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Guided by the theme "Pamanang Lokal: Binhi ng Kulturang Pilipino," the SM Malls took part in the National Heritage Month celebrations by highlighting the Philippines film tradition in its cineplexes across the country.
In partnership with Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., SM showcased a collection of critically acclaimed classic films —"Manila by Night," "Genghis Khan" and "Sonata," as well as a special screening of the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival visual spectacle, "Magikland." There was also a concert series fittingly titled "Alagad: Silang Bumuhay Sa Teatro" (A Tribute To The National Artists For The Theater).
The iconic Genghis Khan presented by FDCP Film Archives and Society of Filipino Archivist for Film (Sofia) took center stage at SM City Cagayan de Oro. This classic film, directed by Manuel Conde, is based on the life of the legendary Mongol ruler and emperor and was the earliest film to depict Genghis Khan's life. It further holds the distinction of being the first Filipino movie acclaimed in an international film festival with a technical achievement citation on its premiere at the 1952 Venice Film Festival. It likewise screened at the 1952 Edinburgh Film Festival.
At SM City North EDSA, Ishmael Bernal's Manila by Night took moviegoers back in time to the country's capital in the '80s. This restored version, again presented by FDCP and Sofia, delves into the hidden nightlife of ordinary people living in Manila.
SM City Bacolod proudly showcased the works of two homegrown filmmakers Peque Gallaga's Sonata through Pelikula Natin, and Christian Acuna's Magikland produced by Brightlight Productions and Gallaga Reyes Films. Sonata, which highlights the beauty of Negros, is a heartwarming story of failure and redemption through the healing power of love. Magikland, a Filipino fantasy adventure film and official entry to the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, revolves around four children transported to a fantasy world in a mobile game.
At the SM Mall of Asia, the Alagad concert series directed by Floy Quintos, paid tribute to National Artists in music and the performing arts.
The National Heritage Month celebration takes pride in creating among the Filipino people a consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of the nation's cultural history. And indeed, the moviegoers in participating SM Cinemas across the country felt a sense of pride in seeing the Filipino film classics and the undeniable artistry of the Filipino creative.
