Raymond Red on winning

RAYMOND Red

“Kamera Obskura” director Raymond Red, 8th Cinemalaya winner of the special jury prize and best director awards:

“I do not believe in being ‘best.’ To me, an award is just an affirmation of my efforts and the merits of my film. I thank a certain group of jury that thinks and believes [that my work] is the best of the lot. I appreciate this but I’d like to think this is just a bonus.

I keep saying that the award in indie films is seeing the audience come to your screenings—that’s the reason I joined Cinemalaya. In the past, I didn’t feel the need to participate in it; I had always made films independently anyway. Now I recognize the fact that indie films have developed an audience. [My film] ‘Kamera Obskura’ had sold-out screenings, which for me was the biggest reward.

“Filmmakers, lets focus on our goal. Now that we’re seeing [indie] films are being made, our next challenge is to develop an audience for the indies—and develop venues where we can show our work.” Marinel R. Cruz