Tadhana

A strange, collage-like drift through history and myth, funny and sorrowful by turns, demanding patience but rewarding curiosity.

Directed by

Nonoy Marcelo

Genres

Animation

Tagline

The first full-length Philippine animated film.

Overview

Directed by the cartoonist Nonoy Marcelo, Tadhana is the first Philippine full-length animated film. It was commissioned to be based on the book of the same name on the history of the Filipino people. The book’s author is credited as the authoritarian and then-President Ferdinand Marcos, but was actually ghostwritten by other historians. The film presents a satirical, humorous and poignant view of the Philippines’ history of Spanish colonisation through highly original and surreal vignettes fusing art, mythology and music. Several artists collaborated, voiced characters and appear in the film. Noted printmaker Pandy Aviado served as the film’s assistant director while Santiago Bose was one of the film’s many animators.

How it feels

Satirical, absurd, whimsical and melancholic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Colonialism, power, war, mystery

Content

Mild violence, gore and language. No sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Search YouTube for a trailer (opens in a new tab)