Batch '81
Mike de Leon / PH, 1982 / 107 min.
Hailed as one of the greatest Filipino films of all time, Batch ’81 is an unflinching study of the inherent sadomasochism of college fraternity traditions, a metaphor for the Philippines under the Marcos regime. A restoration from the Asian Film Archive, the screening commemorates the recently passed Filipino auteur Mike de Leon.
Batch '81, often described as a Philippine Clockwork Orange, is set at an unnamed university and follows first year Sid Lucero during his introduction to the Alpha Kappa Omega fraternity. The hazing lasts six months and becomes increasingly sadistic. The totalitarian i.e. fascist metaphor is hard to miss and symbolises the slow loss of individual freedom under the repressive Marcos regime.
With an introduction by Filipina producer Arleen Cuevas (Independencia), the screening is organised in commemoration of the recent passing of Filipino auteur Mike de Leon (1947-2025).
About the restoration
The restoration of Batch '81 used the 35mm original camera negative, a positive print and the original sound negative from the Asian Film Archive Collection. The World Cinema Project and the Film Development Council of the Philippines carried out the restoration. The film elements were scanned and digitally restored at 4K resolution by L’Immagine Ritrovata in 2016.
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Details
Director
Mike de Leon
Production year
1982
Country
PH
Original title
Batch '81
Length
107 min.
Language
Tagalog, Filipino
Subtitles
ENG
Format
DCP
Part of
Restored & Unseen
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