A matter of time


EDITORS DESK

Many film fans were emotional when the Asians won the 95th Oscar Awards in Los Angeles, California on March 12 (March 13, Manila time). Finally! It is the time to acknowledge Asian talent at the Academy Awards.

“I almost wanted to cry with joy as I watched Asians being honored at the Oscar Awards. I actually woke up early to watch it! The Asians are terrific. Hopefully next time it's a Filipino,” said director Benedict Mique, when asked about his thoughts on the Oscar Awards show recently.

Mique believes that it won’t be long before the Philippines also gets an award from the prestigious awards-giving body in the US. So far, the Philippines has not received an award or even a nomination for the Oscars. We have been sending entries for the best foreign language film category for a long time, but we have not yet had the chance to be recognized.

Can the Philippines make that happen? Mique thinks so. He believes the Philippines can also win the coveted Oscar trophy if we all work together.

“We need money so you can go to the Oscars. There is also lobbying there. All industries must work together – government, industry, and artists. We have proven our talents. There are many Filipinos working in Hollywood. We have a competitive and creative industry. The people behind the camera are great, too. We just have to come together,” Mique said.

But before concentrating on the Oscars, Mique said that Filipinos should first be introspective and really learn about our history.
“Before the Oscars, we should know who we are as Filipinos. You have to be introspective and figure out what you want to fight for. Let’s find our story, let’s make it, and let’s support it. I believe this is the best we can do in the industry.”

Mique urged government support for the struggling film industry.
“We also need the government’s help. Provide more funding and incentives for filmmaking. We pay very high taxes for movies. We do not earn anymore, but the tax is still high. I hope we get away with those because it's the arts, not just business. I hope our government will help us along the way,” he said.

The “Darna” director also hopes to work with breakout star Dolly De Leon, the first Filipino actor nominated for the BAFTA in London and Golden Globes. “I hope to work with Dolly on future projects. But I’ve also worked with Soliman Cruz and Ruby Ruiz, who are also considered to be international players.”

The award-winning actor and producer, Councilor Alfred Vargas of Quezon City, does not believe that the Philippines is lagging behind when it comes to film. Like Mique, Vargas thinks the Philippines has so much talent, and we should keep developing it.
“With talent, we no longer have any problems. We just need to make an intense project that we can be proud of across the world and compete in the Oscars,” said Vargas, who produces and stars in the upcoming movie entitled “Pieta” starring National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose and Bembol Roco.

“We have already won in Venice, Berlin, and other popular film festivals. So I believe that we can also reach the Oscar Awards. I guess it’s just a matter of time,” he said.

(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)