'' Insiang '' initial release in the Philippines was halted under the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos in 1976 . Marcos 's wife Imelda was critical of the film , saying that it barely depicted a " beautiful view " of the Philippines , and it was a target of censorship by governing bodies for the same reason . Religious officials and the public protested , which obliged the censors to lift the ban and allow the film to be released . It was unsuccessful at the Philippine box office , forcing Brocka 's production company ( CineManila Corporation ) into bankruptcy . The film was entered in the 1976 Metro Manila Film Festival , and won its four categories : Best Actress ( Koronel ) , Best Supporting Actor ( Vernal ) , Best Supporting Actress ( Lisa ) , and Best Cinematography ( Conrado Baltazar ) . Producer Ruby Tiong Tan was contacted that year by Cannes Film Festival artistic adviser Pierre Rissient , who told her that '' Insiang '' had been selected as a Best Foreign Film entry . Tiong Tan , Koronel and Brocka traveled to France for the festival , the producer reportedly smuggling the film rolls in her luggage to prevent customs officers from confiscating them ; she had added English subtitles . At the 1978 Cannes festival , the film premiered during the festival 's Directors ' Fortnight section to critical acclaim ; it was the first Philippine film shown at Cannes . Koronel 's performance led to her front-page appearance in the French daily '' Le Monde '' . In the United States , however , the film was less well-received at its premiere
1976 Metro Manila Film Festival
1976 Metro Manila Film Festival
Insiang