend with her boyfriend Joey or their son. In spite of having a family, she mostly keeps to herself, enjoying her independence. But when...

Women cope with various problems while earning a living in the city....