Bona (film)

1980 drama film by Lino Brocka

Bona

Official poster of the film for the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival

Directed by| Lino Brocka
Written by| Cenen Ramones
Produced by| Nora Villamayor
Starring|

* Nora Aunor
* Phillip Salvador

Cinematography| Conrado Baltazar
Edited by| Augusto Salvador
Music by| Max Jocson

Production
company

NV Productions

Distributed by| NV Productions

Release date

* December 25, 1980 (1980-12-25)

Running time

| 85 minutes
Country| Philippines
Language| Filipino
Box office| ₱13 million

Bona is a 1980 Filipino drama film directed by Lino Brocka from a story and screenplay written by Cenen Ramones. Starring Nora Aunor as the title character, the film tells the story of a young girl infatuated with a bit actor, played by Phillip Salvador. Aunor also produced the film through her production company, NV Productions.

The film was one of the official entries to the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival, and subsequently premiered at the Directors' Fortnight of the 1981 Cannes International Film Festival. Aunor received her second Gawad Urian for Best Actress for her role.

In 2024, the digitally restored version of the film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival during the Cannes Classics section. It had its local Philippine premiere as the closing film of the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival.[1]

## Cast

[edit]

* Nora Aunor as Bona
* Phillip Salvador as Gardo
* Raquel Montesa as Nancy
* Rustica Carpio as Nena, Bona's mother
* Marissa Delgado as Katrina
* Venchito Galvez as Domeng, Bona's father
* Nanding Josef as Nilo
* Spanky Manikan as Bona's brother
* Archi Adamos as Tambay
* Rene Hawkins as Rene
* Joel Lamangan as Director
* The PETA Kalinangan Ensemble
* Naty Mallares

## Production

[edit]

### Writing

[edit]

Cenen Ramones, the film's writer, originally wrote Bona as a teleplay for a television series Babae, with Laurice Guillen playing the title role.[2] When the teleplay was adapted for film, director Lino Brocka decided to make changes, with the film being focused on Bona's obsession with Gardo, instead of the love angle.[2] Brocka believed that Bona's infatuation with Gardo was deemed "too standard".[2]

## Release

[edit]

The film was an official entry to the 6th Metro Manila Film Festival. It has its international premiere at the 34th Cannes Film Festival on May 1981, as part of the Directors' Fortnight.[3] This marked the second appearance of director Lino Brocka at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight, following the premiere of Insiang at the 29th Cannes Film Festival in May 1976.[4]

### Restoration

[edit]

After its initial release in 1980, the film remained largely unseen.[5] Amongst Philippine film circles, it was believed that the film was lost after negatives and prints of films produced by NV Productions were destroyed in a fire.[3]

The restoration of Bona was led by French distribution company Carlotta Films, headed by its CEO and co-founder Vincent Paul-Boncour, and Kani Releasing. In his search for an original copy, Paul-Boncour learned of original negatives that were stored with a Paris film lab following its original Cannes premiere. The discovery was initially made by film historian Jose B. Capino, during his research for a book on director Lino Brocka, after interviewing Cannes film scout Pierre Rissient. The film restoration was carried out at Cité de Mémoire, with sound restoration handled by L.E. Diapason.[3][6] In 2023, the first 20 minutes of the restoration was screened at the Marché du Film in Cannes, France.[3][7]

The fully restored film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival as part of the Cannes Classics section.[6][8] earning raves from Oscar winning filmmaker Sean Baker and other Festival attendees.[9] It had its local Philippine premier as the closing film of the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival.[1][5] The film was also screened at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the TIFF Classics section.[10]

## Reception

[edit]

### Critical reception

[edit]

Bona has been considered as one of the Philippines' greatest movies. It was also cited as one of "The Best 100 Films in the World" by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, USA, in 1997 and has been screened in different film festivals around the world, albeit receiving mixed reviews.

