[Commentary] It’s time to support our local films and embrace the creativity of Filipinos

With the prevalence of Marvel films and other popular movie streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime, HBO Go, and others that provide original material, it is clear that Filipinos are more engaged with them than with our local content.

While no shaming is involved, this undermines the support Filipinos should provide to local movie creators and actors in the country.

In a viral 2013 Facebook post, Filipino independent director Ryan Machado voiced his concern over the lack of support for local films among Filipinos, suggesting that some use this as a way to assert superiority.

He quoted Jessica Zafra’s saying,” “Some Filipinos take pride in the fact that they do not watch local movies, as if it were an indicator of their superior taste,” while promoting his film in the comment section.

Eleven years later, it is disheartening to note that this post and quote still hold in modern times, when many foreign films are being screened in theaters for three to six weeks at a time, a phenomenon uncommon for local productions.

Let’s be honest, Filipino’s addiction to K-dramas also counts.

While international films’ enormous marketing expenditures and better production values may contribute to their enticement, Filipinos should nevertheless attempt to support the movie by voicing their opinions about improvements, even series.

The government cannot provide an improvement or an increase in funding without their criticism. The involvement of citizens is an essential value for development, and all should accept the shortcomings and flaws of the local productions.

We’re at least becoming better.

In fact, we have a lot to offer. It is proven in our Internationally acclaimed Filipino films such as “Birdshot,” which received awards from the Tokyo International Film Festival and ASEAN Film Awards; “BuyBust,” which was awarded Best Picture at the Gawad Urian Awards; “Pamilya Ordinary,” which garnered recognition at the Cinemalaya Film Festival and beyond; and “Kalel, 15”, which awarded at several international and local festivals.

It speaks a lot to be acknowledged by international award shows. As a matter of fact, many of our actors also received awards for their outstanding performances. That in and of itself demonstrates Filipinos’ creativity, talent, and intelligence.

It’s time to put an end to the stigma that Filipinos have started.

Although the reviews and support received from the various film entries in the annual MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) season are superb, the kind of support needs to be consistent rather than limited to certain times of the year.

Supporting local films doesn’t make you ‘baduy,’ uncultured, or basic. It actually makes you a certified Filipino who values its pride, culture, and individuality.

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