The Pilipino Unity network (MAGKAISA) co-sponsored a screening of "BAGONG BUWAN" at the San Francisco Asian American International Film Festival a couple of years ago. The entire crowd was deeply affected. Although a lot of men would not want to admit it, I saw many of them with tears welling up in their eyes. There are limits to the perspective of a film made in Tagalog about people in Magindanao, but Diaz-Abaya has crafted something very moving which can reach a lot of Tagalog speakers, if they ever get to see it all the way through. A teacher I know from Magindanao region commented that, except for the part where Montano's character cries, he thought it was a good film. The main protagonist being a doctor married to a nurse also makes it easy for the more open-minded members of the audience to identify with the characters. With all of the anti-Muslim propaganda in the media, this is one small dose of antidote for our community's mental and sociological health which touches hearts of those who are open to it. I also recommend Diaz-Abaya's films "JOSE RIZAL" and "SA PUSOD NG DAGAT."
