'Katips: The Movie,' a film on the struggles of student activists during martial law, hits cinemas on August 3

It looks like two movies about martial law and the Marcoses are hitting cinemas on August 3.

Based on the 2016 stage musical Katips: Ang Mga Bagong Katipunero, Katips: The Movie explores the experiences of student activists during martial law.

It follows a group of rebels who endure trials and tribulations under the oppressive regime. Love blossoms amid the chaos and this is tested time and time again. 

The film, which was first screened on November 27 and December 3, 2021, garnered 17 nominations in this year's Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS), including nods for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and more.

Katips, directed and starred in Atty. Vince Tañada, features Jerome Ponce, Nicole Laurel, Adelle Ibarrientos, Johnrey Rivas, Mon Confiado, Joshua Balot, Vean Olmedo, Dexter Doria, Lou Veloso, OJ Arci, Dindo Arroyo, Afi Africa, Patricia Ismael, Chris Lin, and the Philippine Stagers Foundation.

During a press conference, Tañada said that it's no coincidence that Katips' cinematic release coincides with Maid in Malacañang, a dramedy about the last 72 hours of the Marcos family inside the Palace before they fled to Hawaii during the 1986 People Power Revolution. The flick is said to be shared through the eyes of a "reliable source" and is intended to show a lighter, more carefree side of the first family.

"Nilabanan ko talaga yung Maid in Malacañang," Tañada said during a press conference on July 28.

"China-challenge tayo into kaya nagreact ng ganun si Direk Joel [Lamangan]. Sabi ni Direk na gagawa siya ng mga pelikula, eh eto nagawa na namin way back 2021. So sabi ko, now is the time."