In a contemporary review for The New York Times, critic Lawrence Van Gelder noted the film was interesting as a glimpse of Philippine life, but found fault in the directing and writing for failing to give valid explanations to the obsession.[11]

Barbara Wurm, Berlin- and Vienna-based film historian, critic, and programmer, described Philippine cinema's Superstar as "the awesome Nora Aunor", during the film's screening at the 47 Vienna International Film Festival in 2009.[12][13][14]

Upon the release of the restoration at the Cannes Classics, Bona received positive comments and reviews.[15]

### Accolades

[edit]

Year  | Group  | Category  | Nominee  | Result

|
|
|
|

1982  | Figueira da Foz International Film Festival  | Premio de le Juri de la Federacion Internationale des Cine Clubs (Jury Prize of the International Federation of Cinema Clubs)  |  | Won
1981  | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards | Best Actress  | Nora Aunor  | Nominated
Gawad Urian Awards (Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino) | Best Actress  | Nora Aunor  | Won
Best Actor  | Philip Salvador  | Nominated
Best Director  | Lino Brocka  | Nominated
Best Picture  |  | Nominated

## Adaptations

[edit]

In 2012, as part of its 45th season, the Philippine Educational Theater Association staged a contemporary adaptation written by Layeta Bucoy and directed by Socrates 'Soxie" Tapacio. Eugene Domingo played Bona, while EA Guzman played Gino Sanchez, the stage counterpart of the film's Gardo.[16]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Tariman, Pablo A. (August 10, 2024). "Brocka's restored 'Bona' closes 20th Cinemalaya". VERA Files. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
2. ^ a b c Hernando, Mario (1993). Lino Brocka: The Artist and His Times. Cultural Center of the Philippines. pp. 234–236\. ISBN 9789718546161. Retrieved April 25, 2025 - via Google Books.
3. ^ a b c d Napales, Ruben (May 14, 2024). "[Only IN Hollywood] 43 years later, Nora Aunor's 'Bona' returns to Cannes". Rappler. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
4. ^ "'Bona' by Lino Brocka to be screened at Cannes 2024". GMA News Online. May 1, 2024.
5. ^ a b "BONA COMES HOME". Cultural Center of the Philippines. August 8, 2024.
6. ^ a b Frater, Frater (May 14, 2024). "Lino Brocka's Cannes Classic 'Bona,' With Philippines' Female Superstar Nora Aunor, Set for Release in U.S., Franc". Variety. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
7. ^ "Marché du Film is back with a vengeance". Manila Bulletin. May 28, 2023. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
8. ^ "Lino Brocka's Cannes Classic 'Bona,' With Philippines' Female Superstar Nora Aunor, Set for Release in U.S., France". Variety Magazine. Variety. May 14, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
9. ^ "Hollywood filmmaker Sean Baker, others rave over restored 'Bona' film in Cannes". GMA Network. GMA News Online. May 23, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
10. ^ Vlessing, Etan (August 8, 2024). "Toronto Film Fest Adds Wang Bing, Roberto Minervini, Miguel Gomes Films to Wavelengths". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
11. ^ Van Gelder, Lawrence (September 19, 1984). "'BONA' GIVES A GLIMPSE OF LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINES". The New York Times. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
12. ^ Wurm, Barbara (April 5, 2010). "Leftist Glamour? or, Home Runs and Explorations: The 47th Viennale: Vienna International Film Festival". Archived from the original on April 9, 2010. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
13. ^ Foerster, Lukas (October 29, 2009). "CARGO auf der Viennale". Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
14. ^ "RacsOview: Bona (1980)". Retrieved January 24, 2013.[permanent dead link]
15. ^ Nepales, Ruben (May 23, 2024). "[Only IN Hollywood] Restored 'Bona' draws raves as biggest Filipino delegation gathers at Cannes". Rappler. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
16. ^ "Bona: From screen to stage". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Tobias, Mel. One hundred acclaimed Tagalog movies. Canada: Peanut Butter Publishing, 1998.

