Small Voices

2002 Drama

Filipino filmmaker Gil M. Portes directs the drama Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices), based on the teaching experience of his niece during the 1980s. Alessandra de Rossi plays Melinda Santiago, an idealistic young woman who takes a teaching position at a small rural school in the Philippine province of Malawig. With a corrupt government and scarce economic opportunities, the townsfolk struggle to survive. While many of the adults choose to join the guerilla military force, the children are made to work on family farms rather than receive an education. Against many of the parents' wishes, Melinda enters her class in a singing competition. Small Voices premiered at the 2002 Toronto Film Festival.

Director: Gil M. Portes

Starring: Alessandra de Rossi, Dexter Doria, Irma Adlawan, Malou Crisologo, Amy Austria

 22 Reviews  6 Awards

Reviews

  • This tiny film is heartfelt, well made and worthy of attention.

    Dave Kehr - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

  • There's not much new in this Filipino film by longtime director Gil M. Portes. But it's so endearing that only a grouch wouldn't be charmed.

    V.A. Musetto - New York Post

    19 January 2013

  • Voices overcome some used story conventions to give it a very specific charm of its own.

    - The Hollywood Reporter

    19 January 2013

  • A leisurely, understated film reminiscent of any number of Japanese counterparts featuring quietly heroic rural teachers. It is easy to label the film as slow, old-fashioned and sentimental, which it certainly is, but it has the tenacity of its heroine, the pretty and intelligent Melinda (Alessandra de Rossi).

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

  • Despite its affinity for whimsy over realism, Small Voices effectively captures the embittered desperation and ragged dedication of its exploited teachers.

    Mark Holcomb - Village Voice

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Film

    Bangkok International Film Festival (2003)

     

  • Best Child Actor

    FAMAS Awards (2003)

  • Best Direction (Pinakamahusay na Direksyon)

    Gawad Urian Awards (2003)

  • Gil Portes

    Palm Beach International Film Festival (2003)

  • Movie of the Year

    Star Awards for Movies (2003)

Lists

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