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Hymen, oh Hyménée – Juan Luna’s Long Lost Masterpiece

Directed by Martin Arnaldo
A Filipino filmmaker in Paris uncovers a long-lost painting by 19th-century Filipino artist Juan Luna, sparking a journey that delves into Luna’s triumphs over social and racial divides while confronting the painful reality of forgotten histories, ultimately leading to a powerful challenge against the erasure of Filipino contributions in colonial-era Europe.

Born in the Philippines and raised in France, Martin studied at Boston College and Mansfield College, Oxford, before beginning pre-doctoral studies at l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales under novelist Milan Kundera. This experience ignited his passion for cinema.His early work includes the motion-capture animated film “Project BW,” recognized at the 1998 Imagina festival in Monaco, competing alongside Pixar’s “Gerry’s Game.”

His career transitioned to advertising, where he directed numerous campaigns for high-profile beauty brands, collaborating with renowned celebrities, all while maintaining a connection to his Filipino heritage.

In 2016, his interest in 19th-century Filipino painter Juan Luna led to press publications, contributions to a collective work for the Ayala Museum, and a documentary produced by the museum.

Now, Martin seeks to delve into longer narrative formats, integrating his academic background and aesthetic sensibilities to explore complex social and historical themes across cultures.

Plays in

Shorts Program VII – Diaspora

Diaspora delves into complex stories of individuals navigating the unknown outside of their comfort zones and far from…

Dates & Times

AMC Theater Plaza Bonita, Westfield

October 6, 2024
2:00 pm