Lino Brocka’s Grandniece Calls on Filmmakers to Create With Courage and Truth

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Lino Brocka’s 1974 film Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang premiered its 4K restoration at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinemas on September 4. Presented by The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), one of Brocka’s landmark films became the opening film for this year’s Philippine Film Industry Month.

One of the film’s guests of honor was Brocka’s grandniece Antonia Gabriella Brocka, who gave a speech paying homage to her grandfather. She said that her grandfather was a confident artist who was never afraid to speak up.

“To my fellow artists and filmmakers, let us please take inspiration from my Lolo Lino and continue to create fearlessly with integrity, courage, and truth,” Brocka says. “Let us not be blinded by bias, financial influence, and corruption. And to be like my lolo, do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.”

The opening film’s guests of honor included the film’s cast, such as actress and director Laurice Guillen, and the widow of the film’s executive producer Raul Roco, Sonia Roco, who was presented with the film’s commemorative poster alongside FDCP CEO and Chairperson Jose Javier Reyes. Christopher de Leon was also in attendance. Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang was his film debut, and the performance led him to take home the FAMAS Award for Best Actor.

Elijah Pareño

Music Writer

Elijah Pareño is the Music Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines. He writes daily music news, features, reviews, and radar stories of the website.

In addition to music writing, Pareño has written about the behind-the-scenes writers and producers from the P-pop scene, interviewed hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope and Zae, and featured up-and-coming artists for the Music Forecast 2026. Aside from music, Pareño has written about the state of affairs that affects pop culture. He wrote a movie review for 'Mortal Kombat II' and reported and interviewed photojournalists at the September 21, 2025 protests in Luneta and Mendiola.

Prior to working in Rolling Stone Philippines, Pareño was a freelance writer for 3 years and independent live music promoter

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• In This Article:
• Lino Brocka
• Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang