Lino Brocka

Lino Brocka is the best known filmmaker in the Philippines. During his 20 year career, Brocka made at least 50 movies; many of which were notable for their political content -- some of which called for violence. Though he made many commercial films, they were just the springboard for the political, more personal films that were dear to him. His first phase was spent establishing himself. He began his career as a script supervisor on Eddie Romero's productions. Brocka made his directorial debut in 1970 with Wanted: Perfect Mother. He then began working with Lea productions where he came out with eight more commercial films before deciding to make films independently. He then withdrew from filmmaking for about two years. In 1974 he made his return with his own production company, CineManila where he created his most powerful films such as Maynila, sa mga kuko ng liwanag, a strongly critical film that chronicles a young man's realization that his own problems reflect the problems of his country. Brocka's name earned international recognition during the 1978 Cannes Film Festival with his passionate story Insiang. He made many films at CineManila, but in 1976, the company went bankrupt and Brocka resumed making commercial films with the occasional independent film thrown in when he could swing it.

~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide