Film Academy of the Philippines vows push for workers’ rights, going global

December 21 ------ The revived Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) vowed a more aggressive push to protect film workers’ rights and campaign for international recognition, as director general Paolo Villaluna stated that the agency hopes to empower the local film industry.

In a launch event for the revamped FAP, Villaluna announced that the agency will be a stronger institution for film workers, guilds, and independent filmmakers, noting that its members “have worked in the industry and are part of the community.” With this in mind, the FAP will push for film-worker professionalization, training, workshops, and international award support.

“Here’s the thing — in three years' time, we feel like we’ll be the leading film workforce in Southeast Asia. We have one big advantage. We all talk in English. Imagine if foreign film producers found out that we have certified workers and they’re properly skilled and trained,” he said. “Hindi lang kami ahensya lang pero meron kayong tatakbuhan para sa mga programa,” he continued.

Underscoring the need to protect film workers, Villaluna reiterated that FAP won’t be just a mere agency catered to the film industry, as it’s important for them to feel “protected” in the spaces they’re working on. “Napakaimportante that our workers feel empowered na may sumbungan sila. And not just the workers, but producers can also complain. Grievances and training. We really need to train our people,” he said. “[FAP] is tasked to professionalize the Philippines’ film and audio-visual industry workforce, recognize excellence, and provide sustained support through education, training, and industry assistance. It is an institution for workers, guilds, and independent practitioners,” he said.

International push

While the FAP is chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to select the Philippines’ entry to the Oscars, Villaluna said 2025 is the beginning of the agency to aggressive push for the local industry to gain recognition in the famed awards ceremony and other international awards.

One of which is going for an earlier announcement of the country’s entry to the Academy Awards, to allow more time for filmmakers to mount campaigns for international recognition. “This year will be the first in our steady journey towards acclaim for Filipino film at the Oscars and other big-ticket industry awards. We have many beautiful, internationally-acclaimed films made by Filipinos that have been overlooked by the Oscars, and by offering substantial government support to deserving filmmakers, we can enhance their means to do intensive campaigning to reach more Academy voters, which is a necessity for getting the elusive Oscar nod,” he said.

Even though Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” is unable to advance to the Oscars’ shortlist, the FAP will beef up its efforts for filmmakers to earn “due recognition” as it’s crucial for the local film industry’s continued goal to go global. “[FAP will give] due recognition to outstanding cinematic achievements and serve as the authorized agency that oversees the selection and support of the official Philippine entry to the Academy Awards and other major international, industry-led awards,” Villaluna said.

When asked what would urge the public to return to the cinemas, Villaluna said that while it’s not part of the FAP’s mandate, he hoped that there would be opportunities for cinemas to “put a window” on ticket prices. “I have no doubt about the quality of films. Hands down. But we also have to consider our economy. Baka may opportunity to lower the prices, we also have to be realistic and understand na nage-evolve ang industry,” he said.

Source: inquirer.net