ABS-CBN to screen restored version of Romy Vitug's 'Mga Bilanggong Birhen' online
Looking for some vintage films to watch on movie night?
In honor of veteran cinematographer Romeo "Romy" Vitug, ABS-CBN Film Restoration is set to screen a digitally improved version of one of his classic projects, Mga Bilanggong Birhen, for the latest edition of its Sagip Pelikula Spotlight series online.
Directed by Mario O'Hara and Romy Suzara, the period drama film revolves around a revolutionary group called the Pulajanes and how they're struggling to change the ongoing injustices caused by the ruling class. In the middle of the conflict are sisters Cecilia and Milagros, who become captives for tarnishing their family's name.
Mga Bilanggong Birhen is one of Vitug's earliest works in his extensive career in the film industry and serves as a social commentary about the American colonial era in the 1920s.
Aside from this, the established cinematographer has also showcased his brilliance in films such as Burlesk Queen Ngayon, Sa Pusod ng Dagat, Sana Maulit Muli, and The Flor Contemplacion Story, according to his profile on IMDb.
With his awe-inspiring visual prowess, Vitug has received multiple awards and recognitions during his career. He was recognized as a lifetime achievement awardee by the Cinemanila International Filmfest in 2000, a Gawad Urian recipient in 2016, and a hall-of-fame inductee by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in 2019.
He is also an eager supporter of restoring classic Filipino films for the appreciation of the younger generation, which is why he is more than grateful to have Mga Bilanggong Birhen restored and screened for modern film enthusiasts.
"I feel so happy to see these restored titles, and it makes me feel like we'd just shot the scenes a while ago. I would have hoped that there were these restoration efforts during my time, just as Sagip Pelikula is currently doing," Romy shared in an interview.
Starring Alma Moreno and Trixia Gomez, Mga Bilanggong Birhen is now streaming on KTX and you can get tickets on their website for P150. If you want to see more of his masterpieces, his films Sa Aking Mga Kamay and Ooops Teka Lang… Diskarte Ko 'To! are also available on KTX.