## External links

[edit]

* Bona at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Films directed by Lino Brocka

* Santiago! (1970)
* Dipped in Gold (1971)
* Stardoom (1971)
* Weighed But Found Wanting (1974)
* Three, Two, One (1974)
* Manila in the Claws of Light (1975)
* Insiang (1976)
* My Father, My Mother (1978)
* Rubia Servios (1978)
* Jaguar (1979)
* Whore of a Mother (1979)
* Mother, Sister, Daughter (1979)
* Nakaw Na Pag-ibig (1980)
* Angela Markado (1980)
* Bona (1980)
* Cain and Abel (1982)
* This Is My Country (1984)
* Pasan Ko ang Daigdig (1987)
* Maging Akin Ka Lamang (1987)
* Macho Dancer (1988)
* Natutulog Pa ang Diyos (1988)
* 3 Mukha ng Pag-ibig (segment "Katumbas ng Kahapon", 1989)
* Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita (1989)
* Fight for Us (1989)
* Kailan Mahuhugasan ang Kasalanan? (1989)
* Gumapang Ka sa Lusak (1990)
* Biktima (1990)
* A Plea to God (1991)
* Kislap sa Dilim (1991)
* Sa Kabila ng Lahat (1991)

* v
* t
* e

Metro Manila Film Festival

* Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

By year|

* 1975
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Merit awards|

* Best Picture
* Best Director
* Best Actor
* Best Actress
* Best Supporting Actor
* Best Supporting Actress
* Best Child Performer
* Best Screenplay
* Best Original Story
* Best Cinematography
* Best Editing
* Best Musical Score
* Best Original Theme Song
* Best Production Design
* Best Sound Engineering
* Best Visual Effects
* Best Make-up Artist
* Most Gender-Sensitive Film
* Best Float

Special awards|

* Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award
* Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence

Short film awards|

* Best Short Film
* Special Jury Prize
* Best Director
* Best Screenplay

Spin-offs|

* Summer Film Festival
* 2020
* 2023

Best Picture

1975–2000|

* Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw Na Lupa (1975)
* Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976)
* Burlesk Queen (1977)
* Atsay (1978)
* Kasal-kasalan, Bahay-bahayan tied with Ina Ka ng Anak Mo (1979)
* Taga sa Panahon (1980)
* Kisapmata (1981)
* Himala (1982)
* Karnal (1983)
* Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984)
* Paradise Inn (1985)
* Halimaw sa Banga (only the 3rd Best Picture was announced) (1986)
* Olongapo, The Great American Dream (1987)
* Patrolman (1988)
* Imortal (1989)
* Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990)
* Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. (1991)
* Andres Manambit: Angkan ng Matatapang (1992)
* Kung Mawawala Ka Pa (1993)
* no winner (1994)
* Muling Umawit ang Puso (1995)
* Magic Temple (1996)
* Nasaan ang Puso (1997)
* José Rizal (1998)
* Muro-Ami (1999)
* Tanging Yaman (2000)

2001–present|

* Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001)
* Mano Po (2002)
* Crying Ladies (2003)
* Mano Po III: My Love (2004)
* Blue Moon (2005)
* Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On (2006)
* Resiklo (2007)
* Baler (2008)
* Ang Panday (2009)
* Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!) (2010)
* Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011)
* One More Try (2012)
* 10,000 Hours (2013)
* Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (2014)
* Walang Forever (2015)
* Sunday Beauty Queen (2016)
* Ang Larawan (2017)
* Rainbow's Sunset (2018)
* Mindanao (2019)
* Fan Girl (2020)
* Big Night! (2021)
* Deleter (2022)
* Firefly (2023)
* Green Bones (2024)

Best Director

1975–2000|

* Augusto Buenaventura (1975)
* Eddie Romero (1976)
* Celso Ad. Castillo (1977)
* Eddie Garcia (1978)
* Lino Brocka (1979)
* Marilou Diaz-Abaya (1980)
* Mike De Leon (1981)
* Ishmael Bernal (1982)
* Willie Milan (1983)
* Mario O'Hara (1984)
* Lino Brocka (1985)
* Mario O'Hara (1986)
* Artemio Marquez (1987)
* Laurice Guillen (1988)
* Eddie Garcia (1989)
* Gil Portes (1990)
* Elwood Perez (1991)
* Ike Jarlego, Jr. (1992)
* Jose Javier Reyes (1993)
* No winner (1994)
* Joel Lamangan (1995)
* Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes (1996)
* Chito S. Roño (1997)
* Marilou Diaz-Abaya (1998)
* Marilou Diaz-Abaya (1999)
* Laurice Guillen (2000)

