Charo Santos, Dingdong Dantes reflect on the state of the PH film industry

May 19 ------ Charo Santos and Dingdong Dantes shared their thoughts on the state of the Philippine film industry. In an interview with Boy Abunda, Dingdong acknowledged the challenges the industry faces, while also recognizing the opportunities that come with them. "Of course, siyempre there are challenges at hindi naman siya naiiba katulad ng mga developed countries, ganun din naman. Pero sa kabila ng challenges, naniniwala ako na marami ring mga opportunities," he highlighted. 

The actor pointed out that the digital age has allowed Filipino artists and stories to reach audiences beyond borders. "Kagaya ngayon sa advent ng digital age and digital era when everything is already online, then suddenly we become global actors and actresses. 'Yung mga kuwento natin, naiku-kuwento na natin sa ibang bansa na hindi natin nagagawa dati," he said.  

Dingdong believes that with the right opportunities, Filipino creatives can thrive on the global stage. "Despite all of these, 'yung challenges and even opportunities, I think one thing is for sure, kahit saan mo man ilagay ang artistang Pilipino eh magi-excel siya dahil naniniwala ako sa talento ng Pilipino. Especially if given the right platform, if given the right tools, I am very confident na uusbong talaga at talagang mas magbo-blossom pa ang ating industry, lalong-lalo na 'yung artistang Pilipino," he stated. 

Meanwhile, in the same interview, Charo described the film industry as "very challenged." "With the shift to the digital platform, even the theatrical screens noh, the malls now are cutting back on the number of theaters. Admission prices have gone up. We're one of the most heavily taxed industries," she pointed out. Charo also urged the government to support the industry. "I hope the government will see the entertainment industry as a real industry. We're not here just to entertain people, you know? We're here to make a living and to make a statement for the great artists, the great Filipino artists, di ba? Kasi magagaling ang creatives natin, ang mga artista natin, and I think we deserve that recognition from government," she stated. 

She also expressed concern over how difficult it has become for producers. "Napakahirap gumawa ng pelikula ngayon. Producers are so discouraged, sometimes disenchanted with how things are pero 'yun na nga we just have to keep going. I think collaboration is key now. Kailangan manatiling buhay eh because telling stories is part of the human experience," she stated.  "Sana talaga, talagang tulong ng powers that be from government. We need that support." Charo expressed appreciation that industry leaders like the FDCP, the Film Academy of the Philippines, and Dingdong, in his role as Aktor PH president, are actively engaged with the current conditions in the industry. "With small steps naman, maraming na-a-address. But we really have to get together as an industry. We have to unite. We have to be one. We have to continue to support each other," she stated. 

Source: news.abs-cbn.com