The Presence of ‘Presa’
I have seen Anita Linda in so many films since I was a young boy. It is interesting that it is only these past years that two directors are giving her the films her talent rightly deserves. Adolf Alix gave us "Adela" while Brillante Mendoza gave us "Lola." Two internationally acclaimed features that made Anita Linda known in the film festival circle.
This year, the Metro Manila Film Festival launched a week before its opening homage to Philippine Independent Cinema with five wonderful independent films. The one that stood out for me was Adolf Alix's "Presa," which won the festival's Best Independent Film. The title, which translates in Filipino as a female prisoner, shows powerful ensemble performances headed by Anita Linda. I have not seen such a well-crafted jail film since Mario O'Hara's "Bulaklak ng City Jail."
Perla Bautista, who was unforgettable in "Bulaklak ng City Jail," rises again as Anita Linda's nemesis and cellmate. No, there are no slapping or hair-pulling scenes typical of female prison movies in the Philippines. There is one hair-dyeing scene though between Anita Linda and Rosanna Roces, which is poignant and funny.
Perla Bautista and Anita Linda's banter is so natural that I swear I heard a conversation like that between my aunts. Alix shows great control with his actresses that everyone seemed to be in their right places. Everything is right where it should be.
Jodi Sta.Maria, Ina Feleo, Tetchie Agbayani, Angeli Bayani, Liza Lorena and even Alessandra da Rossi (in a cameo) were mesmerizing. The film does not tackle explicitly any socio-political issues but it is a Filipino film that is honest and has no pretentions. It doesn't indulge in poverty or misery, yet its identity is so recognizable. The theme it explores is universal and something that can be understood by anyone from any culture. A film like "Presa" is assured of success at least in the international film festival circuit.
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