Digital film 'Boses' gives voice to abused children

A moving tale about rebirth and the power of friendship, Boses is the latest cinematic work of veteran writer-director-producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil. She is best known for the award-winning film Mga Pusang Gala. This Cinemalaya entry supported by UNICEF tells the story of Onyok (Julian Duque), a battered child rescued from an abused father (Ricky Davao). Onyok is sent to a shelter where he learns how to smile again, forming a bond with a reclusive violinist (Coke Bolipata) through their shared love of music. Playing key roles in this film are mainstream stars Cherry Pie Picache, Ricky Davao, and Meryll Soriano. Onyok's story is shared by thousands of abused Filipino children across the country who suffer various forms of violence in silence. According to the National Statistical Coordination Board, there were 6,933 child abuse cases served by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2007. These children were either neglected, physically or sexually abused or exploited, abandoned or forced to work. By supporting this film, Unicef calls for a concerted effort to end child abuse and steps up its Children Against Violence campaign. Unicef is encouraging children to support each other with their "Ate at Kuya" initiative, helping children to speak out and seek help for violence or abuse. These activities and interventions reinforce all children's rights to be protected from violence and abuse as enshrined in the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Unicef's representative Ani Saguisag said of Boses: "It is a landmark film made in the name of abused children all over the Philippines. It is a story of triumph which illustrates the enduring spirit of a boy, and his amazing capacity to heal, love and forgive despite being a victim of violence and neglect." Director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil considers the film extra-special as it fuses art and advocacy. Most of all, it is a film which she could share with her son, Marfil, who grew up in the world of theater. The director believes that each child is a precious gem waiting to be discovered. "In Boses, the battered boy Onyok turns out to be a child prodigy. Very dramatic perhaps, but that happens in real life. Imagine if we can free all those millions of Filipino children from the culture of violence they live with—physical, emotional, spiritual, violence—whew, the Philippines would be so rich!" she reveals. Boses is one of ten full-length feature films competing at the fourth edition of Cinemalaya. Sponsors of the film are the DSWD and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). With grants from NCCA and Film Development Council of the Philippines, the gala night is to be held today, July 16, 6:15 pm at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater. Other screenings are scheduled on the following dates: July 18 (12:45PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining / CCP MKP Hall), July 18 (9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute) July 19 (9:00PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo / CCP Main Theatre) Tickets are priced at P100 each, with 50 percent discount for students. For more information, please call CCP Box Office at 832-1125 local 1406. - Philippine Entertainment Portal