Criterion Channel Now Carries These Filipino Movies

(SPOT.ph) In the post-Covid era, streaming continues to reign supreme. Despite the claims of skeptics, the reality is that there is more than enough room for additional platforms to flourish within the streaming ecosystem. However, unless armed with an extensive catalog of titles like Disney+, the challenge is identifying the right niche to cater to if one aims to stand out from the playing field. 

For those seeking a diverse blend of contemporary and classic films from around the globe, The Criterion Channel is worth exploring.  

Take note though that it is only available in the U.S. and Canada, and users residing in countries outside these locations typically use VPNs to sign up and access the site.  

Also read: The 21st Century's Most Notable MMFF Movies

What is the Criterion Channel?

The streaming platform is under The Criterion Collection, Inc., the New York-based home-video distribution firm involved in the business of licensing, restoring and distributing old and new movies. It ventured into the streaming service in 2019, giving arthouse fans access to its vast catalog.  

A monthly subscription costs $10.99 (around Php 600), while an annual subscription is at $99.99 (around Php 5,000).  

Now what sets The Criterion Channel apart is its collection of films not found elsewhere, many of which fall under the arthouse category or artistic and experimental content that diverges from the mainstream offerings carried by the popular streaming platforms.

True enough, a quick glance reveals a mixed bag of interesting titles that are not typically the types you’d see on let’s say Netflix or Hulu. From the 1963 fantasy film 8 1/2, to the thought-provoking sci-fi Stalker of 1979, and Hiroshima Mon Amour, influenced by the tragic events of World War II's atomic bombing, to the 2013 drama-comedy The Great Beauty – seriously, we could go on and on.  

Here are the Filipino films on Criterion Channel

The platform offers an array of Filipino movies and films connected to the Philippines, ranging from both full-length features and short films. 

We instantly caught eye of two Lino Brocka opuses: Manila in the Claws of Night (Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag), the neo noir drama-mystery masterpiece released in 1975 and starring Bembol Roco and Hilda Koronel, and the critically-acclaimed Insiang, the first Filipino film to make it to the Cannes Film Festival, and released in 1976.  

Not to be missed as well is the 2019 drama Lingua Franca by filmmaker Isabel Sandoval. It follows the story of transgender woman Olivia who seeks residency in America but lacks legal documentation. She gets involved romantically with the grandson of the elderly woman under her care.  

Apparition, also directed by Sandoval, is set in a convent in Isabela during the dark Martial Law era. Mylene Dizon portrays the role of a nun named Remy who finds out that her brother is among the activists fighting against the Marcos regime who have disappeared.  

Directed by Alex Westfall, The Rose of Manila delves into the narrative of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, exploring her upbringing in Tacloban and her transformation into the symbol of the nation's maternal figure following her husband's ascent to power. 

The 2022 short film Bold Eagle helmed by Whammy Alcazaren is a journey into the abyss of the online world and social media in search of genuine happiness. By the way, the main protagonist’s name is Bold and he has a talking cat, interesting.  

Another Alcarazen film, Fisting: Never Tear Us Apart, starring Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith digs into the inner world of an aging spy and his family’s encounter with an entity called the Shadow. Trivia: Alcarazen shot the film entirely on a vertically oriented iPhone.  

Meanwhile, sci-fi meets mysticism and pure odd madness await in the Stephen Lopez 2023 film Hito. Prepare to encounter a hovering lapdog, telepathy powers, and a talking catfish – it’s a strange but engrossing trip worth your time. 

Other Pinoy movies accessible on the site are Trishtan Perez’s i get so sad sometimes, For My Alien Friend by Jet Leyco, Gabriela Serrano’s Dikit, and Rocks in a Windless Wadi directed by EJ Gagui, among others.