Director: Ishmael Bernal
Screenplay: Ricardo Lee
Cinematographer: Sergio Lobo
Editing: Ike Jarlego Jr
Sound: Vic Macamay
Music: Winston Raval
Cast.: Nora Aunor, Laura Centeno, Gigi Duenas, Ama Quiambaon, Veronica Palileo
Production: Experimental Cinema of the Philippines
Contact:
Leo Katigbak / Pia de Leon
ABS-CBN Corporation
15 F ELJ Communications Center
Eugenio Lopez St
1103 Quezon City
Fax: +632 410 1249 / +632 924 2767
Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Year: 1982
DCP, Color, 122 min,
Tagalog with English and French electronic subtitles
Restored Version
French Premiere
With kind support of French embassy in Manila
In the city of Cupang, during a total solar eclipse which make people believe the end of the world is about to happen, young Elsa claims she saw an apparition of Virgin Mary on top of the hill where she had been found as a child, and later adopted by Aling Saling. The villagers are first incredulous until they see Elsa curing ill people. Coming from everywhere, the rich and the poor, pilgrims and tourists flock to this remote village. Some people make profits by renting their houses, feeding the visitors and selling religious items or water blessed by Elsa. Director Orly comes to make a film about Elsa and childhood friend Nimia, who is now a prostitute, opens a cabaret. One day, Elsa and her disciple Chayong while praying on top of the hill are aggressed and raped by drug addicts.
Himala was the first Filipino film to enter the official competition at Berlin festival in 1983. Great actress Nora Aunor plays the part of young Elsa.
