LIST: Martial law 50th anniversary arts and culture events happening this Sept. 2022
It’s easy to get lost in the rabbit hole of disinformation plaguing social media nowadays. Still, no amount of historical revisionism can deny the human rights violations that took place during the Martial Law era.
The 50th anniversary of martial law in the Philippines, which was originally signed on Sept. 21 but was declared on Sept. 23, 1972, will take place this month. With that, it is only fitting for Filipinos to remember the atrocities committed during one of the darkest periods in Philippine history.
Here are a few art exhibits, free film screenings, and cultural events taking place this September to serve as a reminder to the public to #NeverForget.
Weaving Women's Words on Wounds of War at the Ateneo Art Gallery (Aug. 22 to Oct. 1)
The contemporary art exhibition titled Weaving Women's Words on Wounds of War puts the artworks of communities of women who endured various human rights violations in the course of Martial Law as its centerpiece, alongside the works of a Manila-based exhibition team.
The installations put forth the experiences of Muslim and katutubò communities when they courageously resisted the exploitation of their land and living resources against the forceful establishment of large-scale projects presented as grand national development.
The exhibition was launched on Aug. 22 and will close on Oct. 1, 2022. The exhibit is located at the 3F Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté, which is open from the weekdays until Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Online registration is required for campus access. Visit Ateneo Art Gallery’s online registration site here. There's an entrance fee of P50 per head to view the exhibit.
AlternaTV: Ang Katotohanan sa mga Marcos at Martial Law, UPFI Film Center (Sept. 17)
With the aim of shedding truth on martial law and the Marcos family, AlterMidya is bringing back the third leg of their film showing featuring two multi-award winning films. These are Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, directed by Lino Brocka which was released in 1975 and Kip Oebanda’s 2018 film titled Liway. The free streaming event will be held at the UPFI Film Center in UP Diliman on Sept. 17, 2 p.m.
UPFI would like to remind guests that they will keep a first-come, first-serve registration. On top of that they also stressed the need to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card, wear face masks, and note that they prohibit bringing of food and drinks within the facility.
Singkwenta: A Martial Law Caravan by La Salle Students for Human Rights and Democracy (Sept. 3 - 21)
Throughout the month of September, the La Salle Students for Human Rights and Democracy will be holding a series of events including film viewings, discussions, protests, and a forum - recounting the events of Martial Law and highlighting the role of the Filipino youth today in following the legacy of our People Power heroes.
Krisis at Batas Militar (Sept. 6 - 30)
Ibon Foundation will be holding a series of exhibits, forums, film screening and book launch tackling the subject of martial law from September 6 to 30, 2022. As part of their ML@50 commemoration activities, they will hold a public screening and open forum on September 10, Saturday, from 9:30 am to 12 nn, at the Cine Adarna of the UPFI Film Center. Two important documentaries from the AsiaVisions AudioVisual Collection, Arrogance of Power (1983, TRT 38 mins) and Beyond the Walls of Prison (1987, TRT 60 mins), will be screened during the event.
Lilli at Pasakalye Black Box, Legazpi City, Albay (Aug. 25 - Sept. 11)
Commemorative events are happening, not just in Manila, but all over the country. The Bicol-based theater group, Sining Banwa, preserves the sacrifices of Martial Law victim and Bantayog martyr Liliosa Hilao. She was known for her work as a student leader and for being a campus journalist. Hilao was one of the first victims of Martial Law who passed away while in a detention center.
The play is Rated PG-16 as it displays sexual assault, abuse, needles, and blood. They have shows scheduled from Aug. 25 until Sept. 11, beginning at either 2 p.m. and/or 6 p.m. Note that there is an admission fee of P250 and a limited capacity of 60 seats per show. All shows will be at the Pasakalye Black Box in Legazpi City, Albay.
Singkwenta
ML@50 is an information network established by several groups and individuals that dedicate themselves to observing the 50th anniversary of Martial Law and countering all forms of historical distortion and denialism.
In a Facebook post on Aug. 23, the group announced an event called Singkwenta, where the organizers retell the true-to-life history of martial law through songs and stories scheduled to take place on Sept. 21. For full details on the final program and events, visit their Facebook page.
ML@50: Tugon at Tindig ng Sining (Sept. 14 - 30)
NOTE: Event dates, venues, and program schedules of the commemorative events are subject to change without prior notice. For more information, PhilSTAR L!fe strongly advises guests to visit the organization’s official social media pages and websites.
