A LAWMAKER has expressed his all-out support to all Filipino films being released all over the world, saying that it’s about time to continue setting the bar high for Filipino movies abroad and promoting its local contents overseas.
Speaking of various films and digital contents — which are now being produced by many savvy filmmakers internationally, especially Koreans — the Philippines is also doing its own share of producing great films throughout the years, especially in the era of social media.
For Quezon City first district Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, the Philippines has many great actors, actresses, directors, scriptwriters and film producers, workers, among others, that can produce world class films available on cinemas and streaming services.
“We’ve been in the film industry for many decades and most of our films are highly-recognized abroad. We just have to keep supporting and promoting it. Our talents have been known worldwide so I think it’s time to set the bar high and we can do it,” Atayde said.
A season actor himself, Atayde, 32, will also star in a crime-thriller six-episode series “Cattleya Killer” starting June 1, which will be shown to audiences around the world particularly in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among territories, through the streaming service Amazon Prime Video.
The series is based on the 1996 film “Sa Aking Mga Kamay” — a story of a serial killer who victimizes women who cheat on their husbands. Cattleya Killer is set years after this 1996 movie with Christopher de Leon reprising his role as Joven Dela Rosa.
Also starring in the episodes are Jake Cuenca, Arjo’s sister Ria Atayde, Nonie Buencamino, Jane Oineza, Rafael Siguion-Reyna, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Frances Ignacio, Jojit Lorenzo, Ricky Davao and Ketchup Eusebio.
The six-episode series produced by ABS-CBN and Nathan Studios is directed by Dan Villegas. It first premiered in MIPCOM Cannes last October.
Job opportunities and big breaks will benefit the Philippine film industry to enhance the acting and production skills of all aspiring film workers, according to Atayde.
“The Philippines has to conquer the world market for films so that it will provide more opportunities and jobs to more current and upcoming Filipino artists,” Atayde, also the Vice Chairperson of the Creative Industry and Performing Arts committee in the House of Representatives, added.
He also believes that Filipino films can be world class and entertaining that’s why the government needs to really support it. Other countries like India , Korea and others, have certain programs for the upliftment of their film industry which we may study and adopt.
“With all our talents and production teams in this country, nothing is impossible,” he said.