Filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik says Pinoy cinematographers should not confine themselves to what sells to audiences and instead let their minds thrive.
Filmmakers and film enthusiasts must uncover the potential that Philippine culture has on its cinema. Our culture tells so many stories that, when told through an original lens, will create intrigue and satisfaction from viewers all around the globe.
PHILIPPINE cinema has its own standards. It should not conform to the standards of Western films, especially those of Hollywood. This is what Kidlat Tahimik says about our culture in cinema.
Filmmakers and film enthusiasts must uncover the potential that Philippine culture has on its cinema. Our culture tells so many stories that, when told through an original lens, will create intrigue and satisfaction from viewers all around the globe.
“Why force the straitjacket of wanna-be-Hollywood formulas on the free, creative duwende spirits thriving in our multi-cultural film geniuses?" he asks.
There is so much potential here. Filmmakers, according to him, must not be too reliant on producing “Patol sa Takilya” (PST) stories just for profit. There are so many things to talk about with film as its medium.
Kidlat Tahimik is thankful that, today, local filmmakers are starting to see this, which in turn grants them the recognition they deserve. Many indie Filipino filmmakers are awarded with prestigious awards from all around the world. Kidlat Tahimik’s guess? “Kasi nakapa-original ng storytelling nila!”
Storytelling must not be mundane. Philippine culture deserves a telling that gives justice to it and the variety of stories that could be used as material. (EFO)