Ishmael Bernal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ishmael Eugine Bernal
Born	Ishmael Bernal (1938-09-30)September 30, 1938 Manila, Philippine Commonwealth
Died	June 2, 1996(1996-06-02) (aged 57) Quezon City, Philippines
Occupation	Film director
Awards	Order of National Artists of the Philippines

Ishmael Bernal (born September 30, 1938 – died June 2, 1996) was a famous Filipino filmmaker. He also directed for stage and television, and worked as an actor and screenwriter.

Bernal was known for his films that explored human feelings and important social topics. He directed many well-known Filipino movies. Some of these include Nunal sa Tubig (1976), City After Dark (1980), Relasyon (1982), Himala (1982), and Hinugot sa Langit (1985). In 2001, he was named a National Artist of the Philippines. This is a very high honor for artists in the Philippines.

Life Story

Ishmael Bernal was born in Manila on September 30, 1938. His parents were Elena Bernal and Pacifico Ledesma.

He went to Burgos Elementary School and Mapa High School. Later, he studied at the University of the Philippines. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1959. After college, he worked with Lamberto Avellana, who made documentaries.

Bernal then went to France. He studied French Literature and Philosophy at the University of Aix-en-Provence. In 1970, he earned a diploma in Film Directing. He got this from the Film Institute of India in Poona. This was through a special scholarship program.

Bernal cared deeply about artists' rights. He was a board member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines. He also joined the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI). He stayed with DGPI until he passed away. This group helps study how films can entertain, educate, and help society.

His Love for Art

Ishmael Bernal truly loved all forms of art. He developed his interest in books and plays by joining the U.P. Dramatic Club. He did this while he was still in college. He also really enjoyed classical music and opera.

In the 1960s, Bernal opened a place called When It's a Grey November in Your Soul. It was in Malate. This spot became a favorite meeting place for artists and thinkers in Manila. Even though it didn't last long, Bernal opened another place called Kasalo in Quezon City thirty years later. This new spot became popular with students, writers, poets, musicians, and theater and film artists.

As a Film Director

Bernal directed and wrote his first film in 1971. It was called Pagdating sa Dulo (At the Top). This film showed his unique style. It featured an actress thinking about her dreams. The movie showed how difficult life could be for many Filipinos. It also hinted at the problems of the government at that time.

From then on, Bernal was known as a smart and creative filmmaker. He didn't just follow old rules for making movies. He made many different kinds of films. These included historical dramas like El Vibora (The Viper). He also made comedies like Tisoy (Mestizo) and Working Girls I and Working Girls II.

He also directed experimental films like Nunal sa Tubig (Speck in the Water) and Himala (Miracle). He made modern dramas about people's feelings and relationships. Examples include Ligaw Na Bulaklak (Wildflower), Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko (Your Husband, My Lover), Ikaw Ay Akin (You Are Mine), Relasyon (The Affair), Aliw (Pleasure), and the classic film Manila by Night (also known as City After Dark). His films often explored how personal problems are connected to bigger social issues.

Bernal saw himself as a director who supported women's issues. He was interested in telling stories about women. Many of his films focused on women's lives. These include Relasyon, Hinugot sa Langit (1985), and Working Girls. Before he passed away in Quezon City on June 2, 1996, Bernal was planning to direct a film about the life of Lola Rosa Henson.

In Philippine Television

Besides films, Bernal also directed television shows. He directed the long-running drama series Ang Makulay Na Daigdig ni Nora (The Colorful World of Nora). For this show, he won an award in 1979 for Outstanding Director in a Drama Series. He also directed Metro Magazine, Isip Pinoy, Dear Teacher, and episodes for PETABISYON and Lorna.

He also acted in stage plays. He played main roles in plays like Kamatayan Sa Isang Anyo Ng Rosas (Death in the Form of a Rose) in 1991. He also acted in Bacchae in 1992.

Activism

Bernal was an activist since his university days. He was part of the Student Cultural Association of the University of the Philippines. After graduating, he joined the Kabataang Makabayan youth group.

He spoke out against film censorship. He was part of movements that fought for artists' freedom. He was also involved with the Concerned Artists of the Philippines.

Even during the time of Ferdinand Marcos's rule, his films were known for showing themes about women's rights and real-life social issues.

Achievements

Ishmael Bernal won many awards for his work. He won the Urian Award for Best Director four times. These were for Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon (Two Nests, One Bird) in 1977, Broken Marriage in 1983, Hinugot sa Langit (Wrenched From Heaven) in 1985, and Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga (Lend Me One Morning) in 1989. He also won Best Screenplay for City After Dark in 1980.

His film Pagdating sa Dulo won him the FAMAS award for Best Screenplay. His movie Himala (Miracle), made in 1982, won nine major awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival. In the same year, film critics named Bernal the Most Outstanding Filmmaker of the Decade (1971-1980). Out of the 10 best films chosen by critics, five were his. These included Pagdating sa Dulo, Nunal sa Tubig, Manila By Night, Himala, and Hinugot sa Langit. He was also named Director of the Decade by the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

Bernal also won the CMMA Best Director Award in 1983. He received the Bronze Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival in 1983 for Himala. The Cultural Center of the Philippines gave him the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining for film in 1990. In 1993, he received the ASEAN Cultural Award in Communication Arts in Brunei Darrussalam.

In New York City

Some of his films were shown in New York City. These included Nunal sa Tubig (A Speck in the Water), Aliw (Pleasure), and Relasyon (The Affair). They were part of a special event from July 31 to August 1999. This event showed 25 Filipino films. It was organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center. It was also supported by other groups. The films were shown at the Walter Reade Theater of the Lincoln Center. This was to celebrate 100 years of Philippine Independence.

Death

Ishmael Bernal passed away on June 2, 1996. He died in Quezon City, Philippines, from a heart attack.

Filmography

As director and writer

Television

Awards and Nominations

See also

• Brocka-Bernal: Alaala ng mga Artista ng Bayan, December 1996