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Thursday, September 22, 2005
Costanilla: Reviving bisaya films
By Sam Costanilla
Spotlight
REVIVAL. Is there a chance for the eventual revival of the Cebuano/Visayan film industry? What are the important factors or elements that should be taken into account in order to achieve this? We remember that the local film industry enjoyed tremendous popularity in the ‘70s despite the fact that what were shown were those black-and-white flicks. The audience didn’t mind watching those movies. However, the local film business eventually faded out into the sunset - and there is no telling yet as to when it will be revived, if ever.
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VIEWS. At any rate, I asked some friends, most of them film enthusiasts, to express their views on thesubject matter in the hope of enlightening the rest of the community as to how the Cebuano/Visayan film industry should be resurrected. It is also our hope that with their comments, those wanting to produce Cebuano/Visayan movies would have something as guide or tip before actually investing their millions into the film business. Below are their views that I gathered through text. Read on.
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Playwright Allan Jayme Rabaya: “I still believe in a good script, whether Tagalog or Cebuano. That is the essential foundation of a good movie.”
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One-time telemovie star Rolly Diorico: “There should be total support coming from the local cinema leaders. Also, an annual Cebuano/Visayan film festival is necessary.”
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Filmmaker/columnist Archie Modequillo: “We should consistently cultivate an audience for Cebuano/Visayan films by improving production values. Sadly, what we get to see even on television today are not the best that we can do.”
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Drama writer/talent Fermin Gomez: “Basta ayohon ug tarongon lang paghimo ang pelikula, mokita gyod.”
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Stage director Rajee Palanca: “There should be a substantial tax deduction on the part of film producers as well as regular and affordable training on film production, regular short film competitions with standard cash prizes sufficient enough to defray production cost and the creation of an official critic circle.”
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Marketing wizard Joe Go: “Reviving the Cebuano/Visayan film industry is a noble idea but the industry itself is facing a very difficult problem due to piracy, busa walay molungtad nga movie producers nianang kalakiha. This is as far as the market for local movies is concerned.”
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Human resource officer Grace Ventic: “Encourage scriptwriters to produce wonderful and sensible materials as well as acknowledge all industry workers by giving them awards for their efforts.”
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Recording artist Leo Patrick Acibar: “The government should fully support Cebuano/Visayan movie producers so that they will be encouraged to come up with quality and world-class productions. The city government should also create an annual film festival. Moviegoers must be encouraged to patronize our very own local films.”
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Young executive Lyndon Angan: “We need good and dedicated filmmakers similar to Bohol’s Cesar Montano. We need people whose mindset is if-nobody-believes-in-it, let-me-do-it kind ofattitude.”
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PR practitioner Nene Salamat: “We need good and hardworking film directors like Laurice Guillen.”
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Television host Jun Esma: “First, we must identify someone who is willing to invest or put in capital for the production cost. Then, there should be a market analysis or feasibility study for the acceptance ofthe business and its profitability.”
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Commentator Vic Canoy: “Movie producers should have the millions and be able to pay their actors substantially.”
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UP masscom teacher Billy Sienes: “Find the bravest producer to make a movie starred in by genuine Cebuano talents. Also, there must be a nice script and an excellent director. The holding of a mega audition is necessary in order to attract the good talents around. And I should be in that film, hehehe.”
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Broadcaster Tisha Ylaya: “A lot of money to bankroll the industry’s rebirth. And to pay the artists professionally. There should also be an allocation for an extensive media promotion as well as the launching of a regionwide contest for new stories and concepts.”
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VEEP. Lady Luck is so kind to this parttime stage actress here. She just got hired and named vice president of a large corporation that is into several business concerns. (E-mail: samcost@yahoo.com or text 0915-4992844).
(September 22, 2005 issue)
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