Sherry Dait

Spring 2009, IP 368B

Prof. Agcaoili

Module 1 – Reflection Paper

            Films in general have come a long way since the silent film days to now.  In some countries, filmmaking has taken off more than others with the help of the advancement of technology and special effects.  In the Philippines, although filmmaking has seen great improvements from its introduction in 1897, Filipino cinematography has not advanced as much as it should have had.  Also, Philippine cinematography has had a lot of influences (American, Japanese, European) which helped it become what it is today.

Interest in Films first sprouted in 1897 during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines.  Two Swiss businessmen first introduced Lumiere films to the Philippine public but the majority of the movie-goers back then were the Spaniards and their wealthy native friends that could afford the first class seats at two pesos each.  Even then, Filipino natives that could afford the tickets could only buy the second class tickets.  From an ethical view, the Spaniards dictated to what extent the Filipino natives could take part in, even something minimal as entertainment. 

Advancement in film throughout the world saw its first great improvement in the late 1920’s when sound was finally incorporated in movies.  During the Second World War, propaganda was introduced in filmmaking in the Philippines.  Propaganda to portray the Japanese as friends of the Philippines was the goal of some movie producers.  “Dawn of Freedom,” one of the propaganda films focused on the oppressiveness of the United States and depicted the Japanese as a friend to the Filipinos.  The objective of the propaganda was to have the Filipino natives in favor of the Japanese because this was a time when the Japanese and the United States were fighting over the occupation of the Philippines.  I believe that it was a good strategy to take on during the war for the Japanese but the Filipinos did not favor any one of them.  Filipino films that celebrated heroes like Jose Rizal and other local heroes were more popular and therefore filmmakers focused more on the patriotism of the people to capture the audiences. I like how the Filipino natives was loyal to their history and people and how no matter what type of propaganda the Japanese or American put out, they still appreciated patriotic films more than any others.

The Golden era in the 1950’s was a time of breakthroughs of artistic cinema techniques and award ceremonies honoring the best films in the Philippine film industry. The government also started to support the film industry by introducing the first Manila Film Festival which they sponsored.  It was a ten day celebration of local films made by local filmmakers which has since then been an annual tradition at the Philippines. The support from the government helped to increase the size of the audience of Filipino films and thus helped to promote local films to the public.  I think this awareness helped local films gain more popularity among the movie-goers capturing new audiences.  The new audience emerged from the younger generation which, I believe, changed the genres of films.  I think that the introduction of sex “bomba” was a cause and effect from the new audience along with the American and European influence of sex films. 

Throughout the first century of the Filipino cinematography growth, advancement were satisfactory but development has since slowed down rapidly.  Contemporary Philippine films are not as sophisticated and advanced as other films from other countries.  This is mostly in part of low cash investment and therefore low film budgets.  Presently, films are only made for profit.  When I watch a Filipino film, I notice the lack of quality in production and I immediately notice that they are not as sophisticated as American movies.  Filipino movies, these days, focus more on the script and acting instead of the production.  Even so, I still like watching Filipino movies because although the picture isn’t something to be impressed about, the quality of the acting and script surpasses it and outshine its low qualities. Lastly, at present, prospects for a bright future for the Filipino film industry proves to be slowing down and advancement and sophistication will most likely not be immediately forthcoming.