Ricky Lee: Direk Ishmael Bernal will be happy and amused with 'Isang Himala'

Essaying the role of Elsa, the barrio lass who witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary that changed her life in director Ishmael Bernal's "Himala" (1982), is a huge challenge for any actress who will portray it, especially since it was originated by Nora Aunor.

- By LEAH C. SALTERIO

The script was written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee. It became an official entry in the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), where it won nearly a dozen awards, including Best Film and Best Actress for Nora.

"Himala" was also the first Filipino film to be included in the competition section of the 33rd Berlin International Film Festival in 1983.

On its 30th year in 2012, "Himala," produced by the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (ECP), became the first film to be restored by the ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project, with a premiere at the 69th Venice International Film Festival as part of the Venice Classics section.

Through the years, "Himala" was turned into a musical, book, stage play and now, a film musical for the coming 50th anniversary of the MMFF with Pepe Diokno at the helm.

"Isang Himala" is one of the 10 official entries.

"We are very fortunate to witness the issues that were present in the original film and the issues that we have in our society today," said direk Pepe, who megged last year's award-winner, "GomBurZa."

The director keeps the faith that the new version of "Isang Himala" will resonate with today's audience, the Gen Zs included.

"You can watch the film with your child, your neighbor, your friend," said direk Pepe. "This is one of the most timeless, most important and best Filipino films of all time."