Shown during Pride Month in June, ‘Isa Ka Pungpong nga Rosas’ demonstrates a nuanced understanding of gender issues, particularly women’s sexuality, domestic violence, sexism, and machismo. The film, set in 2024, presents a more complex narrative, an intense visual translation, and a reminder that such issues persist. The screenplay was written by Kevin Piamonte based on Alice Tan Gonzales’ short story and the film was directed by newcomer Julie Prescott.
Over glasses of wine and vodka martini, Gemma admits to predictable feelings of worthlessness and of a general exhaustion towards life. Claire, on the other hand, prompted by Gemma’s question on being single, reveals that she lost a partner in a vehicular accident and, if being single has to do with it, that she is queer.
As film is both visual and aural, the adaptation of Gonzales’ story successfully intensifies the gravity of the issue without being overly dramatic. The film’s opening scene where Gemma enters her apartment establishes the mood of the narrative and frames the viewers’ expectations. The faceless boyfriend she talks to on the phone foreshadows the unfolding of disturbing scenes.
“Pause, breathe… You might end up regretting this, too,” she advises Gemma. These powerful words of assurance from Claire before she leaves give viewers a clue to the growing trust and strengthening foundation of their relationship, romantic or otherwise. The bouquet of flowers given by Claire at dinner brings the narrative to a close. Where once flowers were a reminder of the betrayals by men in her life, they have become a symbol of positivity, a bouquet of hope.
Prescott felt that “Pungpong” was a “dangerous choice” for a director’s first film since its subject matter is still considered sensitive by many. Interestingly, the story was also involved in a controversy when it won the Palanca in 1997. The two Palanca judges, both recognized scholars in the field of literature and cultural studies, for the Hiligaynon short fiction category were accused of manipulating the results, an allegation which cast doubt on the entire competition.
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