Sayart.net - Seoul Exhibition Celebrates Golden Age of Philippine Cinema

Nine Digitized Classics from LVN Pictures Screened at Cinematheque

Courtesy of KOFA

A special exhibition highlighting the golden age of Philippine cinema will run until June 12 at the Cinematheque in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event, titled “Golden Age of Philippine Cinema: LVN Pictures,” is organized by the Korean Film Archive (KOFA).

The exhibition features nine films digitized by LVN Pictures, one of the most influential film studios in Philippine cinema history. Founded in 1938, LVN Pictures played a significant role in the industry, with its name derived from the initials of a grandmother and two friends of the legendary director Mike de Leon.
 

▲ A scene from "Child of Sorrow" / Courtesy of KOFA

Among the nine films being screened, “Gilow KO” and “Ibong Adarna,” which were produced before the Pacific War, are being shown in Korea for the first time. Joel David, a professor of cultural content at Inha University, will deliver a lecture on June 9, discussing the history of cinema in the Philippines.

The history of Philippine cinema dates back to the 1930s with the establishment of sound and color film laboratories. The 1950s marked the golden era, led by four major production firms: LVN Pictures, Sampaguita Pictures, Premiere Productions, and Lebran International. During this period, the Philippines produced an average of 350 films per year, the second-highest number globally after Japan.

The schedule for the “Golden Age of Philippine Cinema: LVN Pictures” exhibition is available on the KOFA website. Admission is free.

Sayart 

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com