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7 Filipino filmmakers invited to be members of the Academy
Los Angeles — Seven Filipino filmmakers were recently invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Coming from the Philippines, the U.S. and Canada, the Filipino filmmakers are:
- P.J. Raval
- Lisa Valencia-Svensson
- Josie Trinidad
- Trevor Jimenez
- Bobby Pontillas
- Baby Ruth Villarama
- Ditsi Carolino
The lucky seven, who are a mixture of directors, film editors, film producers and animators, are among 842 individuals who were recently invited by the Academy to join the prestigious group. We now fondly call them as the members of the Oscar Class of 2019.
We recently interviewed six of them by email and below are excerpts of our interviews with them. Unfortunately, Ditsi Carolino had to attend to an urgent family matter so we may feature her later.
We are also including our interview with film editor Leah Marino, who worked closely with award-winning filmmaker Ramona Diaz in all of her documentaries like “Imelda,” “Don’t Stop Believin’: Every Man’s Journey,” “Learning,” “Motherland.” The half-Jewish and half-Italian film editor said, “I hope to be honorary Filipino one day.
P.J. Raval (Director, Cinematographer, Producer. Known for 2018's “Call Her Ganda," 2013's “Before You Know It,” 2008's "Trouble the Water," 2005's "Room")
What was your reaction when you got the Academy invite to be part of Class of 2019 and where were you when you heard about it?
I was almost speechless when I received the news. Being recognized by the Academy is really quite humbling. It made me reflect back on my perhaps unconventional career path and appreciate where I've grown. It inspires me to go further.
I can also appreciate that when I received the news, I was in Sicily on top of this amazing town called Ragusa! I've been traveling throughout Italy for the past few weeks and learning about the culture and history which has been also very inspiring.
What is the significance of this invite to you?
For someone who grew up in a small, white conservative town, born to immigrant parents from the Philippines, I'm already amazed I turned out to be a filmmaker! That was definitely not in the cards growing up, but perhaps my personal experience is what drove me to become one — and the desire to tell stories that I feel are overlooked. So to be recognized by the Academy which is the top film institution is almost unreal. It truly is a huge honor and accomplishment.
What was your reaction to knowing Lisa Valencia-Svensson was also invited?
I think it’s great that “Call Her Ganda” producer Lisa Valencia-Svennson got invited as well as my Co-executive producer Jessica Devaney. I'd like to think “Call Her Ganda” played a part in getting the Academy's attention for all of us. The story of Jennifer Laude continues to uplift the community!
Are you guys going to celebrate?
Well coincidentally when I received the news I was already celebrating my PBS national broadcast of “Call Her Ganda” on POV which took place that same evening! So I basically ordered one more round of drinks and added another toast, ha ha! But I hope to celebrate with some of my fellow new AMPAS members sometime soon!
What are the things you are looking forward to doing/seeing on your first attendance at the Oscar?
I was fortunate enough to attend the Oscars back in 2009 when I filmed the documentary “Trouble the Water” which was nominated for Best Documentary. I remember back then I was just in awe of the star-studded line-up and amazed at how friendly and inviting everyone appeared to be. I can't wait to attend again knowing this time I am also "one of them" and being able to influence who ends up on that same red carpet!
How are you going to prepare?
Well this past year I was fortunate to be nominated for both a FAMAS and an Urian Award. I got to attend the FAMAS and was "dressed" thanks to Francis Libiran! When you learn filmmaking no one tells you how to prepare for the red carpet but hopefully I've started to figure it out by now since I’ve had a few past experiences, ha ha.
How do you think the presence of Filipino filmmakers in the Academy affect the film industry in Hollywood and in the Philippines?
If I'm not mistaken I think Filipinos are the third and soon to be the second largest Asian community in the US. and also one of the fastest growing, yet the general public remains largely unaware of our history and culture. So any time a Filipino gets recognized it's a huge accomplishment because it draws awareness to our presence - we're here! And we're doing great things too! So I hope our inclusion into the Academy will further support the Filipino community both here and abroad as many of us are making work and having discussions to highlight our community.
Lisa Valencia-Svensson (Producer, Production Manager. Known for 2018's “Call Her Ganda,” 2012's “Herman’s House, 2013's “P.O.V.,” 2010's "Resilience Stories of Single Black Mothers,” 2012's “The World Before Her”)
What was your reaction when you got the Academy invite to be part of Class of 2019? Where were you when you heard about it?
