CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — Multi-awarded film director Brilliante Mendoza minced no words when he admitted that he was “hurt” by the lackadaisical performance of the movie “Thy Womb” in the box office during the Metro Manila Film Festival last December. The movie is currently being shown at the SM Cinemas here.
During the press conference of the movie at the SM City Clark last Friday, Mendoza explained that the movie-going public is not yet ready for such films preferring instead comedies, action-fantasy films and movie heartthrobs with box-office attractions.
In this particular movie, Mendoza showcases the lifestyle of the Badjaos with their existing economic deprivation amidst the backdrop of the natural beauty and rich resources of Tawi-Tawi.
Mendoza said he was timid at first to do a movie in Tawi-Tawi sharing most Pinoys’ sentiments that Mindanao is a violent and dangerous place especially Tawi-Tawi where extremists are often known to rule. “Baka hindi na tayo makabalik (We might not be able to come back),” he remembered saying then.
However, Mendoza said he was flabbergasted when he landed in the island-province. He said his first reaction was: “Uy ang ganda pala dito (It’s so beautiful here).” He added that the Badjaos in Tawi-Tawi have a very beautiful culture and they are so nice. Christians, Catholics, Muslims they live together peacefully, he said.
Mendoza said they went to Tawi-Tawi at least five times with his cinematographer, writer and line producer until they discovered the story of “Shaleha” whom they felt would represent the Badjao culture and their simple lifestyle.
“Shalela (Nora Aunor) is a Badjao midwife in Tawi-Tawi. Aging and still smarting from three miscarriages in the past, she agonizes over her failure to bear a child.
She feels that her husband Bangas-An (Bembol Roco) desires to be a father. She struggles to cope with the irony of her own infertility amidst the deprivation of her community.
To fulfil her husband’s only wish and to be blessed by Allah—in her belief that having a child is a tangible proof of divine grace—Shaleha resolves to find a new partner for her husband. And so, the story goes.
