At a time when the emergence of historical films is at an all-time high, history professors highlighted how history can be made accessible through storytelling while preserving historical accuracy.

Drawing on the historian Ibn Khaldun, Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) History Department Professor Dr. David Lozada emphasized that historians have a twofold task: to seek historical truth as scholars and to piece together missing information as storytellers to arrive at that truth. 

“To arrive at the meaning of historical events, one must employ speculation and an attempt to get at the truth.” 

He explained that speculation may help historians develop a narrative when information is incomplete, but it must remain plausible and supported by available evidence.

“That’s what Ibn Khaldun meant when he said to use speculation. He’s actually saying that in times when information is incomplete, we can speculate so that you can push the story forward.”

Applying these principles to historical films, Lozada recognized that creative elements such as fictional characters, dialogue, perspectives, and scenes can make stories more accessible but should not distort the historical events being portrayed.

“Remember what Ibn Khaldun said that this subjective element is only temporary. Movies cannot be used as a replacement for actual history,” he stressed, emphasizing that films should complement, not replace, historical sources. 

Building on Lozada’s discussion, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Political Science Department Professor Reynan Lachica reflected on how stories and events of the past continue to shape the present, stressing that history is just as concerned with what happened as it is with how those events are remembered.

“Things in the past, however, are already done. They are fixed, and it is therefore a matter of how we tell the events of the past that impact our lives today,” Lachica stated.

He further cited Christopher Nolan’s retelling of ‘The Odyssey’ as an example of how an ancient story can remain relevant over time.

“Well, some stories, or events in our past, are now dormant in obscurity. Who chooses what stories in our past should be told today, and why those stories? Again, these and more are the business of history,” he said.

Lozada noted that video games could be used as another medium for learning history, following the same principles as historical movies, which apply their own artistic direction inspired by real accounts. 

“Yes, it can be done. Same principle. Different format, but the principles we mentioned here can also be used for computer games. But it’s important… You need to be able to distinguish from your students na ito yung tama, ito yung totoo, or else you’re going to have a problem.” 

Organized by Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Agham Pampulitika ng Ateneo (SAMAPULA) and its partner organizations, the ‘Buwan sa Tudtulan 2026: History, Storytelling, and Popular Film’ forum was held on August 28 at the Finster Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University.