Lamberto Avellana's cinematic journey commenced with a remarkable opportunity to direct a movie about the extraordinary life of Macario Sakay, a renowned revolutionary hero, courtesy of General Carlos P. Romulo. Despite his wife, the talented Daisy Hintiveros-Avellana, voicing her apprehensions regarding his lack of experience in the film industry, Avellana's determination remained unwavering. He subsequently enlisted Daisy's expertise to co-author the screenplay, and their collaborative effort yielded the inaugural film, "Sakay". This groundbreaking film served as the foundation for Avellana's pioneering approach to storytelling, characterized by the innovative use of point-of-view shots, a departure from the conventional eye-level camera angles.
William "Pop" Jansen played a pivotal role in shaping the early years of Avellana's illustrious career in the film industry, serving as a mentor who imparted invaluable knowledge and expertise in the art of filmmaking. Under Jansen's guidance, Avellana's star began to rise, and by the time he reached the tender age of 23, he had already earned a reputation as a prodigious talent, earning him the esteemed nickname "The Boy Wonder of Philippine Movies" due to his remarkable and unprecedented ascent to fame in the industry.
Noted Filipino revolutionary leader "Sakay" made a significant impact on the cinematic world in 1939, as his film went on to claim the prestigious best film award that year. The technical aspects of the movie were widely praised by critics, who commended its attention to detail and realistic portrayal of the story. This was particularly noteworthy, as it marked a departure from the norm in Philippine cinema at the time, which often prioritized melodrama and romance over more serious themes.
However, the film's portrayal of Sakay himself was met with criticism from some quarters. Rather than depicting him as a revolutionary leader fighting for the rights of the Filipino people, the movie instead portrayed him as a bandit, a characterization that was later revealed to be rooted in American propaganda materials from the time. This has led some to question the accuracy and intentions behind the film's portrayal of Sakay, and to re-examine the historical record in order to better understand the complexities of his life and legacy.
Mari Avellana, the son of the renowned director, shared a poignant insight into his father's psyche, revealing that the mistake had left a profound impact on his father's creative vision. According to Mari, his father had always intended to rework the film, driven by a desire to rectify the error and bring his original artistic intent to life. However, fate had other plans, and Avellana's untimely passing meant that his vision was left unrealized.