I knew that I was being nominated by two Academy members, but I really was not sure what my chances were of actually being invited to join. So I was over the moon when I actually received the invitation from the Academy!
I was travelling with my family in the Philippines when I heard the news, and I received the news the morning before the broadcast of our film "Call Her Ganda" on POV. So it was quite an eventful day, to absorb all of that while also enjoying a family excursion that day (to Pagsanjan Falls, a beautiful river gorge drenched in tropical greenery!).
What is the significance of this invite to you?
For me, the invite is about much more than just myself. It is actually about increasing representation of women, people of color, and LGBTQ people — all of which I am — and the representation of other groups such as working class people, people with disabilities, non-Christian people, etc. in the media and storytelling industries.
I attended the News and Documentary Emmy Award ceremony in New York City in September 2014. When I entered the rooms, I immediately noticed how few people of color were among the attendees and nominees, never mind among the winners. Most of the people of color there were serving the rest of us our dinner and drinks and cleaning up after us. Ever since that day, I have pledged that for the rest of my career I will always do what I can do to open the doors to those rooms as wide as I can to more people of color and people from underrepresented groups. Now that I have made it into another "room," there is now another set of doors that I will work to open as wide as I can.
What was your reaction to knowing that PJ Raval was also invited?
I was absolutely delighted! PJ is also a strong voice for marginalized groups in the industry. He brings great skills and commitment to everything that he does, and is widely regarded as a wonderful mentor and role-model.
Are you guys going to celebrate?
I hope so! I am still travelling and attempting to have some summer down time, but when I see people next I will celebrate.
How did you meet PJ and how is it working with him?
I first met PJ in 2010 at the Tribeca All Access program, and then again in 2012 at the Sundance Resort bar, where we were participating in different programs that were being held at the same time. He was one of only two other queer Filipinos that I met through all those years working in the U.S. documentary film world, the other being Marty Syjuco.
I then ran into PJ again at the International Documentary Association's Getting Real conference in Los Angeles in 2016, where I was actively looking for a U.S. project to be involved in (I am based in Canada). He told me about "Call Her Ganda," which was already well into production. As soon as he told me, I knew that as someone who is both of Filipino heritage and also queer, and as someone who had worked so hard to build my career to the point that I did have contributions I could make to that film, I had to be involved no matter what.
And even better, Marty Syjuco was already on board as a producer. It was a dream come true for me to work with other Filipinos, LGBTQ filmmakers on a high profile film about a Filipina trans woman and U.S. imperialism in the Philippines.
Please tell me something about yourself.
I was in my early 30's when I finally figured out what I wanted to do, which was to produce documentary films. Prior to that, I had done some bookkeeping and finance work, which turned out to be a crucial base of knowledge for working as a documentary producer. I had also done community organizing and activism in Toronto around Philippine issues, feminist issues, LGBTQ rights and anti-racism. I grew up in Toronto with very little connection to my Filipino roots, and have spent all of my adult life slowly learning and reconnecting. So everything about my background led to producing "Call Her Ganda."
What are the things you are looking forward to doing/seeing on your first attendance at the Oscar?
Oh I am not sure yet if I will be able to attend the Oscars in 2020, but I'm figuring out an outfit that is both celebratory and incorporates some sort of even subtle political message will hopefully be my focus.
Regarding make-up and hair, these are things that really don't matter to me, but I know one has to look good at these events, so I'm sure I'll have to ask experts to step in and take care of me.
How do you think the presence of Filipino filmmakers in the Academy affect the film industry in Hollywood and in the Philippines?
The Philippines was one of the few colonies of the USA. So to have Filipino filmmakers infiltrating one of the most iconic American institutions feels like a crucial way to start to reclaim our voice and to reshape the narrative around who Filipinos were and are in relation to our former colonial masters.
Baby Ruth Villarama (Producer. Director. Writer. Known for 2016's “Sunday Beauty Queen,” 2014's “Little Azkals,” 2013's “Jazz in Love,” and 2011's “A Letter from Ifugao”)
What was your reaction when you got the Academy invite to be part of Class of 2019? Where were you when you heard about it?
This was actually funny because I first saw PJ Raval’s wonderful post and I sent him my congratulations!
