 There was once a golden age of Filipino music, when men wrote songs for the sole purpose of singing under the window at night to fearlessly declare their love for a woman. This practice and its music is called Harana. It had a strict sense of protocol, etiquette and a specific style of music. A once-important part of the Philippine social fabric, this custom along with its music - has long been forgotten.
The Harana documentary film explores this custom and its music through the eyes of classical guitarist Florante Aguilar. Born and raised in the Philippines, as a young boy in the province of Cavite, Florante heard music and mythical stories spoken by his elders. Now living in the US and championing Filipino music - Florante travels back to the home country to search for and rediscover the last surviving practitioners of a long lost art - before its complete demise.
Led by award winning director Benito Bautista, the riveting film contains a treasure trove of beautiful Filipino music awaiting to be rediscovered. Intent on preserving vanishing customs, the film rekindles a connection with the past before it is irrevocably lost, and portrays a side of the Philippines rarely ever seen on the screen. Featuring dazzling music and stunning cinematography, the film aims to capture many hearts and leave a lasting impression that will forever change the landscape of Filipino cinema. |