2001–present|

* Chito S. Roño (2001)
* Joel Lamangan (2002)
* Mark Meily (2003)
* Cesar Montano (2004)
* Jose Javier Reyes (2005)
* Jose Javier Reyes (2006)
* Cesar Apolinario (2007)
* Mark Meily (2008)
* Joel Lamangan (2009)
* Wenn V. Deramas (2010)
* Tikoy Aguiluz (2011)
* Brillante Mendoza (2012)
* Joyce Bernal (2013)
* Dan Villegas (2014)
* Erik Matti (2015)
* Erik Matti (2016)
* Paul Soriano (2017)
* Joel Lamangan (2018)
* Brillante Mendoza (2019)
* Antoinette Jadaone (2020)
* Jun Lana (2021)
* Mikhail Red (2022)
* Pepe Diokno (2023)

Best Actor

1975–2000|

* Joseph Estrada (1975)
* Christopher de Leon (1976)
* Rolly Quizon (1977)
* No winner (1978)
* Raul Aragon (1979)
* Dindo Fernando (1980)
* Vic Silayan (1981)
* Christopher de Leon (1982)
* Anthony Alonzo (1983)
* Herbert Bautista (1984)
* Anthony Alonzo (1985)
* Mario O'Hara (1986)
* Anthony Alonzo (1987)
* Baldo Marro (1988)
* Christopher de Leon (1989)
* Dolphy (1990)
* Eric Quizon (1991)
* Aga Muhlach (1992)
* Aga Muhlach (1993)
* Roi Vinzon (1994)
* Richard Gomez (1995)
* Jomari Yllana (1996)
* Christopher de Leon (1997)
* Cesar Montano (1998)
* Christopher de Leon (1999)
* Johnny Delgado (2000)

2001–present|

* Cesar Montano (2001)
* Eddie Garcia (2002)
* Eric Quizon (2003)
* Christopher de Leon (2004)
* Marvin Agustin (2005)
* Cesar Montano (2006)
* Jinggoy Estrada (2007)
* Christopher de Leon (2008)
* Bong Revilla (2009)
* Dolphy (2010)
* Dingdong Dantes (2011)
* Dingdong Dantes (2012)
* Robin Padilla (2013)
* Derek Ramsay (2014)
* Jericho Rosales (2015)
* Paolo Ballesteros (2016)
* Derek Ramsay (2017)
* Dennis Trillo (2018)
* Allen Dizon (2019)
* Paulo Avelino (2020)
* Christian Bables (2021)
* Ian Veneracion (2022)
* Cedrick Juan (2023)

Best Actress

1975–2000|

* Charito Solis (1975)
* Hilda Koronel (1976)
* Vilma Santos (1977)
* Nora Aunor (1978)
* Lolita Rodriguez (1979)
* Nora Aunor (1979)
* Amy Austria (1980)
* Vilma Santos (1981)
* Nora Aunor (1982)
* Coney Reyes (1983)
* Nora Aunor (1984)
* Vivian Velez (1985)
* Liza Lorena (1986)
* Melanie Marquez (1987)
* Amy Austria (1988)
* Vilma Santos (1989)
* Nora Aunor (1990)
* Nora Aunor (1991)
* Gina Alajar (1992)
* Dawn Zulueta (1993)
* Kimberly Diaz (1994)
* Nora Aunor (1995)
* Amy Austria (1996)
* Maricel Soriano (1997)
* Alice Dixson (1998)
* Elizabeth Oropesa (1999)
* Gloria Romero (2000)

2001–present|

* Assunta De Rossi (2001)
* Ara Mina (2002)
* Maricel Soriano (2003)
* Vilma Santos (2004)
* Zsa Zsa Padilla (2005)
* Judy Ann Santos (2006)
* Maricel Soriano (2007)
* Anne Curtis (2008)
* Sharon Cuneta (2009)
* Ai-Ai delas Alas (2010)
* Maricel Soriano (2011)
* Nora Aunor (2012)
* Maricel Soriano (2013)
* Jennylyn Mercado (2014)
* Jennylyn Mercado (2015)
* Irma Adlawan (2016)
* Joanna Ampil (2017)
* Gloria Romero (2018)
* Judy Ann Santos (2019)
* Charlie Dizon (2020)
* Charo Santos-Concio (2021)
* Nadine Lustre (2022)
* Vilma Santos (2023)
* Judy Ann Santos (2024)

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