As the country has yet to win in the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar wants to give more incentives to Filipino filmmakers vying for this prestigious award.
According to a statement, House Resolution 451 filed by Villar sought to increase the existing assistance given by the government to Filipino filmmakers competing for Best International Feature Film.
The Best International Feature Film is formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film in the Oscars.
“There is a need to assess the overall situation of the Philippine cinema and movie industry, and if possible, create a seed fund or increase the allocation for the FDCP’s Oscars Assistance Program for the development and marketing campaigns of world-class Filipino films to be sent to the Academy,” Villar said in the resolution, a copy of which was released to the media.
She urged the House Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts to look into the plight of Philippine cinema in order to promote “more film productions” and revive its “renaissance and golden era.”
It was cited that such perks will help filmmakers cover expenses for promotional materials aimed at voting members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
The lawmaker has filed the resolution as director Erik Matti’s “On the Job: The Missing 8”, has received again international recognition, having been chosen to be the Philippines‘ official entry in the upcoming 95th Oscar Awards.
READ: ‘On The Job: The Missing 8’ is PH official entry to 95th Academy Awards
The film premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in September 2021 where actor John Arcilla was awarded Best Actor for his portrayal of Sisoy Salas, a journalist who looks into the disappearances of his colleagues.
The House leader noted the Philippines has a vast supply of creative people who produced world-class and compelling films that won awards in various international film festivals such as Berlin, Venice and Cannes.
Filipino actors and films also received similar recognitions from various film festivals like Cairo, Locarno, Montreal, Tallin, Warsaw and International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in The Netherlands, among others, she cited.
However, despite receiving several accomplishments in different international film festivals, Villar lamented the Philippines has yet to secure a nod or even a shortlist for the coveted Academy Awards or the Oscars.
“Securing a nomination, win or even a shortlist in the prestigious Oscars will put the Philippines on the map for world-class talents, thus potentially opening more employment and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos,” Villar said.
The Philippines has sent more than 30 films to the Academy, with the film “Genghis Khan” by National Artist for Film Manuel Conde being the first one to be sent in 1953.
The country failed to send an entry to the 94th Academy Awards, with the FDCP citing budget constraints.