Streaming giant Netflix has announced a new slate of beloved and critically-acclaimed Pinoy films across a variety of genres – from horror, comedy, to critically-acclaimed drama. Partnering with leading production studios, including Viva, ERJ Found Films, Black Cap Pictures, and Changhe Films, the latest lineup opens Netflix members to a world of diverse storytelling from the Philippines.
“We are constantly amazed by the creativity of storytellers and the quality of talent coming out of the Philippines,” said Raphael Phang, Manager of Content Acquisition at Netflix.
“Filipinos are avid entertainment fans, so at Netflix we are committed to bringing the best stories locally and from around the world to our members here,” Phang added.
“With the world's inevitable shift to digital platforms for content, it is reassuring that Netflix gives us a showcase of Filipino titles for more audiences and markets to have access to,” said Liza Diño, chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
“Of the five films that Netflix will be releasing, at the FDCP we are especially excited about the inclusion of Lola Igna, a heartwarming film from our very own Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which won Best Picture, and the multi-awarded 2016 film Pamilya Ordinaryo (Ordinary People), which is one of our Cine Lokal hits when it screened in theaters and a winner in Venice Days of the Venice International Film Festival,” Diño shared.
The FDCP chairman further said that this growing slate of Filipino content on Netflix is a true reflection of the diversity of what Philippine Cinema has to offer. And Netflix giving space to more Filipino films is an affirmation that the Philippines has the potential of globalizing its local market.
These films follow the success of other Pinoy titles on Netflix, including Eerie, The Girl Allergic to Wi-Fi, and Miss Granny, which were among the top ten most popular titles in the Philippines in 2019, as well as the December 2019 release of Filipino Netflix Film Dead Kids by award-winning director Mikhail Red.
“I feel very grateful as a filmmaker that my work has reached audiences all around the world thanks to Netflix,” said Director Mikhail Red. “It is my goal to use storytelling and genres to get my message across, entertain, and engage people at the same time. Netflix has granted me the perfect platform to connect with an audience anytime and anywhere. Even my older film, Birdshot, which has been on Netflix for three years is still getting fresh reactions online from viewers seeing it for the first time.”
