Sa Pusod ng Dagat

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Sa Pusod ng Dagat
Videotape cover
Directed by	Marilou Diaz-Abaya
Starring	Jomari Yllana Chin Chin Gutierrez Elizabeth Oropesa
Release date(s)	1998
Running time	114 min.
Country	Philippines
Language	Filipino / Tagalog
IMDb profile

Sa Pusod ng Dagat (En. In the Navel of the Sea) is a 1998 Filipino film directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Starring Jomari Yllana with Chin Chin Gutierrez and Elizabeth Oropesa it was released by GMA Films and Film Experts, Inc.

The film whilst not succeeding in the box office it was critically acclaimed in local and international film festivals. It premiered on March 13, 1998

[edit] Plot

In the remote fishing island in the 50's, Pepito (Emman) grows up learning the trade of his mother, Rosa (Elizabeth Oropesa), the only midwife capable of delivering the newborn babies of their community. At first, the young son doesn't mind the unusual arrangement, but as he grows older, he begins to resist the role traditionally meant only for women.

In time, Pepito's coming of age intersects with the lives of other islanders whose beliefs and struggles become critical impetus to his maturity. Eventually, embarrassment and prejudices are overcomed then by acceptance and love between mother and son.

[edit] Awards and nominations

The film received nominations and awards from different local award-giving bodies. It got two Star Awards in 1999 for Cinematographer of the Year (Romeo Vitug) and Original Screenplay of the Year (Jun Lana).

The movie had received invitations from 17 prestigious film festivals abroad, an unprecedented achievement in the history of Philippine cinema.

"Sa Pusod ni Jay-ar" is the country's official entry to the Singapore International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Hong Kong Film Festival, Fukuoka International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival and Oslo Film Festival. It is an entry to the film festivals in London, Cairo, Bombay, Barcelona, Haifa and New York.

The movie also made it to the Chicago International Film Festival, Montreal Film Festival, Nantes Festival of Free Continent and Chicago Film Festival. It was also the Philippine entry for Best Foreign Language Film in the Oscars.