On fathers and film: 5 Filipino movies to watch this Father’s Day

Family dynamics are a rich source of stories, and cinema worldwide has captured the intricate, often messy, but ultimately loving connections within families. Here in the Philippines, our films frequently delve into these domestic narratives, often holding a mirror up to the social realities we navigate.

Among the many relationships explored on screen, the bond between fathers and their families stands out. Beyond the traditional roles of "head of the family" or primary breadwinner, Filipino movies have offered diverse and insightful portrayals of fatherhood. If you're looking for films that explore these varied dynamics, perhaps for a special occasion, here are five notable picks from Philippine cinema that look at fatherhood through different lenses.

Kicking off our list is the heartwarming comedy-drama, *Seven Sundays* (2017). Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, this film brings the estranged Bonifacio siblings – played by Aga Mulach, Dingdong Dantes, Christine Reyes, and Enrique Gil – back together when their widowed father, Manuel (Ronaldo Valdez), receives a sudden cancer diagnosis. They are compelled to spend seven Sundays with him, confronting past issues and rebuilding their fractured relationships as they care for their ailing patriarch. The movie resonates deeply with many Filipinos through its relatable depiction of family life and specifically tackles an aging father's fear of abandonment and loneliness, showing how distance and unresolved conflicts can impact families.

For a different take, Erik Matti's *Honor Thy Father* (2015) offers a gritty, neo-noir look at a father's protective instincts. Starring John Lloyd Cruz as Edgar, a family man thrown into financial ruin after failing to repay debts to a local church group. With his wife Kaye's (Meryll Soriano) wealthy father no longer able to assist and death threats looming, Edgar finds himself forced to seek help from his criminal family to safeguard his daughter. The film is a stark exploration of greed and oppression, contrasted with a father's fierce and unwavering love, blending the expected role of a provider and protector with a harsh reality.

Switching to a more emotional journey, Marla Ancheta's *Doll House* (2022) follows Rustin (Baron Geisler), a rock band vocalist battling drug addiction. After a tragic event, he flees to Rotterdam, determined to reconnect with his long-lost young daughter, Yumi (Althea Ruedas). The story unfolds, revealing a difficult pattern of sobriety and relapse – a challenging reality faced by many. At its heart, the film examines the enduring power of love between a father and child. It poses poignant questions about the limits of this bond when a parent is struggling with addiction and how a child's love can potentially persevere despite these hardships.

Need a film that offers both laughter and tears? *Instant Daddy* (2023) is a Filipino "found-family" dramedy. It centers on Valentin "Val" Rojas (Jerald Napoles), who grew up believing his absent mother was an OFW, due to letters fabricated by his well-meaning father. The revelation of this truth leads Val to Metro Manila, where he lives a life marked by commitment issues stemming from his childhood scars. His life takes an unexpected turn when an ex-lover, Julie Villalobos (Danita Paner), introduces him to their "child," Mira (Althea Ruedas), making him an instant dad. As Val steps into this new role, he navigates a series of events that help him confront his past issues while forming a genuine fatherly connection with Mira, even as the question of true paternity lingers.

Finally, Dondon S. Santos' *Northern Lights: A Journey to Love* (2017) explores fatherhood through the lens of distance and self-discovery. Piolo Pascual plays Charlie Sr., a Filipino immigrant enjoying a carefree bachelor life in Alaska until he is suddenly tasked with raising his estranged son, Charlie Jr. (Raikko Mateo), who comes to live with him. As he adjusts to his newfound responsibilities, he crosses paths with Angel (Yen Santos), a Filipina searching for her mother in Alaska. Their relationship develops as Charlie Sr. tries to bond with his son and understand his new role, while Angel grapples with her own issues. The film delves into themes of finding one's purpose, realizing priorities, and the capacity for love, showing a father's effort to bridge a gap with his son and ultimately embrace his responsibilities.