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At this year’s Busan Asian Project Market, a significant project titled ‘Heaven Help Us’ has garnered attention, led by Filipino director Eve Baswel. This film explores a dark chapter in the Philippines’ history: the tragic collapse of the Manila Film Center in 1981, which resulted in the loss of numerous construction workers’ lives.
Produced by a dedicated team that includes John Torres, Jules Katanyag, and Danzen Santos Katanyag, the project aims to foster international collaborations, secure funding, and explore pre-sales opportunities at this prestigious market. Baswel feels a personal connection to the narrative, drawing from her own experiences within a vulnerable labor force.
Illuminating a historical tragedy
In Baswel’s words, the film seeks to address a haunting image from history: “Workers perished while constructing a venue intended for the elite’s film festival, and in a shocking act, the Marcos regime reportedly buried the victims beneath cement to continue with the celebration.” This chilling image has profoundly shaped her vision, focusing on the systemic injustices that led to such tragedies rather than sensationalizing the supernatural stories typically associated with the site.
Challenging dominant narratives
The narrative of ‘Heaven Help Us’ intertwines drama with historical revisionism, emphasizing the human cost of the disaster instead of indulging in sensationalism. “The prevailing accounts have often sensationalized the tragedy with ghost tales or relegated it to mere footnotes in history,” Baswel stated.
“This film aims to confront the sanitized narratives that conveniently bury troubling truths alongside the victims.”
Producer John Torres underscores the film’s relevance in today’s political climate, noting, “The Marcoses have returned to power, presenting us a chance to reassess our understanding of our history.
This project poses critical inquiries about our families and communities.” Torres highlighted Baswel’s unique approach, which juxtaposes elements from the 1980s with contemporary themes, creating a narrative that resonates with both past and present.
A collaborative creative journey
For producer Jules Katanyag, the role is multifaceted, blending creativity with structure.
“I partner with Eve to excavate her creative ideas, facilitating a space for authentic exploration while ensuring that our storytelling possesses both emotional depth and cinematic strength,” Katanyag explained. This collaborative spirit is essential for developing a narrative that resonates on an emotional level.
Seeking international partnerships
Danzen Santos Katanyag emphasized the project’s international aspirations, stating, “As Filipino producers, our primary goal at the APM is to showcase the film’s cross-cultural appeal and attract co-production partners willing to support its journey. We’re eager to connect with producers, festival directors, and investors who appreciate and value Asian narratives that resonate universally.”
The producing team highlighted the film’s potential impact on audiences. “From a production standpoint, what excites me the most about ‘Heaven Help Us’ is its capacity to depict a profoundly Filipino experience while addressing universal themes such as faith, morality, human rights, and survival in an evolving world,” Danzen remarked. Jules added, “There’s a resurgence of outrage against corruption scandals, both in the Philippines and globally. This film can serve as a reminder that such tragedies are interconnected across time and space.”
Conclusion
The journey of ‘Heaven Help Us’ embodies resilience, creativity, and the quest for truth. As it prepares to navigate the international film landscape, it seeks to evoke not just awareness but also empathy, shedding light on the hidden historical narratives that shape our present. By confronting uncomfortable truths, Baswel and her team aim to foster a deeper understanding of the past and its implications for the future.
