Brillante Mendoza says PH audience for indie films still a work-in-progress

MANILA, Philippines—Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza on Wednesday said that Philippine independent films still lacked backing from local audiences, noting that most Filipinos still find it hard to appreciate such films.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer’s John Susi, Mendoza said that he found it hard to cater to local audiences since most of them still watched mainstream movies.

He used as an example his film “Captive,” which he said won awards in Berlin but did not garner much support from Philippine film-goers.

“Pinaggastusan ng napakaling produksyon, pero dito parang langaw siya sa takilya (We’ve spent a lot for a very big production but here, it didn’t gather enough audience in the box office),” Mendoza said.

“Nakakalungkot na-aaprreciate sa ibang bansa pero dito di nasusuportahan (It’s sad it was appreciated abroad but her there was no support). It’s still a work in progress,” he added.

Mendoza remains hopeful and urged Filipinos to support Philippine Indie films, saying these were out of the box stories about true-to-life Filipino experiences that would leave audiences with lessons about the realities of Philippine culture.

Mendoza’s film “Thy Womb” starring Nora Aunor won three awards at the recently concluded Venice International Film Festival.