Insiang returns to 53rd New York Film Festival

MANILA, Philippines - Having premiered in the Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, before making its way to the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines, the newly-restored version of Lino Brocka’s classic Insiang will return to the 53rd New York Film Festival (NYFF), featured in the Revivals section. Its screening is set for Sept. 28 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

It will be Insiang’s second run at the NYFF, as it was part of a retrospective during the celebrated festival’s 44th edition in 2006. The NYFF, one of the unique festivals which presents no prizes and prides itself in not being a commercial or industry event, is known for its curation, championing high aesthetic standards in its selections. Insiang producer Ruby Tiong Tan, who gave the film rights to the National Film Archives of the Philippines (NFAP), attended the film’s New York premiere nearly a decade ago.

On the coattails of the completed restoration, Insiang was selected for this year’s Cannes Classics section, paying homage to the film’s international premiere in 1978 when it was featured in the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, or Directors’ Fortnight. It had its grand return to the Festival de Cannes last May. The restoration’s premiere took place on May 16 at the Buñuel Theater to a packed audience composed of international film experts, enthusiasts, and fans of Philippine cinema.

When Insiang first premiered in Cannes, it was met with critical acclaim. Hilda Koronel, the leading actress, had a special feature in Le Monde magazine. Even back then, Insiang was well on its way to becoming the timeless classic that it is today.

In restored cinematic glory, Insiang then had its Philippine Premiere as the opening film of the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines (WPFF) last June 24. Simultaneously, the film also launched the newly-added Classics section of the festival.

Producer Tan’s decision to turn over the film rights to the NFAP catalyzed the restoration process which was completed in early 2015 by the Cineteca Di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata. The project was spearheaded through funding provided by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project.

The 53rd New York Film Festival will be held at the Film Society of Lincoln Center from Sept. 25 to Oct. 11.