FDCP hosts a special screening of the newly restored Sister Stella L at the Metropolitan Theater, with Vilma Santos joined by Laurice Guillen, Pen Medina, and fellow cast members. Facebook/@ vsrecto
MANILA — Vilma Santos revisited one of the defining films of her career as the newly restored 4K version of Mike de Leon’s “Sister Stella L.” received its Philippine premiere Sept. 20 at the Metropolitan Theater.
The 1984 political drama stars Santos as Sister Stella Legaspi, a nun whose involvement with striking workers draws her more deeply into questions of labor rights, social responsibility and political participation. Cast members Laurice Guillen and Pen Medina were also reported among those attending the Manila screening.
Santos said seeing the film again brought back memories of colleagues who have died, including Jay Ilagan, Anita Linda and Tony Santos Sr. She also remembered de Leon, saying the late director had long wanted “Sister Stella L.” restored and had spoken to her about the difficulty of locating its master copy.
The restoration was completed by the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Philippine Film Archive, Bologna-based L’Immagine Ritrovata and de Leon, in collaboration with Regal Films. Presented internationally as “Sangandaan (Sister Stella L.),” the restored film had its world premiere in June at Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna, where it was selected for the Recovered & Restored section.
Santos described the film as a turning point in her acting career, saying it pushed her beyond her comfort zone. She also connected Sister Stella’s involvement in public issues with her own years in government.
The screening was part of Philippine Film Industry Month, whose 2026 program marks the 50th anniversary of what the FDCP calls the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema. The monthlong program has featured restored Filipino classics and works associated with filmmakers from the mid-1970s through the late 1980s.
