“When I learned that you agreed to this press conference, it made me happy — and of course, smile,” said Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) director-general Paolo Villaluna. “You know, I am a fan.”

Hearing such a compliment from the director of Selda and Pedicab made me feel a special kind of wonderful. And as he presented the accomplishments of the FAP in its first year under his management, it became clear that the present — and future — are indeed bright for this Filipino film academy.

Year one

Bolstered and powered by Executive Order 70s, 2024, the revamped and revitalized FAP announced its role as the country’s agency for the professionalization of film workers, training, awards and worker protection.

DG Villaluna said: “The Academy 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. Many of us on the team have worked in the industry and are part of the community,” he continued. “Our responsibility is to make sure that the people who create Philippine cinema — who make the industry work — have the protection, recognition, and support they need to build viable, long working lives in this field.”

There are two other government agencies that champion Philippine cinema: the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Committee on Cinema of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Explaining the distinction among the three, Villaluna said: “FDCP’s main task is to formulate and implement policies and programs that upgrade and promote quality filmmaking that reflects Filipino identity and examines social conditions. The NCCA Committee excels as a grants-giving agency for cinematic arts projects. The FAP, meanwhile, focuses on the professionalization of the Philippine industry workforce and the recognition of outstanding achievements in motion picture arts and sciences.”

Thanks, PBMM

Finally, we have a leader who not only acknowledges the importance of Philippine cinema but fully supports it. And for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this is not mere lip service, as funds for the country’s Oscar campaign are already with the FAP.

“I am happy to share and report that, for the first time, the national government will support the Philippines’ Oscar film campaign,” Villaluna said during the FAP launch press conference. “There used to be something like P1 million, but we know that’s not enough for the campaign.”

Villaluna shared how other governments allocate funds for their Oscar campaigns: “Anora spent $18 million. India spent a billion pesos. Of course, we can’t support that much. I cannot divulge the amount, but it is substantial. It’s not wow — but enough for a decent campaign.”

Lav Diaz–directed Magellan was the FAP’s pick for the Academy Awards. Reports indicate that it landed in the Top 15 of Variety’s list.

As the US awards season begins, the FAP is also supporting other Filipino films vying for Academy Awards recognition: Vox Humana for Best Live Action Short Film; Food Delivery for Best Documentary; and Morissette’s “Alitaptap” from Song of the Fireflies for the Golden Globe Awards’ Best Original Song category.

“This year marks the first step in our steady journey toward recognition for Filipino film at the Oscars and other major industry awards,” Villaluna said. “We have many beautiful, internationally acclaimed films made by Filipinos that the Oscars have overlooked. By offering substantial government support to deserving filmmakers, we can enhance their ability to mount intensive campaigns to reach more Academy voters — a necessity for securing the elusive Oscar nod.”

Food Delivery, directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, documents the struggles in the West Philippine Sea and is currently holding screenings in the US, Taiwan and London to build visibility and support in the Best Documentary category.

Vox Humana, a short film by Don Eblahan, has already won at two Oscar-qualifying festivals, making it eligible for the Academy’s Best Live Action Short Film category. Its filmmakers are now working to build support in the US to secure a spot on the shortlist.

Let’s watch movies

“I lament the reality that the vibrant Filipino audience has yet to reclaim the glow of cinema seats,” Villaluna said. “The once-bustling halls now stand in hushed anticipation, waiting for the day when audiences will once again fill them with life and energy.”

“The cinema audience has not fully returned since the pandemic. However, I say this with confidence: I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but every week there are Filipino films in theaters. Filmmaking is healthy. What we need to strengthen is the audience’s return to the cinemas.”