The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
He has definitely left a void in the canvas of Philippine cinema which is waiting to be painted on in an open-ended impressionistic fashion.
The death of iconic film director Mike de Leon has suspended other hues and shades to contribute to the meaningful images the local movie industry has been portraying since time immemorial.
Hopefully, there will be filmmakers who will follow the footsteps of Mike who gave us a few but exceptional films like “Sister Stella L” (1984), “Bilanggo sa Dilim” (1986), “Aliwan Paradise“ (1992), “Bayaning Third World” (2000), “Citizen Jake” (2018) etc.
Mike was the epitome of a master who never backed out from principled struggle in and out of show business.
He was with now National Artist for Film Lino Brocka in their fight for national liberation until they won it.
In time of the authoritarian regime of Rodrigo Duterte, Mike was in the frontline in fighting its wrongdoings.
He might be reclusive but it didn’t deter him to come out to fight for the good of the many.
He might be from the privileged class and selective of people to talk with but he was just judicious not to commit blunders .
Charo’s last moments with Mike
One of the actors Mike spoke to before he kicked the bucket was his protégé in many years, the accomplished artist and arts manager, Charo Santos-Concio.
De Leon’s first directorial work, “Itim” (1976), he chose Charo as his lead star at the time she was still sporting the name Charo Santos.
From then on, Mike and Charo had worked and personally collaborated in a lot of things.
The other two major films of the actress were directed by de Leon, namely, “Kakaba-kaba Ka Ba?” (1980) and “Kisapmata” (1981).
In 1985, Charo put up a movie outfit called Vanguard Films which produced a komiks material, “Hindi Nahahati ang Langit” based on the story by Nerissa Cabral from the screenplay by Mia Concio and although Charo didn’t star in the film but helmed just the same by Mike.
In their recent encounters, mostly collaborations of Casa Grande Vintage Filipino Cinema and ABS-CBN for restoration of old films, Santos-Concio vividly remembered de Leon. “I will never forget the last time we spoke, as we were preparing a film together, its working title: Unfinished Business. He said, ‘I don’t think I will live to finish this film because of my condition, so I don’t even want to start it.’ Heartbreaking words from a man who had devoted his entire life to cinema and to truth,” noted Charo in her eulogy.
Films as mirrors
Here’s Santos-Concio’s memorial full texts for Mike:
“Today, I lost a dear friend.
“Mike was my very first mentor in the art and discipline of filmmaking. From him I learned everything, the rigor of preparing a shot list, the mounting of scenes, the rhythm of narrative, the editing, the discipline of sound, music, and mixing back when motion picture was shot on actual film. He was a perfectionist, a genius, and a true master of cinema. Yet beyond his brilliance, Mike was my friend. He gave me trust, guidance, and unforgettable moments of collaboration. Through the years, he was unfailingly present at milestones and even in the most challenging seasons of my life. In my darkest hours, he was there, quiet, steady, kind. Ours was a bond that felt like soulmates in artistry, a connection built on respect and admiration.
“He gave us films that were not merely watched, but deeply felt, etched into who we are. ‘Kisapmata,’ ‘Batch ’81,’ ‘Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising’… were never just films; they were mirrors, unflinching in their truth, forcing us to confront ourselves and the world we live in.
“Mike’s departure feels like a scene cut too soon, an unfinished business. And yet, in truth, his work is complete. His films will forever illuminate our history, our fears, and our dreams.
“Paalam (Farewell), Mike. Maraming salamat (Thanks a lot). Rest in power.”
“Nagmamahal (Lovingly Yours), Charo!”
(Boy Villasanta)