The Life and

Legacy of
Lamberto V.
Avellana
By: Kurt Miranda
• Lamberto V. Avellana was born on February 12, 1915, in Capiz, Philippines. He was
the second of six children in a family of artists. His father, Jose, was a musician and
composer, while his mother, Florentina, was a painter and sculptor.
• Avellana attended the University of the Philippines, where he studied Fine Arts and
Architecture. During his time there, he became involved in theater and joined the
university's drama club. He also directed his first play, "The Valiant," which was well-
received by audiences and critics alike.
• After graduating from the University of the Philippines, Avellana went to the United
States to study at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. He also took courses in film
directing at the University of Southern California. While in the US, he was exposed to
the works of great American playwrights and filmmakers, which would later influence
his own work in Philippine theater and cinema.

Early Life and Education

Founding of Barangay Theater Guild
• In 1939, Avellana founded the Barangay
Theater Guild, a theater company that aimed
to bring theater to the masses and promote
Filipino culture. The company staged plays
in various barangays (villages) around
Manila, often performing in unconventional
venues like basketball courts and
marketplaces.
Career in Theater
Collaboration with National Artists
• Avellana worked closely with other
National Artists, including Nick Joaquin and
Salvador Bernal, to create groundbreaking
productions that challenged traditional
notions of theater and pushed the
boundaries of what was possible on stage
• After a successful career in theater, Lamberto V. Avellana
transitioned to film in the 1950s. He became known for
his socially relevant films that tackled issues such as
poverty, corruption, and injustice.

Transition to Film
• Avellana's films were groundbreaking in their portrayal
of social issues and their use of cinematic techniques. He
paved the way for future filmmakers to tackle important
topics and push the boundaries of Philippine cinema.

Impact on Philippine
Cinema
• Anak Dalita-(The Ruins)Considered Avellana's masterpiece, Anak Dalita is a
1956 film that tells the story of a young woman struggling to survive in a
poverty-stricken community. The film won several awards and was selected as
the Philippine entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 29th Academy
Awards
.
• Badjao- is a 1957 film that explores the cultural traditions and struggles of
the Badjao people, a seafaring ethnic group in the Philippines. The film was
well-received and won several awards, including Best Picture at the 1957
Asian Film Festival.

• Huk sa Bagong Pamumuhay (Huk: Guerilla Struggle in the Philippines)-

Released in 1953, Huk sa Bagong Pamumuhay is a film about the Hukbalahap
Rebellion, a communist insurgency in the Philippines. The film was notable for
its realistic portrayal of the conflict and its sympathetic treatment of the rebels.
It won several awards and was selected as the Philippine entry for the Best
Foreign Language Film at the 26th Academy Awards.

Notable Works
• Innovative Filmmaker
Lamberto V. Avellana was a pioneer in
Philippine cinema, introducing new
techniques and styles to the industry. His
films were known for their artistic and
social relevance, challenging the norms of
traditional Filipino filmmaking.
Impact on Philippine
Cinema
• National Artist for Film
Avellana's contributions to Philippine
cinema were recognized with numerous
awards and honors, including the title of
National Artist for Film in 1976. This
prestigious award is given to individuals
who have made significant contributions
to the development of Philippine arts and
culture