AKΩ Batch ’81 (1982)
Director: Mike De Leon
Language: Filipino; English subtitles
Country: Philippines
Runtime: 100 min
Rating: NC16

Full Synopsis

An explosive fascist fantasia made in protest against the brutalities of martial law under President Marcos, Mike De Leon’s AKΩ Batch ’81 was inspired by A Clockwork Orange, the musicals Cabaret and Evita, and Stanley Milgram’s infamous experiments in blind obedience to authority. The film centres on the grooming of college fraternity pledges to become sadistic true believers.

The restoration of Batch’81 was made possible using the original camera and sound negatives and a surviving positive print that were preserved by the Asian Film Archive (AFA). The film is AFA’s first restoration of a Filipino title that premiered at the Classics section of the 74th Venice Film Festival during the film’s 35th anniversary.

Followed by:

Kangkungan (Swamp Cabbage Patch, 2019)
Director: Mike De Leon
Language: Filipino; English subtitles
Country: Philippines
Runtime: 5 min
Rating: TBA

Full Synopsis

Mike De Leon describes this as a short political video that went viral. The title is from the Tagalog expression ‘Tinapon na lang sa Kangkungan’ (Thrown into the swamp cabbage patch, in other words, tossed out like garbage).”

Followed by:

Never Again (2016)
Director: Mike De Leon
Language: Filipino; English subtitles
Country: Philippines
Runtime: 2 min
Rating: TBA

Full Synopsis

“A short video about the return of the Marcoses in 2016, when Bongbong ran for Vice-President. This was updated in 2022, when he became President” (Mike De Leon).

This screening is part of Retrospective: Mike De Leon. For the full programme, please click here.

Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

For further assistance, please contact us at ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org 

Important Notice:

Do note that Oldham Theatre operates on a free seating arrangement. Doors will open 20 minutes before showtime so arrive early to choose a seat and avoid disrupting the screenings as AFA does not play ads and screenings will start promptly.

All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.

Measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of all patrons at Oldham Theatre. Mask-wearing is optional as of 29 August 2022.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

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