© UP Film Center MAIN Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) A multi-awarded film by Filipino National Artist Gerardo de Leon, based on a novel written by martyr-hero Jose P. Rizal, and which trigerred the Philippine Revolution of 1896. Produced in 1961 for the national celebrations commemorating the birth centenary of Rizal, the film considered lost for almost two decades until its recent restoration by German Archivist. Written in 1887, Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere is considered "the greatest achievement of modern Filipino literature." Equally distinguished is this restored film version, by master director Gerardo de Leon, which won the FAMAS award for best picture, director, supporting actor and supporting actress in 1961. Crisostomo Ibarra, an ilustrado educated in Europe, returns to his country to find it besieged by "a corrupt government, an abusive clergy, extensive poverty" and a discontented populace. Unforgettable characters include the modest Maria Clara - the bastard daughter of notorious Padre Damaso, the madwoman Sisa, the town fool Pilosopong Tasyo, and Elias, the revolutionary. (Kanya-Kanyang Rizal, June 2000) 1961 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (de Leon), Best Supporting Actor (Keesee), and Best Supporting Actress (Carino). Direction: Gerardo de Leon Story: Jose P. Rizal Screenplay: Gerardo de Leon and Jose Flores Sibal Cinematography: Emmanuel Rojas and Arsenio Banu Production Design: Carlos V. Francisco Music Tito Arevalo Editing: Vicente Calub and Joven Calub Sound: Demetrio de Santos Cast: Eddie del Mar, Edita Vital, Teody Belarmino, Johnny Monteiro, Oscar Keesee, Leopoldo Salcedo, Ruben Rustia, Robert Arevalo, Anna Marie, Lina Carino Produced by Bayanihan/Arriva Pictures 1961 120mins B & W 35mm print from Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Shown on August 30, 1996; June 19, 2000