By Brian Campued
Filmmakers and actors praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration for recognizing the invaluable contribution of cinema to elevating Philippine arts and culture.
During the Konsyerto sa Palasyo: ‘Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino’ in Malacañang on Sunday, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier Reyes expressed gratitude to the President as well as First Lady Liza Marcos for hosting the fifth installment of the event, which honors and promotes the local film industry.
“It proved, once and for all, that this is one administration that does not just really give lip service. It’s not merely a set of promises, it’s not merely reaching out to the Philippine film industry when there is something needed from the people of the industry,” Reyes said.
“Ang na-appreciate namin ay, hindi lang kayo nangangakong tumulong—tumutulong po kayo, at ang bagay na ‘yan ay nakakapanibago at hindi niyo alam kung papaano niyo na bo-boost ang morale ng mga kasamahan namin sa industriya,” he added.
Actors Lorna Tolentino and Gladys Reyes, meanwhile, stressed the importance of the government’s support in boosting their industry, especially at a time when Philippine cinema is experiencing a resurgence.
“Mahalaga para industriya ng pelikula na mabuhay ulit kasi nga matagal nang walang masyadong tumatangkilik sa pelikulang Pilipino. Sana ito ‘yung start ulit lalong-lalo na sa Metro Manila Film [Festival]. I think doon nagsimula muli ‘yung pagiging masigasig ulit ng mga manonood ng mga pelikula,” Tolentino said.
“Napakalaking bagay po na alam naming may suporta mula sa gobyerno, lalo na po sa ating Pangulo. Sana po talaga tuloy-tuloy na ito … doble po ‘yung kaligayahan na malaman namin na mayroong ganitong event sa Palasyo sa pangunguna nga po ng ating Pangulo,” Reyes said.
Aside from various esteemed filmmakers as well as film and television icons, among the attendees of the event were also the producers and stars who have entries in the upcoming 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
The 10 movies to be screened in all Philippine cinemas from Dec. 25, 2024 until Jan. 7, 2025 are: “And the Breadwinner is…”; “Espantaho”; “Green Bones”; “Hold Me Close”; “Isang Himala”; “My Future You”; “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital”; “The Kingdom”; “Topakk”; and “Uninvited”.
The “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” featured a variety of performances by world-class performers and singing icons, including Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gian Magdangal, Jon Joven, Dane Mercado, Molly Langley, and the Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild.
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