He was behind some of local cinema’s greatest movies during its golden age.
In a Facebook post by French film distributor Carlotta Films on Thursday, August 28, it delivered the news about the passing of film icon, Mike de Leon.
As translated by the social media platform, the post read: “Oh no… Just upon waking up, we learn, from his relatives, the disappearance of Mike De Leon… While we’re in the midst of Venice Festival… Where we discovered our 1st Mike De Leon, at Venice Classics, about 10 years ago, BATCH 81, and we were shocked,” with the company also remembering the work that they have done together.
TRIBUTES FROM FDCP, CHARO SANTOS
Following the news, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) mourned his passing and its chairman, Jose Javier Reyes, expressed in a statement, “[His] life was dedicated to film. His consistent imagination to explore the language of cinema shaped what we understand of Philippine filmmaking today…“
Charo Santos, whom he has worked with in ‘Kisapmata,’ dedicated a lengthy post to what she called a “dear friend” that she lost.
“Today, I lost a dear friend. Mike de Leon was my very first mentor in the art and discipline of filmmaking. From him I learned everything, the rigor of preparing a shot list, the mounting of scenes, the rhythm of narrative, the editing, the discipline of sound, music, and mixing back when motion picture was shot on actual film.”
She then described the late director as a perfectionist, genius, and a true master of cinema.
“Yet beyond his brilliance, Mike was my friend. He gave me trust, guidance, and unforgettable moments of collaboration. Through the years, he was unfailingly present at milestones and even in the most challenging seasons of my life. In my darkest hours, he was there, quiet, steady, kind. Ours was a bond that felt like soulmates in artistry, a connection built on respect and admiration,” she continued.
The actress and business figure also mentioned De Leon’s past works which “were not merely watched, but deeply felt, etched into who we are and” that were never just films as “they were mirrors, unflinching in their truth, forcing us to confront ourselves and the world we live in.”
These were ‘Kisapmata,’ ‘Batch ’81,’ ‘Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising,’ ‘Kakabakaba Ka Ba,’ and ‘Itim’.
Charo also shared the last time they spoke, which she we recalled was during the preparation of a film with the working title ‘Unfinished Business’.
At that time, De Leon said to her, “I don’t think I will live to finish this film because of my condition, so I don’t even want to start it,” which she called as ‘heartbreaking’ words from a man who had devoted his entire life to cinema and to truth.
“Mike’s departure feels like a scene cut too soon, an unfinished business. And yet, in truth, his work is complete. His films will forever illuminate our history, our fears, and our dreams. Paalam, Mike. Maraming salamat. Rest in power,” Santos ended her post.
Details about his funeral service have yet to be announced by his family.