Anak
by Rory B. Quintos
A mother in anguish makes a last-ditch effort to piece back together the broken fragments of her shattered family. After ten years of working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, she comes home to Manila but not to be greeted with a joyful reunion with her loved ones. She longs for her late husband who was kind and loving but not a good provider. Her firstborn has run wild for lack of guidance. Her only son is in deep trouble in school. Her youngest doesn’t even recognize her. She comes to realize that her children harbor resentment toward her as she left for abroad despite pleas for her not to and for the crucial fact that she missed their father’s funeral five years ago. Despite all indications to the contrary, she is determined to overcome all hindrances to still succeed in her maternal role.
Official Philippine Entry to the Best Foreign-Language Film Category, Oscars 2001; Best Picture, 2000 Catholic Mass Media Awards
Direction: Rory Quintos. Screenplay: Ricardo Lee and Raymond Lee. Cinematography: Joe Batac. Editing: George Jarlego. Sound: Ramon Reyes. Production Design: Nuel C. Naval. Music: Jessie Lasaten. Cast: Vilma Santos, Claudine Barretto, Joel Torre, Cherry Pie Picache, Amy Austria, Baron Geisler, Jodi Santa Maria, Leandro Muñoz, Sheila Mae Alvero, Daniel Morial.
2000 119 minutes color 35mm Star Cinema Productions
