‘Democratizing’ initiatives need viewers’ support

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From Oct. 22 to 31, the QCinema (Quezon City) International Film Festival will provide indie movies with yet another much-needed showcase to enable them to reach the viewing public—at Trinoma and Gateway cinemas, as well as the UP Film Center. Eight productions have each been given a grant of P1 million.

We support production and “showcase” initiatives like this, because indie film buffs have a hard time accessing new or even iconic productions.

It would be even better if, aside from putting up festivals with a limited duration of screenings, we could also set  up more regular venues for indie productions, which have a tough time finding slots in mainstream theaters, because they aren’t “commercial” enough.

The current indie film wave has done the local movie industry the great service of boosting its number of productions. In making moviemaking more “affordable,” it has also democratized the craft and art of cinema, so that many more viewpoints are “represented” on the screen.

Affordable, accessible

If we’re able to make films not just affordable but also accessible, indie filmmakers can earn enough money to make more movies—and our indie producers, writers and directors will finally be home free.

Any and all democratizing initiatives are welcome and should be supported—from festivals, cine clubs, regular venues, film centers outside Metro Manila— anything that will make it easier for indie films to connect with interested viewers.

Another new screening concept somebody should try: Put up a small space that will regularly show good indie movies—for office workers during their lunch break.

Perforce, the films have to be short, but if they’re really good, they could develop an audience. And the office workers will be able to enjoy and benefit from good movies—while having lunch!

Another version of this concept could be school-based, with a university assigning a big classroom for this purpose, and the school or its film club tying up with indie filmmakers’ groups to provide the movies up for view.

The filmmakers should also make themselves available for postscreening interactions with student and faculty viewers. We know from experience that nothing beats this give-and-take to make more viewers fans of indie films, and want to support them—again, on a regular basis.

—That’s our word for the day—regular. If viewers have to “hunt down” indie movies to watch, they will simply lose interest and just not bother.

Most accessible of all are initiatives like GMA News Channel’s Saturday indie screenings, which make use of television to enable good independent productions to connect with viewers. Much more of this, please!