Award-winning filmmaker Erik Matti has publicly responded after cinematographer Neil Daza shared a cryptic Facebook post that many in the local film industry interpreted as directed at the director, bringing an apparent behind-the-scenes dispute into the public eye.

The controversy began when Daza posted, "So much passion for making films, yet no passion to show up when it comes to labor issues," without naming anyone. Matti later addressed the post on Facebook, saying he knew it referred to him following a mediation proceeding before the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).

"Ikaw na ang tagapaglaban ng industriya, Neil Daza. Ikaw na ang sukatan kung sino ang may malasakit sa pelikula at sa labor," Matti wrote, acknowledging that Daza had filed a complaint and that meetings had already taken place before the FAP.

While Matti did not disclose the nature of the complaint, he clarified that his attendance at the meetings was not mandatory because their producer represented their side. He rejected the suggestion that missing a meeting reflected a lack of concern for the industry.

"Hindi ako pumunta. Marami akong ginagawa. Hindi ibig sabihin noon wala na akong pakialam sa industriya," he said, adding that he believes passion for Philippine cinema should not be measured by attendance at mediation meetings.

The director also claimed Daza has long held a personal grudge against him, urging the cinematographer to address him directly instead of posting vague statements on social media.

"'Wag mo na daanin sa general statement. Alam naman ng lahat sa industriya na gigil ka sa akin. Di naman ito yung una mong hanash. Diretsuhin mo ako. Diretso akong tao," Matti wrote.

In one of the most talked-about parts of his statement, Matti admitted he has been critical of Daza's recent cinematography work, saying, "Di ko gusto ilaw mo. Medyo TV. Dati maganda. Ngayon di na." He quickly added that he respects Daza as a cinematographer and accepts that Daza may not like his films either.

Despite the exchange, Matti called for the issue to remain within FAP's mediation process instead of playing out online.

"Tapusin na natin ito sa FAP. 'Wag mo dalhin sa social media. May reklamo ka na nga sa FAP, may patutsada ka pa sa FB. Dun na natin sa FAP tapusin. Kung manalo ka sa isyu mo, e di gud. Kung manalo kami, e di sorry."

As of writing, Daza has not issued a public response to Matti's statement. The nature of the complaint before the FAP also remains undisclosed.