Through his films, leading director Brillante Mendoza presents a social critique of contemporary problems in the Philippines.
Ma’ Rosa stars Jaclyn Jose (Best Actress at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival) in the title role as the matriarch of a family struggling to keep a small Manila convenience store afloat. As a means of survival, Rosa has diversified the family business by venturing into the street-drug trade. When Rosa and her husband are arrested, corrupt cops expect a bribe before setting them free. Rosa and the couple’s children set out to raise the funds, encountering resistance from friends and relatives.