Ang Itim (1976), na mula sa direksiyon ng pumanaw na direktor na si Mike de Leon, ang kauna-unahang pelikula ni Charo Santos.
Gamit ang international at English title na The Rites of May, ang Itim ang itinanghal na Best Picture sa Asian Film Festival noong 1978.
Ito rin ang nagbigay kay Charo ng kanyang unang best actress award.
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Charo Santos and Mike de Leon on the set of Itim.
Bukod sa Itim, idinirek din ni Mike si Charo sa Kakabakaba ka Ba? (1980) at Kisapmata (1981).
Jay Ilagan and Charo Santos in a scene from Kisapmata
Ang iba pang mga obra ni Mike de Leon ay ang Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising (1977), Batch ’81 (1982), Sister Stella L (1984), at Bayaning 3rd World (2000).
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CHARO SANTOS PAYS TRIBUTE TO MIKE DE LEON
Pumanaw si Direk Mike sa edad na 78 ngayong Huwebes, Agosto 28, 2025.
Read: Acclaimed director Mike de Leon dies
Bilang pagbibigay-pugay sa mahusay na direktor, isang madamdaming mensahe ng pasasalamat at pamamaalam ang pabaon ni Charo para kay Mike.
Kalakip nito ang mga larawang kuha sa set ng mga pelikulang pinagsamahan nila hanggang sa pagkikita nila sa special screening ng huling pelikula ni Direk Mike, ang Citizen Jake, noong 2018.
Ito ang kabuuan ng mensahe ni Charo na ibinahagi niya sa Instagram ngayong Huwebes ng gabi:
“Today, I lost a dear friend.
“Mike was my very first mentor in the art and discipline of filmmaking. From him I learned everything, the rigor of preparing a shot list, the mounting of scenes, the rhythm of narrative, the editing, the discipline of sound, music, and mixing back when motion picture was shot on actual film.
“He was a perfectionist, a genius, and a true master of cinema. Yet beyond his brilliance, Mike was my friend. He gave me trust, guidance, and unforgettable moments of collaboration.
“Through the years, he was unfailingly present at milestones and even in the most challenging seasons of my life. In my darkest hours, he was there, quiet, steady, kind. Ours was a bond that felt like soulmates in artistry, a connection built on respect and admiration.
“He gave us films that were not merely watched, but deeply felt, etched into who we are. Kisapmata, Batch ’81, Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising, Kakabakaba Ka Ba and Itim were never just films; they were mirrors, unflinching in their truth, forcing us to confront ourselves and the world we live in.
“I will never forget the last time we spoke, as we were preparing a film together, its working title: Unfinished Business.
“He said, ‘I don’t think I will live to finish this film because of my condition, so I don’t even want to start it.’ Heartbreaking words from a man who had devoted his entire life to cinema and to truth.
“Mike’s departure feels like a scene cut too soon, an unfinished business. And yet, in truth, his work is complete. His films will forever illuminate our history, our fears, and our dreams.
“Paalam, Mike. Maraming salamat. Rest in power.
“Nagmamahal, Charo.”
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