Exclusive: The Filipino filmmaker says his invitation to join the Academy behind the Oscars is less about prestige than creating a larger space for Filipino cinema in the global film community.
Buddies, associates? One happy family?
A traditional dish called zongzi is served during China’s Dragon Boat Festival, which falls in June. It is a rice…
Divina credited the firm’s achievements to its members, thanking them for their ‘hard work, dedication, teamwork, and…
‘Sec. Vince Dizon, please explain how this finding of your own team should not be flagged as a ghost project in Taguig.’
For filmmaker Arvin Belarmino, an invitation to become a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is not simply about earning the right to vote for the Oscars.
Instead, he sees it as an opportunity to help raise the profile of Filipino cinema within one of the world’s most influential film institutions.
Belarmino is among the 529 filmmakers and film professionals invited to join the Academy’s 2026 membership class, announced on June 25. The Academy, the organization behind the annual Academy Awards, extends invitations only to artists and executives whose body of work has made a significant contribution to motion pictures.
Unlike winning an Oscar, which honors a particular film or performance, Academy membership recognizes a filmmaker’s career, achievements and standing among peers. It is one of the film industry’s highest professional distinctions because membership is by invitation only. Prospective members cannot apply. Instead, they are nominated by existing Academy members, evaluated by their respective branches and approved by the Academy’s Board of Governors.
By accepting the invitation, he will join the Academy’s Short Films Branch, becoming one of the film professionals who participate in the Academy Awards voting process under the organization’s voting rules. Members also gain access to Academy screenings, educational programs, archival collections and an international network of filmmakers from across the industry.
Speaking exclusively to DAILY TRIBUNE, Belarmino admitted that the news caught him completely off guard.
“Surprised, most of all. The news had already spread all over social media before I even checked my email. It feels surreal to me. And truly, this means a lot to me as an independent filmmaker. I see this as a chance to uplift the visibility of Filipino cinema in the Academy, and for myself, to further witness the cultural exchange in world cinema.”
The Academy specifically cited two of Belarmino’s acclaimed short films — Agapito and Hinakdal — in its invitation.
Belarmino first made his mark at the Festival de Cannes when Radikals was selected for La Semaine de la Critique in 2024. The following year, he had two entries in the Festival de Cannes Official Selection: Agapito, a short film he co-directed with Kyla Danelle Romero, and Ali, which he co-wrote with Romero.
Belarmino believes Agapito’s international festival run explains why it came to the Academy’s attention. However, he was surprised that Hinakdal, an acclaimed Philippine independent film, was also recognized.
“The surprising one was Hinakdal. This is a film that won multiple awards in Cinemalaya, including the NETPAC Award and Best Screenplay award, which I share with Kyla Danelle Romero, both my co-writer in Hinakdal and co-director in Agapito. Hinakdal being mentioned by the Academy is proof that stories and films are universal, wherever they came from.”
For Belarmino, the invitation is not merely a personal achievement. He hopes it becomes another step toward greater international recognition for Philippine cinema and opens more opportunities for fellow Filipino filmmakers.
“I hope this milestone proves that it is possible for us, Filipino filmmakers, to take up space anywhere, even in the most prestigious award-giving body. I hope more opportunities like these will be given to Filipino filmmakers, and in turn, for more support to be offered to allow them to further their craft.”
His invitation to the Academy places him among a select group of Filipino filmmakers who have been welcomed into the organization behind the Oscars, further strengthening the Philippines’ growing presence in world cinema. More importantly, as Belarmino sees it, it is another opportunity to ensure Filipino stories continue to be seen, celebrated and heard on the global stage.
