In December 1942, the Japanese centralized film production and distribution under Eiga Heikusa to control imported films and promote war propaganda. Its launch featured Toyo no Gaika, a documentary showcasing Japanese military victories in the Philippines. Film became a key tool in advancing the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere by discrediting American influence, promoting Japan as Asia’s leader, and reshaping Filipino identity.
To further these aims, the Japanese produced a major propaganda film directed by Abe Yutaka, with Filipino filmmaker Gerardo de Leon as collaborator. Shot from March to August 1943 using Japanese actors and Filipino prisoners of war, the film dramatized the American withdrawal from Manila. Premiering in Tokyo in February 1944 under the title "Ano Hatte O Utte," it was later released in the Philippines as "The Dawn of Freedom" (Liwayway ng Kalayaan) and was officially premiered in March 1944 with prominent Philippine and Japanese officials in attendance.
"Dawn Of Freedom" (1944)
A Toho Super Production
Release Date March 8, 1944/ Lyric and Ideal Theatres
Direction Abe Yutaka
Cast Leopoldo Salcedo, Fernando Poe, Angel Esmeralda, Norma Blancaflor, Rosa Aguirre
Synopsis: The film begins with Manila being declared an open city. Three Filipino officers—Capt. Reyes (Leopoldo Salcedo), Capt. Gomez (Fernando Poe), and Lt. Garcia (Angel Esmeralda)—prepare to join the retreating American forces bound for Bataan. In emotional farewells, they part from their families. Before leaving, Lt. Garcia’s younger brother, Tony, asks for a keepsake: an enemy helmet.
As the Americans hastily abandon Manila in speeding vehicles, Tony is nearly run over while trying to snatch a Japanese leaflet. He is rescued by Ikejima, a Japanese soldier, who takes him to the hospital. Over time, a friendship grows between the two, leading Tony’s mother to develop trust in the Japanese.
At the front, Filipino soldiers suffer harsh treatment from their arrogant American superiors, causing unrest in the camp. Capt. Gomez eventually strays into a Japanese encampment and is struck by the compassion shown by those he had been taught to regard as invaders. Gradually, he becomes a vocal supporter of the Japanese.
The other two officers meet tragic fates. Lt. Garcia is sent on patrol and ambushed by his own suspicious American commanders. He dies clutching an American helmet, later recovered by Capt. Gomez. Capt. Reyes, meanwhile, is shot by retreating American soldiers who had taken refuge in a tunnel; as he lies dying, he manages to kill the treacherous commander.
In the final scene, after the Americans are successfully driven out, Capt. Gomez bids farewell to the Japanese soldier. He then presents Tony with the promised souvenir, bearing a note written by his late brother: “This is the helmet of the enemy.”
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The movie was advertised daily for 2 weeks prior to the film's showing.
(The Tribune, February 22- 27, 1944)
(The Tribune, March 1, 1944)
(The Tribune, March 2, 1944)
(The Tribune, March 3, 1944)
(The Tribune, March 4, 1944)
(The Tribune, March 5, 1944)
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