The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino has endeavored to undertake a modest initiative to address the lack of local audience for Philippine cinema. We seek to partner with the academic sector in programs that venture to enhance film literacy, film criticism, and film education in this country. We seek to re-educate the Filipino film viewers. We hope to act as a guiding light for our children to appreciate the wonder and power of our own narratives.
For the initial program, the Manunuri has established the Gawad Urian Lecture series to help illumine the works of our film artists for the local audience. Our preliminary focus is on the works of our National Artists for Film. The first lectures were held on March 1, 2025 in partnership with the Lyceum of the Philippines University in Manila, with Manunuri Nicanor Tiongson and Tito Valiente presenting on National Artists Gerardo de Leon and Nora Aunor respectively. The second set, held on April 25, 2025 in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, had Manunuri Rolando Tolentino and Grace Javier Alfonso, who talked about the works of our National Artists Ishmael Bernal and Ricardo Lee respectively. The third in the series was held on August 20, 2025, in partnership with the University of Antique. Manunuri Miguel Rapatan, Anne Frances Sangil, and Shirley Lua discussed the works of National Artists Kidlat Tahimik, Lino Brocka, and Fernando Poe, Jr., respectively.
Gawad Urian Lecture Series on the National Artists for Film
At the main campus of the University of Antique. Photo by July Farol.
At UP Los Banos.
At Lyceum of the Philippines University.