MANILA, Philippines?Marilou Diaz-Abaya is one of the most admired members of the film industry, not just because of her exceptional scriptwriting and directing talent, but also because of her fortitude and courage in fighting the cancer that she has had to contend with for several years now.
The illness may have slowed her down for a spell, but it has definitely not sidelined her, as she continues to teach at her own Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute and work on some short and feature film production.
While others go on ?victim mode,? Marilou refuses to go the pity-me and, why-me? routes?and inspires others to be similarly brave and faith-full.
Latest ?epistle?
Sometime ago, Marilou?s friends and students were saddened to learn that her cancer had come back. Despite this reversal, however, Marilou?s latest ?epistle? to us shares: ?My chemo started last May 28?the time it took my mastectomy to heal has enabled me to focus on teaching in Antipolo and on writing the screenplay for the movie project commemorating the Tricentennial of the devotion to the Virgin of Peñafrancia in September 2010.
?We?re donating our services to the Archdiocese of Nueva Caceres, Naga City. Pre-production starts in June, shooting in September (Peñafrancia fiesta) this year, and exhibition will be on Mother?s Day in May 2010.
?My production team consists mainly of students from the Ateneo and our Film Institute. I?m sending you for your comments and inputs the Peñafrancia movie material, which was approved by Archbishop Leonardo Legazpi in January, just before the recurrence of my breast cancer (God?s perfect timing and plan for each one of us!).
?Our feature film should attract not only Marian devotees and Roman Catholics, but also all viewers who search for love and hope in the midst of trials and adversities. We?re going for what is inclusive and ?catholic? in its most universal sense.?
For Marilou, it?s not only life that goes on, but also the next school year of her Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute and Arts Center in Antipolo, which starts on July 7, particularly the Basic Course in Motion Picture Language and Production. If you?re interested in studying for a well-informed and enlightened career in film, you would do well to e-mail mdafilm@gmail.com or call 724-5678.
Effective storytellers
Interestingly, MDAFI?s students and alumni include not only college and graduate students, but also professionals from various fields (education, advertising, TV, indie productions, fine arts, documentary, etc.) who obtain new, upgraded skills.
The institute even attracts professionals who have decided to have a second career or a career shift. The film school?s academic and hands-on training in both video and 35mm equips students to become effective storytellers in multi-technologies and genres.
New modular courses are being offered this school year on The Documentary, Digital Cinematography, 35mm Cinematography, Film Music, Screen Acting, Catholic Mass Media and Introduction to the Fine Arts.
The stand-alone modular courses are conducted on 12 consecutive Saturdays from 2 to 7 p.m.?So tayo nang lahat sa Antipolo!