Then about 4:30 a.m. in Manila, Academy member Ramona Diaz sent me and Ditsi Carolino the link to the news. I was half-awake when I saw my name in the bottom of the list so it didn’t hit me right away until people started tagging me on social media, congratulating. A few even messaged asking if it was really me in that list. It was the perfect news to start the week and I felt truly elated for the Filipino documentary community.
What is the significance of this invite to you?
You know naman how it’s been a constant challenge in the Philippines to get local support for cinematic documentary films. The market for international co-production for documentaries is still unexplored by local TV networks and decision makers. I’d like to think our inclusion in the Academy is the beginning of a new paradigm for Filipino non-fiction.
Are you going to celebrate?
The news is really worth the celebration especially now that we’re commemorating the 100 years of Philippine cinema. The documentary community, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other partners are preparing something for next year to give honor to the amazing stories that shaped our history, where we are right now, and where we intend to go in our future. We wish to celebrate new works of other esteemed documentary filmmakers to see how far we can push our real stories and the creative community forward.
Personally, my idea of a perfect celebration is to sleep far away, have a simple thanksgiving dinner with family and close friends and feed myself with more inspiration from the universe. That would be a luxurious blessing.
What are the things you are looking forward to doing/seeing on your first attendance at the Oscars?
I am very much looking forward to meeting fellow new Academy members under the documentary branch like Jimmy Chin (director of “Free Solo” and “Meru”), Talal Derki (“Of Fathers and Sons,” “Return to Homs”), Miao Wang (“Maineland,” “Beijing Taxi”) as well as reunite with colleagues who are also new members like Isabel Arrate Fernandez from IDFA (International Documentary Festival of Amsterdam), editor Lee Chatametikool, PJ Raval (“Call Her Ganda”), Ditsi Carolino (“Bunso,” “Hindered Lands”), and other great minds.
It would be a bonus to also meet other new members like Steve Bertram (eOne), Debra Hayward (“Mary Queen of Scots,” “Les Miserables”) and perhaps Lady Gaga.
How are you going to prepare?
There’s no better representation but to walk with pride wearing world-class designs created by our own people. I just hope they welcome the challenge to create a haute couture for a plus-size film director.
How do you think the presence of Filipino filmmakers in the Academy affect the film industry in Hollywood and in the Philippines?
The Philippines has always been very openly supportive of Hollywood films for more than 50 years. Digging deeper, we will see that this is not a surprise. Though the Philippines is in East Asia, its history is very different from other East Asian countries. Stanley Karnow in his book “In Our Image: America’s Empire in the Philippines” gave the perfect description of the Philippines – “300 years in the convent, 50 years in Hollywood.”
By this he meant to convey the impression that the Philippines had languished under colonialism, hidden in the convent and entertained by Hollywood, while the world had dramatically changed.
The presence of a more diverse voice in the Academy of Motion Pictures is a win-win change both for Hollywood and the Philippines, only if both national powers would know how to maximize this opportunity. The inclusion of new voices can now champion diversity, inspire each other to discover new ways of telling stories, and strengthen ties in doing more international co-productions. I deeply believe the Philippines is ready to inspire Hollywood (Quentin Tarantino and Wong Kar Wai can attest to this). I hope Hollywood is ready to look at the Philippines as the new treasure box for stories and talents.
Bobby Pontillas (Animator. Director. Writer. Known for 2018's “One Small Step,” 2016's "Zootopia,” 2014's “Big Hero 6,” and 2011's “Rio”)
What was your reaction when you got the Academy invite to be part of Class of 2019 and where were you when you heard about it?
I got the official "welcome email" early at work and I just felt a great sense of gratitude to the Academy and my colleagues who endorsed me for such an honor!
What is the significance of this invite to you?
It means a lot to not only be representing my amazing industry, but also having a presence as a Filipino-American storyteller.
Are you going to celebrate? How?
Luckily the announcement was made right before the 4th of July, so we'll celebrate both!
What are the things you are looking forward to doing/seeing on your attendance at the Oscar?
I'm looking forward to celebrating and just taking it all in without the pressure of being nominated! Haha!
READ: Fil-Am animator Bobby Pontillas gets his 1st Oscar nom with short film ‘One Small Step’
How are you going to prepare?
I'm not really sure what I'm going to wear yet, but one day I would like to take my mother.
How do you think the presence of Filipino filmmakers in the Academy affect the film industry in Hollywood and in the Philippines?
