POE BILL TO GIVE GRANTS TO AWARD-WINNING PH INDIE FILMS

Sen. Grace Poe has filed Senate Bill 165 that aims to propel the Philippine independent film industry by providing incentives to independent Filipino films which have bagged honors in notable international film competitions.

"We have a great pool of artists and creators who have brought honor to our country through the outstanding films they have produced. It is high time to recognize them and encourage the rest of our indie filmmakers to make their mark, as we help the industry flourish," Poe said.

Under the lady senator's proposed Philippine Independent Film Incentives Act, locally produced independent films winning the Best Film prize in respected international cinema festivals shall be given monetary incentives to honor their work.

The bill provides that an award-winning 90 to 120-minute independent feature made by a Filipino filmmaker shall receive a grant of P5,000,000. Meanwhile, a Filipino-made short film that runs for 20 minutes or less shall get a grant of P3,000,000 following an international award.

Films are potent tools for communication and catalysts for inclusive development which mirror a nation's unique identity and rich culture, the senator cited in her bill's explanatory note.

"The independent film industry has my unwavering support. Our filmmakers and actors have added greatly to the wealth of our culture and heritage. It is only proper for the government to acknowledge their efforts," Poe stressed.

The lady senator cited highly acclaimed films by multi-awarded Filipino producers and directors like Brillante Mendoza, whose most recent craft, Ma' Rosa, earned a standing ovation in this year's Cannes Film Festival. Ms. Jaclyn Jose won the Best Actress Award, the country's first, for her excellent performance in the said film. Mendoza also won the Best Director Award in the 2009 Cannes Film Festival with his film, Kinatay.