MANILA, Philippines ? Viewers keep complaining that they?re interested in watching old Filipino movies, but they can?t gain access to them. To make up for this slack, we urge producers and filmmakers to come up with retrospectives of their best works, to remind both young and veteran viewers of the sterling cinematic achievements we should never forget and continue to be proud of.

Golden oldies

For instance, the much-admired Eddie Romero, our National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, should be honored with a retrospective of his best movies, which should include ?Kamakalawa,? ?Ganito Kami Noon,? Paano Kayo Ngayon?,? ?Banta ng Kahapon,? ?Aguila,? and some of his golden oldies from the ?50s.

It?s also been quite a while since we?ve been treated to screenings of the best movies by Avellana, Gerry de Leon and Manuel Silos, so they should also be showcased by way of retrospectives.

Future National Artist Mike de Leon should be similarly feted with a retrospective. Mike has made fewer movies than Eddie, but all of them have been choice, so his retrospective should also be a must-see event for movie buffs. Mike?s standout movies include ?Batch ?81,? ?Kakaba-kaba Ka Ba?,? ?Itim,? ?Kung Mangarap Ka?t Magising? and his Rizal biopic.

Outstanding actors should similarly be remembered by way of retrospectives. Very few young movie buffs are familiar with the best performances of the iconic likes of Charito Solis, Paraluman, Johnny Delgado, Oscar Roncal, Rita Gomez and Pilar Pilapil, and we should make up for that slack?soonest.

What about production companies? Sampaguita Pictures should definitely be honored with a retrospective exhibition of its best movies, culled from its library of hundreds of feature films. While working on our book about the pioneering movie studio, we viewed more than 40 of its better works, and we can vouch for their high level of achievement. They should definitely be seen again by viewers of all ages.

Even more ?commercial? studios should be feted with retrospectives. For instance, we recently talked to Seiko Films? Robbie Tan, who?s produced many hit movies. We asked him to cite some of his studio?s best productions, which were directed by the estimable likes of Laurice Guillen, Lino Brocka, Joey Reyes and Chito Roño, and he came up with this partial list:

?Ang Bukas Ay Akin,? ?Lumayo Ka Man sa Akin,? ?Natutulog Pa Ang Diyos,? ?Magkano ang Iyong Dangal?,? ?Foster Child,? ?I Wanna Be Happy,? ?Black Magic,? ?Bridal Shower,? ?Bikini Open,? ?Hiwaga sa Balete Drive,? ?First Lessons,? ?Mundo Man Ay Magunaw,? ?Stella Magtanggol,? ?Di Mapigil ang Init? and ?Muntik Na Kitang Minahal.?

That?s a pretty good list, so we trust that a film organization or school will sponsor a Seiko retrospective.

New book

Other special film events like festivals add to film buffs? viewing options, as do ?anniversary? screenings. For example, at 1 p.m. today, the Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute and Arts Center marks the 10th anniversary of Marilou?s celebrated film, ?Muro-Ami,? with a special screening and the launch of her new book, ?Moonlit Seasons.?

There will be a poetry reading by the author and Noni Buencamino, music by Edru Abraham and Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino, and a symposium, ?Changing Climate, Changing Cinema.? ?In our family?s book, Marilou?s anniversary soiree is not to be missed, as well!