Incentives sought for Filipino filmmakers bidding for Oscars

Deputy Speaker Camille Villar of Las Piñas City has sought for incentives, among other forms of assistance to Filipinos who would want to make Oscars worthy films.

Villar issued the call under her House Resolution 451 after Filipino film "On the Job: The Missing 8" was chosen by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) as the country's official entry to the 95th Academy Awards in the United States.

“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.

"The House Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts should look into the plight of Philippine cinema in order to promote more film productions and revive its renaissance and golden era," she added.

On the Job: The Missing 8, a story of political kingpins hiring inmates to kill journalists and citizens to cover up their crimes, has been submitted for the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences, formerly known as Best Foreign Language category.

The film is a comeback for the Philippines after the FDCP failed to send an entry last year due to budget constraints.

Perks for Oscar worthy filmmakers, Villar said, would help them cover expenses for promotional materials aimed at voting members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

On The Job: The Missing 8 premiered in the 78th Venice International Film Festival in September 2021.

Filipino actor John Arcilla, who played corrupt journalist cum political operative Sisoy Salas who ultimately turned his life around for the better, was awarded Best Actor.

The film also received a five-minute standing ovation in Venice.

"The country 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," Villar said

"However, despite receiving several accomplishments in different international film festivals, 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,” she added.

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 entry in 1953.—LDF, GMA News