It’s a sad day for Philippine cinema as it loses one of its masters, director and production designer Cesar Hernando.
Hernando, who was known for his production work for films such as Mike de Leon’s Kisapmata (1981), Batch ‘81 (1982), and Sister Stella L (1984), graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Fine Arts.
He was an assistant director to National Artist Ishmael Bernal in the making of the latter’s debut film Pagdating sa Dulo (1971). He went on to help director Maryo J. Delos Reyes in his film starring Vilma Santos called Tagos sa Dugo in 1987.
Apart from his commercial credits, Hernando also figured in underground cinema of the ’80s with talents such as Raymond Red.
In a Facebook post, one of Hernando’s contemporaries, Raymond Red acknowledged their 35-year friendship saying he will never forget the filmmaker.
One of his last projects prior to his first full-length work Gayuma in 2015 was one-man photography show in 2011 entitled “Mula sa Mga Aninong Gumagalaw,” which was exhibited during the Cinemalaya Film Festival.
Hernando’s other production design credits include Lav Diaz’s Batang West Side (2001) and Mes de Guzman’s Diablo (2012). He also made three short feature films, all shot on 35mm called Maalinsangan ang Gabi, Motorsiklo (written and produced by Mike de Leon),
and Kagat ng Dilim.
Header photo courtesy Trishtan Perez
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