web -Bona 3
Bona (1980)

The Melbourne Cinémathèque & ACMI present

Bona

Lino Brocka | Philippines | 1980 | Unclassified (15+)
Film

When

Wed 5 Nov 2025

See below for additional related events

Rarely seen since the 1980s, and long believed lost in a fire, this landmark of Filipino cinema stars Nora Aunor (who was also producer) in a role that subverted her image as a star of blockbuster films.

Aunor plays Bona, a high-school student who becomes obsessed with low-grade actor Gardo (Phillip Salvador), eventually moving in with him, against the objections of her parents. Partly shot in a slum, the film is a commentary on the nature of stardom, the dangers of devotion and the place of women under the Marcos dictatorship.

Finally available again in a stunning restoration, it further cements Brocka’s standing as one of the Philippines’ most important directors.

Format: DCP
Language: Tagalog with English subtitles
Source: Carlotta Films
Courtesy: Carlotta Films
Runtime: 88 mins

Event duration

88 mins

Rating

Unclassified (15+)

Where

Cinema 1, Level 2
ACMI, Fed Square

Plan your visit

Membership options

Mini membership
(3 consecutive weeks)
$30.5–36

Annual memberships
$174–325

See full options

More films screening in this program

There are no upcoming related events at this time.

About Melbourne Cinémathèque

Australia's longest-running film society, Melbourne Cinémathèque screens significant works of international cinema in the medium they were created, the way they would have originally screened.

Melbourne Cinémathèque is self-administered, volunteer-run, not-for-profit and membership-driven. 

Learn more | View the 2025 program | See membership options

Melbourne Cinémathèque - Dirk Bogarde in a still from Victim

Join our newsletter

Get updates on the latest news, exhibitions, programs, special offers and more.

You might also like