Filipino filmmakers launch films on online channel

In an unprecedented move, the Philippines' top directors, producers, and distributors have made their work available on an online channel.

Filipino independent films are now available in streaming in iFlix, an internet television service that allows users access to TV shows and movies all over the world.

The new development was officially announced on Tuesday night during a panel discussion with award-winning filmmakers.

Mark Meily, who directed hit films "Baler" and "Crying Ladies" said that he jumped at the chance for his work to be streamed in the app, despite producers criticizing him on his decision.

He had wanted his work to reach more people without risking piracy, he said.

"I think it's every filmmaker's aspiration or goal to have the biggest audience possible. It's not a question of how much would I get," Meily explained.

"The bigger audience that I could get without my work being stolen--which is something very legitimate... it's something I value so much," he added.

Producer Albert Almendralejo expressed his frustration that Filipino films that were critically acclaimed worldwide, received no same appreciation from Filipinos.

"When I produced 'Bakal Boys' in 2009, it won around 20 awards worldwide...but when we came back to the Philippines, we asked people...they would say, 'we don't even know there was a film like that,' 'we don't know where to see it,' 'we wanted to watch it but we don't know where,'" he shared.

Almendralejo added that he hopes the flexibility of the digital platform will allow more people to watch Filipino films.

Film and television commercial director Victor Villanueva, who hails from Cebu, highlighted the chance for provincial films to take the spotlight.

"Pinupush ko talaga yung films ng different regions of the Philippines. Happy ako kasi more people can watch it," he said.

Villanueva lamented that sometimes, his friends are unable to watch his films because they are in Cebu.

"When I make films kasi, I want to show it to my friends, kaso nasa Cebu sila. At least dito wider [audience] na... Philippines cinema isn't just about Manila or Tagalog films, it's also about Bisaya, Bacolod, Davao," he added.

Among other filmmakers whose work will be available in iFlix are Bianca Balbuena, producer of "That Thing Called Tadhana," Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, director of "Ang Huling Cha-cha ni Amita," Sari Dalena, director of "Memories of Forgotten," Armi Cacanindin, assistant director of "Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay," and Wincy Ong, director of "San Lazaro." — APG, GMA News