Mirrors

 

                                                 (image:cinegeekspod.com)

Mag pila sa una kun magsalida an kan Fernando Poe sine…

Is Filipino cinema on the brink of extinction? This question arises frequently, particularly in the face of the overwhelming influx of superhero films with cutting-edge special effects and the growing preference for K-dramas among the younger generation.

During the 40th Luna Awards, Jose Javier Reyes delivered a speech emphasizing the evolution and future of Filipino cinema. He stressed the importance of ensuring that Philippine cinema retains its distinct Filipino identity while also being understood and appreciated on a global scale.

According to a study by Turner (2019), cinema serves as a "cultural repository" that maintains a nation's cultural memory, particularly in the face of globalization, which often leads to the dominance of foreign cultures in local markets.

Roderick Paulate (who won Best Actor for the film “In His Mother’s Eyes) nostalgically recalled the vibrant gatherings of local artists during the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) events as he delivered his speech at the Luna Awards. He vividly described the camaraderie and the shared passion for Filipino cinema that once brought together the industry's finest talents.

Paulate reminisced about the sense of community that these gatherings fostered, where artists, directors, and industry professionals exchanged ideas and celebrated their collective achievements. His reflection highlighted the significance of these moments in shaping the local film industry and the deep connections that were forged during those times.

Recently, the esteemed matriarch of Regal Films, Lily Monteverde, passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of Philippine cinema. During the 1980s, she was instrumental in producing an array of high-caliber films that garnered critical acclaim and poignantly captured the essence of Filipino culture. Among her most notable contributions is the "Mano Po" franchise, which offered an intimate exploration of the lives and challenges of Filipino-Chinese families, shedding light on their significant influence within the broader societal landscape.

Gerbner and Gross's(1976) research is part of the Cultivation Theory, which posits that long-term exposure to media content, including films, can shape an individual's perceptions of reality and societal norms.

In the context of Filipino cinema, films that authentically depict the country's unique cultural heritage and social experiences help anchor the nation's identity, ensuring that, even amidst globalization, the core essence of being Filipino remains vibrant and resilient.

Let the spirit and culture of Filipinos continue to thrive through different media.