“UPHOLDING NATIONAL MEMORY through visual storytelling,” The Repvblic (TR), in collaboration with Active Vista, and Storytellers Inc., featured a special screening of the Martial Law documentary “11,103” in commemoration of the 1986 EDSA People Power anniversary at the Abbot Lopez Hall, February 21.
Setting an avenue for Bedans to delve into the lived experiences of Martial Law victims, TR, the official organization of the Department of Political Science of San Beda University (SBU), organized the event to “stir political discussion, and highlight the crucial role of events leading up to the People Power.”
“Nagpo-provide siya sa atin ng factual narrative… habang meron pa tayong mga living proof na buhay pa [ang mga Martial Law victims], mas maganda na naikukwento nila ‘yung mga experiences nila, na later on, maipa-pass on rin natin sa next generations,” Angela Correa, Activity Chairperson and TR Secretary-General, told The Bedan in an interview.
The documentary tackled the impact of Martial Law on the nation, the dangers of historical revisionism, and encouraged historical consciousness to “allow students to reflect on the film’s relevance to the country’s current political landscape.”
Speaking on the title of the film “11,103”, Correa explained, “[The title] refers to officially recognized human rights violations na na-compensate sa ill-gotten wealth from [former] President [Ferdinand] Marcos. Na-align siya sa core objectives ng event to highlight the resilience ng ML survivors at i-educate ‘yung Bedan community on the historical and present-day implications ng state violence.”
In light of issues on disinformation and lapses in the education sector, Jhillian Escuro, Program manager for Festivals and Outreach of Active Vista, emphasized on the importance of film screenings to address misconceptions on the true events of ML.
“Nagiging important ‘yung screening itself… para napa-process nila, nakakapag-tanong sila sa Martial Law survivors mismo nung panahon na ‘yon. Kasi parang nach-change ‘yung narrative. Kasi kung galing sa lolo’t lola nila, na ‘Ay, hindi, sinasabi lang nila ‘yan. Mura nga bilihin noon, eh,’ iba kasi na marinig mismo nila sa mga taong naka-experience o naging biktima ng Martial Law,” Escuro explained.
Nilda Giocada-Fullon, a Martial Law survivor, denounced the human rights violations caused by the abuse of power by state forces, identifying parallels between her experiences during ML to the current situation of the country.
“With respect for human rights, there are so much violations during Martial Law [that still exists] today,” she emphasized.
Moreover, she likened prior crony politics to today’s political dynasties, providing, “Mahirap ngayon eh… bakit? Kasi kinontrol ng iilang pamilya. Kung nung panahon ni Marcos they are all cronies… ngayon, ganun pa rin naman eh… now we have the political dynasties.”
Leaving an impression on participants of the screening, Aldrich Rivera, one of the attendees, recounted how the documentary had impacted him.
“It is our duty to make sure we don’t forget first ‘yung EDSA and ‘yung horrific history ng Martial Law, if we forgot about those, possible lang na maulit ‘yung mga nangyari before,” he reflected.
While initially scheduled on January 31, the screening was postponed to February 21 due to the Pista ng Santo Nino sa San Beda 2025 celebration.
(with Maria Jamille Perolina)