Actor-solon wants cash award for makers of award-winning indie films

An actor-lawmaker has filed a measure granting incentives to filmmakers who are given honors in notable international film competitions in a bid to raise the quality of independent film production in the Philippines.

Under House Bill 6187 filed by Quezon City Rep. Alfredo Vargas III, a P5-million award shall be given to film production companies behind full-length feature and documentary films that win the Best Film prize or its equivalent in prominent international film competitions or festivals.

The monetary reward shall likewise be applicable for full-length films recognized for technical excellence.

Meanwhile, P3 million shall be given to the film production or entity that produces an award-wining short feature or documentary film.

The measure defines independent films or alternative cinemas as those made without the capitalization, machinery and influence found in major films studios.

Should the proposed Philippine Independent Film Incentives Act of 2015 be passed into law, a full tax exemption relevant to the screening of the film and its commercial exhibition shall be granted.

Furthermore, the award-winning film shall be given an automatic “A” rating by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

To be eligible for a grant under the full-length category, the films must be made by Filipino filmmakers who have not yet directed more than three full-length commercial feature films.

The total production budget for the full-length feature or documentary film should not exceed P3 million and the film length should be from 90 to 120 minutes.

On the other hand, the short-feature or documentary film must be made by a Filipino filmmaker and the total production budget should not exceed P1 million. Film length should not be more than 20 minutes.

According to Vargas, alternative cinema production on the rise, with 84 percent of locally-made movies annually consisting of independent films, but such movies often do not gain commercial success.

"Challenges remain, however. One particular obstacle is the lack of funds for marketing. As such, most indie films rarely become box office hits," he said.

HB 6187 has been referred to the House committee on public information for further deliberation. — Xianne Arcangel/BM, GMA News