My life's mission moving forward is to bring more Filipino stories to the screen. So hopefully our influence will be increased to help make that happen!
Josie Trinidad (Animator. Actress. Writer. Known for 2018's “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” 2016's “Zootopia,” 2014's “Big Hero 6,” and 2012's“Wreck-it-Ralph” )
Can you tell me the scenario when you got your invite to be part of Class of 2019?
It was a regular Monday morning at work, nothing special, and I was checking my email and saw one that said: “Welcome to the Academy!” I was thrilled. The first thing I did was tell my sisters, my cousins and my mom.
What is the significance of this invite to you?
It’s an incredible honor to be included and a privilege for me to represent Filipinos, along with my friends in animation, Trevor Jimenez and Bobby Pontillas, in the class of 2019.
Are you going to celebrate? How and with whom?
I’ll get together this weekend with my family and celebrate with a big BBQ.
What are the things you are looking forward to doing/seeing on your first attendance at the Oscar as a member of the Academy?
I didn’t even know I could attend now…that’s amazing, maybe I’ll take my mom and sister!
How are you going to prepare (clothes, guest, beauty makeover, etc.)?
My cousin is a make-up artist and another works in the fashion industry, so we’ll ask for them for help.
RELATED: Meet the Fil-Am head of story of 'Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2'
How do you think the presence of Filipino filmmakers in the Academy affect the film industry in Hollywood and in the Philippines?
It’s always great to see more Filipinos in Hollywood, and I hope it encourages aspiring Filipino artists and filmmakers to continue to tell our stories.
Trevor Jimenez (Animator. Writer. Director. Known for 2017's “Weekends," 2016's “Finding Dory,” 2017's “Coco,” 2011's “Rio”)
What was your reaction when you got the Academy invite to be part of Class of 2019 and where were you when you heard about it?
I was extremely happy and honored to hear the news, couldn't be more excited to be a part of the Academy.
What is the significance of this invite to you?
I was hoping I would get the invite after the experience of being nominated. Looking forward to attending some of the member events and taking part in the voting process for next year's Academy Awards. Like I said, it's really an honor.
How do you think the presence of Filipino filmmakers in the Academy affect the film industry in Hollywood and in the Philippines?
I'm proud to represent Filipinos in the Academy! Nice to see some other Filipinos also get the invite this year.
Leah Marino (Film Editor. Producer. Known for 2017's “Motherland,” 2012's “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” 2003's “Imelda”)
What was your reaction when you got the Academy invite to be part of Class of 2019 and where were you when you heard about it?
I was sitting at my desk in Austin, Texas editing Ramona Diaz’s new film. The word I would use to describe the Academy invitation is “surreal”!
What is the significance of this invite to you?
Immediately, I felt part of a larger network of film around the world and particularly to a very special documentary community. It’s a wonderful affirmation of one’s work to be invited to be in the Academy. I feel an even greater obligation to keep a high standard. At the moment, I think I’m still a bit overwhelmed and the full significance will only sink in over time.
Are you going to celebrate? How and when?
The whole day felt like a celebration. All the congratulations coming in and my Facebook wall full of friends. A feeling of the power and excitement that the Academy has.
How did you first meet Ramona and what is the secret of your good collaboration?
We met 20 years ago. We were putting together some funding samples for the “Imelda” 20 years ago! Ramona has such a strong vision in her work and with her characters who I really respect. She’s fearless in her art. I respect that and try to do the best I can with the material. Each film is a new challenge and I appreciate that.
What are the things you are looking forward to doing/seeing on your first attendance at the Oscars?
Just like any other girl maybe, I want to see those dresses on the carpet. I want to feel a little of that magic, sparkle and glamour in celebration of film and particularly documentary!
How are you going to prepare?
Time to kick up my health plan. Jazzercise and healthy edit room snacks. No joke.
Please tell me more about your ancestry and film background.
I wanted to work in the documentary field when I started at Boston University in 1988.
Most of my immediate family are artists --- my mother, father and grandmother. I wanted to make art and learn about the world around me --- what an honor to do that. I’m half Jewish and half Italian --- hoping to be honorary Filipino one day.
How do you think the presence of Filipino filmmakers in the Academy affect the film industry in Hollywood and in the Philippines?
I want to be part of an international community of filmmakers and I believe the Academy can represent the best the world has to offer. This uplifts all of us. — LA, GMA News
