Cinemalaya 21 concludes with a tribute to the late filmmaker Mike de Leon.

In celebration of the legacy and artistry of one of the most pivotal and influential figures in Philippine cinema, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will conclude its 21st edition with a special screening of Mike De Leon’s cinematic masterpiece, Kakabakaba Ka Ba? The closing night will be held at the prestigious Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinemas 1 & Premiere Theater on October 11, starting at 8:00 PM.

Helmed and co-written by the visionary Mike De Leon, together with esteemed collaborators Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr. and Raquel Villavicencio, Kakabakaba Ka Ba? is a 1980 satirical musical-comedy. The film follows the unexpected misadventures of four ordinary Filipinos who become unwitting pawns in a dangerous contraband-planting operation during their flight home. Upon their return, they find themselves entangled in a suspenseful and absurd plot orchestrated by a shadowy crime syndicate that seeks to manipulate the Filipino nation by exploiting religious symbols and artifacts from the Catholic church. Known for its sharp wit, social commentary, and inventive storytelling, Kakabakaba Ka Ba? remains a landmark film that highlights De Leon’s creative genius and the enduring vibrancy of Philippine independent cinema.

The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, headlined by Christopher De Leon, a celebrated actor often hailed as the ‘King of Philippine Drama.’ He is joined by Charo Santos-Concio, a prominent actress and media executive, Jay Ilagan, a well-respected actor known for his versatility, and Sandy Andolong, an acclaimed actress noted for her dramatic roles. Together, they skillfully portray the four principal characters, each bringing unique depth and nuance to the film’s complex narrative.

Director Mike De Leon, whose formative years were shaped by his experiences growing up in the aftermath of World War II in the Philippines, integrates themes of post-war society, identity, and morality into his body of work. His filmography is lauded for its unflinching critique of the nation’s persistent issues of governmental corruption, social injustice, and the culture of impunity. De Leon’s critically acclaimed films, such as “Batch ’81,” “Kisapmata,” and “Sister Stella L.,” have earned numerous awards on both local and international stages, solidifying his reputation as one of the Philippines’ most influential and pioneering filmmakers.

De Leon’s upbringing in the environment of LVN Pictures, a trailblazing film studio established by his grandmother, Doña Sisang (Narcisa Buencamino vda. de Leon), profoundly shaped his passion for cinema. He has openly acknowledged the impact of his family’s legacy on his creative vision and dedication to film as an art form. De Leon frequently reflects on how being surrounded by the bustling world of filmmaking from a young age informed his deep understanding of film production, scriptwriting, and artistic direction. Furthermore, he emphasizes how the turbulent sociopolitical climate of the Philippines has continually shaped his approach to storytelling—guiding his choices both behind the camera and within his screenplays, allowing him to address the realities of Filipino society through compelling visual narratives.

Mike De Leon’s significant impact on Philippine cinema continues to be celebrated. In 2022, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) presented a retrospective of De Leon’s films, including behind-the-scenes footage from Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, for which he was cinematographer.

On the international stage, De Leon’s films Kisapmata (1981) and Batch ’81 (1982) were shown at the Directors’ Fortnight during the 1982 Cannes Film Festival. His acclaimed film Sister Stella L. (1984) was the Philippines’ entry to the 1985 Venice Film Festival.

De Leon also achieved substantial local recognition. His film Kakabakaba Ka Ba? received two FAMAS awards (Best Editing and Best Sound) and five Gawad Urian awards, including Best Direction, Best Supporting Actor (Johnny Delgado), Best Editing, Best Music, and Best Sound.

Tickets are priced at Php 350 for regular and Php 250 for discounted, available at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinemas ticketing booth or online through redcarpetattheshang.com.

For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya Facebook pages and other social media accounts on X, Instagram, and TikTok.