Lupang Hinarang is a film in two parts about a fierce and deadly battle raging between farmers and landowners in the Philippines.
The documentary opens with the tribal Sumilao farmers, Ka Rene, Nang Linda and Bajekjek, who, inspired by Gandhi's protest march, journey on foot for two months from their mountain village in Bukidnon to the presidential palace in Manila.
It is a gruelling 1,700 kilometer journey through scorching heat, rains, fatigue, and great uncertainty. After weeks of walking, the farmers reach Manila, rally at the corporate offices of San Miguel, confront the agrarian reform secretary and grapple with anti-riot police before finally meeting the President.
The second part tells the story of the sugarcane workers from Negros. When armed guards of the landowner kill one of the farmers in 2007, Chay Lindy, Chay Gamay, and Chay Biray go on a harrowing 29-day hunger strike with other farmers in front of the agrarian reform office in Manila. The hunger strike results in victory for the farmers until the film ends in a shocking climax. Lupang Hinarang is a timely documentary set against ongoing debates in Congress to extend and reform CARP (CARPER) or to kill it.
**There are other screenings on Thurs Feb 19 430pm
and Wed Feb 25 430pm and 630pm
Ateneo Leong Hall Auditorium
A hundred-peso donation will be appreciated.
For more information, inquiries and ticket donations, please contact Tine Aguilar, at the Ateneo Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI) at 426-6001 loc. 5090/5091.
January 28, 2009
5:00-7:30pm Escaler Hall, Ateneo de Manila University,
Quezon City, Philippines
