DIGITALLY RESTORED ‘ITIM’ AT QCINEMA
Filipinos can watch the digitally restored version of Mike de Leon’s film classic “Itim” (The Rites of May), which earned Charo Santos her first Best Actress award at the 1978 Asian Film Festival.
This year’s QCinema, which will run from Nov. 17 to Nov. 26, is screening “Itim” as one of the main titles in its Digitally Restored Classics category. “Itim” was the first film directed by Mike and the first film in which Charo played the lead role. It also stars Tommy Abuel, Mario Montenegro, Mona Lisa and Susan Valdez.
Film language
In an interview, Charo said she considers Mike one of her dearest mentors throughout her career as an actress and a producer. She said, “I respect his artistry. I admire him because he has a handle on his narrative and understands the film language. Everything I learned about filmmaking, I learned from Mike.”
“Itim” retells the story of a budding photographer Jun (Tommy), and how he documents the locals’ Lenten rituals during his return to his provincial hometown. He then meets a mysterious woman named Teresa (Charo).
But as soon as she opens up to him about her life, she is suddenly possessed by the spirit of her sister Rosa (Susan), whose untimely death was unknown to their family. Through her sister’s restless soul, Teresa recounts the unsolved mystery behind Rosa’s disappearance.
Catch “Itim” at the 10th QCinema International Film Festival from Nov. 17 to Nov. 26 at Gateway Cineplex and Power Plant Cinema. For screening schedules, visit facebook.com/ QCinemaPH.