Ninoy Aquino & The Rise of People Power

plays with 66 Years, 2 Months, 21 Days... and Still Counting

(2009, 57 mins, Video)

North American Premiere

Producer/Writer/Cinematographer: Coffman
Editors: Deron Kamisato, Ryan Krickow
Sound: Robert Bates

In Person: Tom Coffman, Mona Lisa Yuchengco, Lois Lee

Descended from a line of leaders dedicated to Philippine independence, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino fought an unending battle for political reform in the name of the country and people he so fiercely loved. A news correspondent in the Korean War at age 17, a governor by 29, and a senator by 34, Aquino’s route to the presidency seemed assured, but his critiques of President Ferdinand Marcos made him a political prisoner for seven years, and an exile in the United states for five. Ninoy insisted on returning home despite knowing an attempt on his life would be all but certain, stating presciently, “the Filipinos are worth dying for.” With striking archival footage and revealing interviews, NINOY offers a compelling portrait of a political martyr and revolutionary leader. In the face of oppression, Aquino maintained that non-violent protest was crucial to sustaining a legitimate democratic movement. His legacy is the “indomitable spirit” and the enduring belief that our “readiness to suffer will light the torch of freedom which can never be put out.”

-- Ellen Park

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