MANILA, Philippines – Award-winning actor John Lloyd Cruz called on lawmakers and film stakeholders to unite in reforming and strengthening the local movie industry on Wednesday, January 13.

“Alam kong kagaya ko, andito rin kayo dahil mahal niyo ang pelikulang Pilipino. At kung meron akong natutunan sa dinami-dami ng ginawa kong pelikula, ito ay ‘pag mahal mo, ipaglalaban mo,” John Lloyd said in a heartfelt speech during the House probe on the irregularities of the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 

(I know, like me, you are here because you love Filipino movies. And if there is one thing I learned from all the movies I have done, it is when you love something, you will fight for it.)

He also sought reforms in the MMFF, which came under fire after its Executive Committee disqualified Honor Thy Father from the Best Picture category.

This has led to a House inquiry that raised the issue of conflict of interest against Executive Committee member Dominic Du. Du owns foreign film distributor Axinite Digicinema Inc, which promoted other MMFF entries Walang Forever and Buy Now Die Later. 

“I am here not for the Best Actor award, We are not running after that. This is bigger than that. This is definitely bigger than [us], bigger than the film industry. We are now talking about the current state of Philippine cinema,” John Lloyd also said during a brief press conference before the House hearing.

This is the first time the Honor Thy Father actor and co-producer has spoken about the MMFF disqualification. 

Potential of Filipino films

As a first-time film producer, John Lloyd also underscored the great potential of Filipino films that will remain untapped should there be no reforms that would give opportunity for quality local movies.

“Hindi kaya may malaking potensyal na nawawala kapag hindi natin binigyan ng espasyo ang iba’t ibang klase ng pelikula sa mga sinehan natin? Kung mas maraming manunuod ng local films, parehong kikita ang mga producers at sinehan.”

(Don’t we lose great potential when we don’t give opportunities for different types of films to be shown in our cinemas? If more people would watch local films, both producers and theater owners will earn.)

“Sa atin ang pelikulang Pilipino. Tayo po ito. Ito ang kwento natin ng buhay natin pinanggalingan. Ito ang pinagsama-sama nating tuwa, lungkot at higit sa lahat pag-asa. Sino pa bang magkukwento ng mga kwento natin kundi tayo rin?” John Lloyd said. 

(We are the Filipino films. This is the story of our lives, our roots. This is the coming together of our joy, sadness and most especially, hope. Who else would tell our story but us?) – Rappler.com