Why the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino persists?

One of the critics’ groups, the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) is celebrating its golden jubilee.

Founded in 1976 by ten progressive visionaries of arts and culture, namely, Mario A. Hernando, Bienvenido Lumbera, Pio de Castro III, Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr., Manny Pichel, Behn Cervantes, Nicanor G. Tiongson, Hammy Sotto, Justino Dormiendo and Nestor U. Torre, MPP has persisted to this day as a credible and a socially committed award-giving body.

MPP was a seemingly reaction to the old established order of film criticism and awarding in the movie art and business.

One of the most striking criteria on the choice of Best Film of the Manunuri is its emphasis on the Filipino experience reflected on the screen.

The choice of the MPP on Best Film, for instance, is based on artistic merit, technical excellence and how cinema enriches the audience’s human experience.

In other words, the Gawad Urian examines the film and how it resonates to the Filipino experience.

Sensibility and sensitivity to the human condition of the Filipino in relation to the social milieu is one gauge of the group’s vision of change in the way the audience views cinema.

The MPP has been here for nearly its fifty years and no matter how hard cynics and harsh critics put them down they are still around and contributing significant changes in our film appreciation.

Urian believes in the simplicity and straightforwardness of giving out awards and recognitions.

Its annual awards activities are short but meaningful.

No glittery effects but in reality, they shine and radiate to the most number of people in a deeper commitment.

For the Manunuri, a film is first and foremost a product or an artefact like a soap bar or a tooth paste.

A film has to be utilitarian to the life of a moviegoer.

The MPP is a mediator between the film as a consumerist item and the moviegoers as market.

It suggests or gives pieces of advice to the cinema ticket buyer or filmgoer on how advantageous or disadvantageous a film could be for the individual.

That is why the criticism of a Manunuri is essential to the judgement of the filmgoer.

Has the film changed the outlook of the moviegoer for the betterment of life in general? Has it helped clear the dilemma found in watching the problem the film has presented etc.?

The role of a film critic is important in deciding what film to watch so better consult a Manunuri before buying your cinema tickets.

You think it’s impossible?

Not really.

When one is indeed a conscientious individual, going to the movies with the Urian guideposts are reminders.