Following her participation in a recent hearing for a proposed bill supporting local filmmakers, Kapamilya actress Bela Padilla took to social media to share her thoughts and suggestions on how to address long-standing challenges in the Philippine film industry.
On Instagram, Bela posted some of the points she was unable to raise during the hearing, as she had to leave early for a shoot.
“2 years ago, I was invited to speak in Davos at the World Systemic Forum and in Venice’s Biennale to give filmmakers abroad a glimpse of how we work in a developing country. The reaction was always the same. They’re amazed at our output when our budgets are so low,” Bela recalled.
Despite the praise from international audiences, Bela admitted feeling disheartened by the lack of local support.
“Honestly, I always get sad when I hear a Filipino put down a local film or review a local film harshly and compare our work to an international project that has a budget we can only dream of, because I see foreigners appreciate our work more than we do. And sadly, that lack of patriotism or pride in our work is apparent not only in the film industry but in every sector,” she added.
The actress also shared that Negros Occidental Congressman and Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts chairperson Javi Benitez was the one who first introduced the proposed Local Film Industry Development Act to her.
“When @javibenitezzz first discussed his ideas for the creative industries with me early last year, I saw it as an opportunity to help. I just finished filming in Seoul and I learned a lot from my Korean counterparts and staff. I think we can all agree that their entertainment industry helped their country in so many ways,” she said.
After learning more about the bill during the hearing, Bela expressed optimism about its direction.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see the other day that the bill covers so much of what needs to be addressed like fair equity for creatives and producers. I was also happy to see representatives from CEAP who single-handedly helped my film A Special Memory sell out in so many cinemas nationwide, because they brought ticket prices down,” she stated.
She also highlighted provisions aimed at improving safety and representation for women on set, which she fully supported: “Representation from @gabrielapartylist to insert extra protection for women on set. Other countries like the UK have the @femalefilmclub that uplift and highlight female filmmakers, tayo nasa protection palang."
Wrapping up her message, Bela reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the local film industry.
“I wish I got to stay longer, but I had to go back to set. But I obviously will always be here to help the industry I love most in any way I can. What I clearly saw the other day is that one truly doesn’t need to be elected to help. And that there are people elected who still care,” she stated. “We have a long way to go. But this bill, if passed and done correctly, will get us closer.”
Fans and members of the film industry expressed their appreciation for Bela’s advocacy.
“Salamat Bela for using your platform and voice to advance our collective welfare! Padayon!” film director Rod Marmol commented.
A netizen also said: “Thank you for sharing and for taking that much-needed supportive stand on the matter. 🥰.”