Ricky Lee, Pepe Diokno Visit STI for Isang Himala

By: Miguel La Torre , November 26, 2024

STI College successfully featured the exclusive screening of the Himig ng Isang Himala, a documentary about the making of the upcoming musical film Isang Himala, at STI College Ortigas-Cainta on November 26, 2024.

Billed as “Himig ng Isang Himala Campus Tour”, the event showcased a behind-the-scenes documentary of the film, which will be an entry in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), to Bachelor of Multimedia Arts and Communication juniors.

 

STI is one of the schools that the production unit has visited in their efforts to promote the upcoming film
STI is one of the schools that the production unit has visited in their efforts to promote the upcoming film

An engaging talk-back session followed, featuring esteemed industry personalities, including the film’s renowned writer and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, award-winning director Pepe Diokno, and Unitel Straight Shooters President and CEO Madonna Tarrayo.

 

From L to R: Unitel Straight Shooters President and CEO Madonna Tarrayo, Writer and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, and Film Director Pepe Diokno answering questions from the audience
From L to R: Unitel Straight Shooters President and CEO Madonna Tarrayo, Writer and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, and Film Director Pepe Diokno answering questions from the audience
From L to R: Unitel Straight Shooters President and CEO Madonna Tarrayo, Writer and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, and Film Director Pepe Diokno answering questions from the audience

Diokno, who has also directed award-winning titles such as GomBurZa, Kapatiran, and Engkwentro, tackled discussions centered on the process of storytelling and the creative challenges involved in bringing meaningful narratives and characters to life.

Lee, on the other hand, shared his process in scriptwriting, emphasizing the importance of character development, emotional depth, and staying true to the cultural essence of a story.

Tarrayo, meanwhile, stressed the importance of collaboration and the essence of having multiple great minds exchange ideas freely towards a common goal.

 

3rd BMMA and BACOMM students asking their questions to the trio
3rd BMMA and BACOMM students asking their questions to the trio
3rd BMMA and BACOMM students asking their questions to the trio
3rd BMMA and BACOMM students asking their questions to the trio

Isang Himala is based on the 2018 musical play Himala: Isang Musical, an adaptation of the 1982 hit film Himala written by Lee and directed by fellow National Artist Ismael Bernal, starring Filipino film icon and National Artist Nora Aunor.

It is a collaboration between production companies Unitel, CreaZion Studios, Kapitol Films, and CMB Films, and stars Aicelle Santos and Bituin Escalante, among others.

The film will have its nationwide release on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 MMFF line-up.