Sa Pusod ng Dagat

Sa Pusod ng Dagat (English In the Navel of the Sea) is a 1998 Filipino film produced and directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Starring Jomari Yllana with Chin Chin Gutierrez and Elizabeth Oropesa, it was released by GMA Films and Film Experts, Inc. The film was critically acclaimed in local and international film festivals. It premiered on March 13, 1998.

Sa Pusod ng Dagat
Videotape cover
Directed byMarilou Diaz-Abaya
Produced byMarilou Diaz-Abaya
Gilberto Duavit Jr.
Written byJun Lana
Starring
Music byNonong Buencamino
CinematographyRomy Vitug
Edited byJess Navarro
Production
company
  • GMA Films
  • Film Experts, Inc.
Distributed byGMA Network, Inc.
Release date
  • March 13, 1998 (1998-03-13)
Running time
114 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino

Plot

In a remote fishing island in the 1950s, Pepito (Jomari Yllana) grows up learning the trade of his mother, Rosa (Elizabeth Oropesa), the only midwife capable of delivering the newborn babies of their community. At first, the young son doesn't mind the unusual arrangement, but as he grows older, he begins to resist the role traditionally meant only for women.

In time, Pepito's coming of age intersects with the lives of other islanders whose beliefs and struggles become critical impetus to his maturity. Eventually, embarrassment and prejudices are overcome by acceptance and love between mother and son.

Awards and nominations

The film received nominations and awards from different local award-giving bodies. It got two Star Awards in 1999 for Cinematographer of the Year (Romy Vitug) and Original Screenplay of the Year (Jun Lana).

The film had received invitations from 17 prestigious film festivals abroad, an unprecedented achievement in the history of Philippine cinema.

"Sa Pusod Ng Dagat" is the country's official entry to the Singapore International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Hong Kong Film Festival, Fukuoka International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival and Oslo Film Festival. It is an entry to the film festivals in London, Cairo, Bombay, Barcelona, Haifa and New York.

The film also made it to the Chicago International Film Festival, Montreal Film Festival, Nantes Festival of Free Continent and Chicago Film Festival. It was also the Philippine entry for Best Foreign Language Film in the Oscars.[1]

References
  1. "45 Countries Submit Films for Oscar Consideration". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 19 November 1998. Archived from the original on 19 February 1999.


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