We are pleased to present ‘Dr Wise on Influenza’, a 1919 public information film commissioned by Britain’s Local Government Board (later the Ministry of Health) as the country fell under the grip of the Great Influenza of 1918-19. The hard-hitting film was made at the height of the pandemic designed to shock people out of their complacency towards this common illness and take preventative measures.
The film was part of the 15th International Silent Film Festival Manila (ISFF), which took place online from 24 November to 3 December 2021. The festival brought together silent films with original musical scores to create a unique cinematic experience.
Through the British Film Institute, 'Dr Wise on Influenza' premiered online in the Philippines on 26 November via the Film Development Council of the Philippines channel.
‘The film, Dr Wise on Influenza gives us valuable advice to be mindful of our community’s well-being during a health crisis. It is also an important reminder for us to learn from the past’. – Lotus Postrado, Country Director, British Council in the Philippines
Original musical score by Joee Mejias
The silent film was accompanied by the original musical score of Joee Mejias, an audio-visual artist and musician based in Manila, Philippines.
Her music combines field recordings, traditional and found instruments, electronics, and voice, forming songs that evoke inner memories, altered dream states, and fragments of the real or imaginary journeys. Joee’s live performances are influenced by her theatre background and vary in their use of projections, video, installations, and live performers. Joee has performed in venues around Southeast Asia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and has toured the Philippines extensively. She is also a faculty member in De La Salle-College of St. Benilde – School of Design and Arts where she is an alumna of the Production Design program.