PHILIPPINES: THE PRICE OF POWER explores the social and political background to the "People Power" revolution of 1986.
The film focuses on the mountain homeland of a group of traditional, tribal Filipinos, the Igorots. These self-sufficient farmers have fought a decade-long battle to stop a massive dam project which threatens their lands and culture. After years of peacable opposition, many Igorots joined the Communist guerrilla movement, the New Peoples Army (NPA).
The Igorots' story is a microcosm of the situation throughout the country. The film shows how poverty, corruption, and lack of political freedoms alienated an ever growing number of Filipinos, led to the fall of Marcos, and the assumption of the presidency by Corazan Aquino.
"An excellent film. An accurate portrayal of the consequences of development and on the current plight of the Filipino people."—Professor Charles Frake, Stanford University
"[A] beautifully photographed film, supported by a strong narrative... Highly recommended for hight school through adult groups."—John C. McNee, Library Journal
"On-the-scene coverage, augmented with newsreel and file footage, illuminates causes underlying Marcos' ouster."—Booklist
"Revealing and timely... Highly recommended."—Landers Film Reviews