The Unscripted Legacy of Kidlat Tahimik

“When I make a film, it's like a mosaic glass window. It's not planned, it's not distilled like those Hollywood scripts are.” 

In Part 2 of his conversation with Howie Severino, National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik reflects on his extraordinary transformation from Wharton-educated economist to pioneer of independent Philippine cinema. 

Following a decision to leave his office life in Paris, Kidlat’s unconventional path led him to work as a jeepney-driving vendor at the 1972 Munich Olympics, live in an artist commune, and get discovered by famed German director Werner Herzog. This chance encounter sparked the creation of his masterpiece, Mababangong Bangungot (Perfumed Nightmare). 

Throughout his iconoclastic career, Kidlat has proudly worn the traditional bahag (loincloth), even at formal ceremonies. In this episode, he shares the philosophy behind this act, presenting an oral retrospective of an artist who continues to rewrite the rules of filmmaking.

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