12 Facts About Behn Cervantes

Benjamin Roberto "Behn" Holcombe Cervantes was a Filipino artist and activist.

Behn Cervantes was highly regarded as a theater pioneer, teacher, and progressive thinker who was detained multiple times during martial law in the Philippines.

Behn Cervantes directed the film Sakada, about the struggle of Negrense peasants at a sugarcane plantation.

Behn Cervantes was founding member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association and the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Filipino.

Behn Cervantes worked on activist plays, including Pagsambang Bayan and Estados Unidos versus Juan Matapang Cruz.

Behn Cervantes directed Sigaw ng Bayan, which was about the Philippine Revolution.

Behn Cervantes directed Sakada in 1976 while the Philippines was under martial law.

Behn Cervantes directed Bawal, Ito Kaya'y Pagkakasala, and Masikip, Masakit, Mahapdi.

Behn Cervantes appeared in the films Bomba Star, Aguila, When I Fall In Love, Memories of Old Manila, Waiting in the Wings, Alas-Dose, Ang Anak ni Brocka, and Barako.

Together with fellow filmmaker Lino Brocka and other artists, Behn Cervantes initiated the Free the Artist, Free the Media Movement to oppose media censorship during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

Behn Cervantes took part in the 1984 Welcome Rotonda protest, during which pro-Marcos forces hosed down and fired tear gas at several thousand peaceful protesters gathered at Welcome Rotonda.

Behn Cervantes was a member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines.