Ricky Lee’s Ishmael Bernal biopic finally moving forward with A-list cast

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee said his long-delayed screenplay “Bernal,” a feature film based on the life and works of fellow National Artist Ishmael Bernal, is finally moving into production after years of being shelved.

Lee shared with Inquirer Entertainment during a Viber call on Sunday, July 5, that the project topped his list of unfinished screenplays that he wanted to revisit at this stage of his career.

“Ang usually nangyayari, may mga project na natutuloy, may mga project na hindi natutuloy, napapatabi muna. And this is one of those,” Lee said.

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“Recently, nasa stage ako ng buhay and career ko, tinitignan ko lahat ’yung mga projects ko na natambak na hindi natuloy, so I came up with a list, and nangunguna sa listahan ’yung Bernal,” he added.

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The award-winning writer revealed that the project’s original concept came from filmmaker Chris Martinez, who initially pitched a biopic centered on the making of “Himala” and was originally set to direct.

Martinez is known for his work in the films “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” the “Kimmy Dora” film series, “Here Comes the Bride” and “The Gifted.”

The plan to create a biopic on Bernal was first announced in 2013. But as he developed the screenplay, Lee felt the story needed a broader scope.

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“When I sat down and started writing it, parang masiyadong limitado. So ginawa kong mas hindi na nakafocus sa ‘Himala’ lang. Binago ko na nagkaroon ng magic realism, stream of consciousness, kumbaga lumawak na siya, hindi na siya naging simple biopic lang,” he said.

Lee shared that Martinez will no longer direct “Bernal,” as they both agreed another one of his screenplays would be a better fit for the filmmaker.

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Star-studded ensemble

The film is now assembling a star-studded cast led by Jericho Rosales, who will be one of three actors portraying Bernal at different stages of his life. Lee said the production is still in talks with the other two actors, whose identities will be announced later.

The renowned screenwriter said Rosales was an easy choice for the role because of both his talent and work ethic.

“Noon pa man hanga na ako sa acting ni Jericho pero lalo pa akong hanga sa kanyang dedication. Importante sa artista hindi lang mahusay, kundi ’yung commitment. At kita ko sa kaniyang trabaho sa ‘Quezon’ ang commitment niya,” Lee said.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jericho Rosales (@jerichorosalesofficial)

Aside from Rosales, “Bernal” boasts an A-list ensemble. Judy Ann Santos will play both National Artist Nora Aunor and her iconic “Himala” character Elsa, while Atom Araullo will portray Spanky Manikan and Orly from “Himala.” Iza Calzado has been cast as actress Rita Gomez, while John “Sweet” Lapus will portray Bernardo Bernardo.

Chanda Romero, Lovi Poe, Shaina Magdayao, Agot Isidro and more are also expected to join the production. The film will also feature portrayals of industry legends including Vilma Santos, Alma Moreno, Lorna Tolentino, and the late Eddie Garcia.

Balancing act

Lee admitted that writing the screenplay was particularly challenging because Bernal was not only a National Artist but also a close friend.

“Ang dami mong kailangan ibalanse, ’yung perception ko sa kaniya bilang kaibigan, then ’yung perception sa kaniya ng mga tao na nakatrabaho niya, and then ’yung perception sa kaniya ng mga tao na hindi siya nakatrabaho pero kilala siya bilang National Artist,” he said.

“Ang ginawa ko para maka-focus ako, ginawa ko na parang dun sa last hours ng buhay ni Ishmael Bernal, ’yung mga pumapasok sa isipan niya, ’yun ang pinuntahan ko,” the veteran playright added.

Lee then noted that he hopes the biopic will introduce Bernal’s legacy to young people who may not be familiar with his work.

“Unang una, mahalaga na makilala ninyo si Ishmael Bernal at ang kaniyang mga ginawa, at makilala ninyo ’yung mundo na naglikha o nag-produce ng Second Golden Age sa Philippine movies. Mas mahalaga nga para sa inyo kasi hindi ninyo inabutan kesa sa amin,” he said.

Asked what Bernal might think of the local film industry today, Lee said the late filmmaker would likely see reasons for optimism despite the challenges facing cinemas.

“Ang dami niyang masasabi. Pero ang dami niya rin ikatutuwa. Maski sinasabi natin na medyo hirap ang movies o unti ang nanonood, pero ang daming nangyayari,” he said.

“Ang dami-daming gumagawa ng pelikula kahit na mahirap gumawa ng pelikula, ang daming nangangarap pa rin na makapasok sa movies. Maraming activities ang ginagawa ang FDCP at FAP, maraming nangyayari that makes you optimistic,” Lee added.

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Produced by Epicmedia and Lee’s Kahon Collective Inc., “Bernal” is currently in pre-production. The film is envisioned as both a tribute to Bernal and a celebration of the artists who shaped the Second Golden Age of Philippine cinema. /edv