The Flor Contemplacion Story
The Flor Contemplacion Story is a 1995 film produced by Viva Films about the story of the Filipina domestic helper who was hanged in Singapore for allegedly killing her fellow maid. The story was chronicled in a film which operates on various personal, social and political levels. Both controversial and critically acclaimed, it has brought Nora Aunor numerous citations for her intense portrayal as the fallen heroine of the story.
The Flor Contemplacion Story was screened and exhibited in different film festivals around the world. The film won the Princess Pataten Statue for best actress for its lead star, Nora Aunor and the film won the Golden Pyramid Award at the 1995 Cairo International Film Festival. Aunor also swept all the best actress awards given by the different award giving bodies in the Philippines including the Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role given by the Young Critics Circle.
Synopsis
Just like many impoverished people, Flor thought that by working abroad she could give her family a better life even though it means sacrificing her own happiness. She decided to work as a domestic helper in Singapore thinking that this could be the answer to her problems. Unlike many other servants, Flor was well-treated by her employers.However, in 1995, she was arrested and was charged of killing her fellow filipina, Delia Maga and the little boy that she was caring for. Unfortunately, all evidence points to Flor's innocence. After a hasty trial, the Singapore government finds Flor guilty and sentences her to death by hanging. Her predicament brings an outpouring of sympathy from Filipinos, who refuse to believe her guilt. There was also a national appeal for clemency and a re-investigation to be done. Even the office of the President appealed to the Singaporean Government. However, the Singapore Government remained steadfast with their decision.
Flor was executed in March 1995. The film also examines the effects of Flor's absence upon her family. Her husband, unable to stand the wait, begins an affair and then forces the two oldest girls to marry.
Cast
- Nora Aunor as Flor Contemplacion
- Julio Diaz as Efren Contemplacion
- Jacklyn Jose as Neneng
- Ian De Leon as Xandrex Contemplacion
- Vina Morales as Russel Contemplacion
- Jon-Jon Contemplacion as Himself
- Joel Contemplacion as Himself
- Tony Mabesa as Philippine Ambassador in Philippine Embassy in Singapore
- Ali Sotto as Spokesperson of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore
- Rita Avila as Evangeline Parale
- Amy Austria as Delia Maga
- Charito Solis as Lydia Montilla
- Gloria Sevilla as Flor's mother
- Caridad Sanchez as Flor's mother-in-law
- Ronaldo Valdez as Atty. Romeo Capulong
- Bennette Ignacio as Nicholas Huang
Awards and recognition
Reviews
The movie received positive reviews, especially for Aunor's acting.International Awards and Nominations
Philippine Awards and Nominations
Year | Award-giving body | Category | Nominee | Result |
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Circle of Excellence | Nora Aunor | |
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Best Musical Score | Vehnee Saturno | |
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Best Director | Joel Lamangan | |
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Best Picture | ||
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Jacklyn Jose | |
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Best Screenplay | ||
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Best Sound | Ramon Reyes | |
1996 | Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards | Best Movie Theme Song | "Kahit Konting Awa" by Vehnee Saturno | |
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Actress | Nora Aunor | |
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Director | Joel Lamangan | |
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Jacklyn Jose | |
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Picture | ||
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best in Cinematography | Romeo Vitug | |
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Music | Vehnee Saturno | |
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Sound | Ramon Reyes | |
1996 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Rita Avila | |
1996 | Luna Award | Best Picture | ||
1996 | Luna Award | Best Actress | Nora Aunor | |
1996 | Luna Award | Best Director | Joel Lamangan | |
1996 | Luna Award | Best Adapted Screenplay | Ricky Lee | |
1996 | Luna Award | Best Sound | Ramon Reyes | |
1996 | Luna Award | Best Supporting Actress | Jacklyn Jose | |
1996 | Luna Award | Best Editing | Edgardo Vinarao | |
1996 | Luna Award | Best Original Song | "Kahit Konting Awa" by Vehnee Saturno | |
1996 | Star Awards for Movies | Best Actress | Nora Aunor | |
1996 | Star Awards for Movies | Best Director | Joel Lamangan | |
1996 | Star Awards for Movies | Best Picture | ||
1996 | Star Awards for Movies | Best Supporting Actress | Jacklyn Jose | |
1996 | Star Awards for Movies | Best Movie Theme Song | "Kahit Konting Awa" by Vehnee Saturno | |
1996 | Star Awards for Movies | Best Musical Score | Vehnee Saturno | |
1996 | Young Critics Circle | Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role | Nora Aunor | |
1996 | Young Critics Circle | Best Achievement in Cinematography and Visual Design | Romeo Vitug Manny Morfe | |
1996 | Young Critics Circle | Best Film | ||
1996 | Young Critics Circle | Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role | Jacklyn Jose | |
1996 | Young Critics Circle | Best Screenplay | Ricky Lee | |
1996 | - | - | - | - |
List of Film Festival Competed or Exhibited
- 1995 - Toronto International Film Festival
- 1995 - Competition Film, 19th Cairo International Film Festival
- * Winner, Golden Pyramid Award
- * Princess Pataten Statue Best Actress, Nora Aunor
- 1996 - Human Rights Watch International Film Festival New York, June 13
- 1996 - Pan Asian Film and Video Festival, April 12–26
- 1996 - 3rd Southeast Asian Film Festival
- 1996 - Fukuoka International Film Festival, September 13–23, Feature Film: Philippine Films Collection,
- 1996 - Hawaii International Film Festival, November
- 1996 - Pusan International Film Festival, Korea
- 1996 - Dublin Film Festival, Ireland
- 2003 - Philippine Film Festival Fukuoka City, Japan, November 1–16