Change.org petition seeks screening of ‘Heneral Luna’ in schools, public places

Following the positive reviews given the historical biopic “Heneral Luna”, an online petition was launched for the film to be screened in Philippine schools and several public places.

As of Tuesday afternoon, around 17,000 supporters had signed the Change.org petition, GMA News TV program "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" reported.



Meanwhile, independent of the petition, Artikulo Uno Productions has been preparing to screen the film in different schools all over the country, with the support of the Film Academy of the Philippines.

According to Leo Martinez, director-general of the Film Academy who also portrayed Pedro Paterno in “Heneral Luna”, there was a need to impart the importance of art, culture, and history to the country's youth.

“Mayroon kaming project-- 'yung Sine Panitik. Umiikot kami sa mga paaralan. Nakakalimutan na kasi natin ang kultura natin, pero pamana 'yan ng ating kagalingan at karangalan.Kailangang alagaan natin 'yan. Hindi atin 'yan, pamana sa atin. 'Yun ang nakakalimutan natin,” Martinez explained.

“Heneral Luna” is the official entry of the Philippines for Best Foreign Language Film in next year's Academy Awards.

“Heneral Luna” director Jerrold Tarog and his production team are hoping that the success of their film translates to more films about Filipino heroes, including Gregorio “Goyong” del Pilar, played by Paolo Avelino in “Heneral Luna,” as well as Manuel Quezon, played by Kapuso actor Benjamin Alves. — Bianca Rose Dabu/DVM, GMA News