As a part of the Asian Filmmakers Training Program of the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), I can really say that the Korean film industry is definitely thriving. Why? Because to begin with, their government loves their film industry. They support their industry so much as if it's an integral part of Korean lives. They have much budget for films They have the right government and non-government arms working together. They provide valuable projects to filmmakers. They also target the global market. In fact, they're even spending money for the three of us, Parul of India, Ha of Vietnam, and me just for cultural exchange, learning Korean cinema and how it works, and providing a film training for us. I wonder when will come the time that the Philippine government will start supporting arts the same way... Hay... Imagine they provided us roundtrip airfare inclusive of the travel taxes, accommodation (one room per person), free internet, provision for mobile phone, breakfast and dinner everyday, monthly allowance, medical insurance, alien registration stuff, tuition fee of almost 4 million won which is around 4,000 USD, among others. So lahat yun times 3 coz we're 3 here. And we're also attending PIFAN and PIFF at Pusan this year courtesy of them. I've always been wanting to attend those two festivals, now it's finally becoming a reality. Thanks to this program.
I have a couple of books, readings, magazines, and some Cannes stuff with me, I've been reading them everytime I'm free. Nakakainspire magbasa, and yet nakakafrustrate din kasi sa Pinas salat talaga sa ganito.
Halos araw-araw may libreng snacks sa afternoon, sometimes ice cream, fruits, breads, etc. for the people at the office. Marami ring stocks ng coffee and other drinks and snacks na you can use anytime. Marami ring freebies na kung anu-ano galing sa sponsors and other sources.
Nakakatuwa na nakakalungkot. Nakakatuwa coz it's a privilege to be here and experience all these at nakakalungkot coz sa Pilipinas, highly unlikely na mangyari ito unless a big change happens by any twist of fate.
I really don't believe that the Philippines is a poor country. I have met lots of people from the government who knows the nooks and cranny of politics and government. Some project managers, some office workers doing clerical works, and some are cabinet members. They say the same thing... we are NOT poor. We just don't get to feel what are supposed to be for us because of graft and corruption. And our government just puts in budget to military. The rest are given remnants of what's left with the budget (mainly shared by the military and the bank accounts of corrupt officials. Tsk tsk tsk.
If only the government learns to value education and the arts the way it values the military, and take care of the Filipinos in many aspects, we can provide a long-term change for the better. We hone the sciences, maths, and technology, but we should also hone the arts, culture, sociology, humanities, and the like. There should be balance. We shouldn't become robots nor we shouldn't become merely artsy fartsy. If only the government keeps the balance, slowly but surely, the Filipino values and priorities will soon make the Pinas a better place.
If only the producers would unite and everyone makes quality films, just like if you are offered all healthy food and you have no choice for your usual high-cholesterol diet, then Filipinos will start to watch and appreciate quality films - just like eating the healthy food instead of hte bad diet. It takes a big wave to impact a pretty good change. By that time, the masses would start loving even art films, and the level of art appreciation can affect the lives of the people and make living in the country much better in terms of values and cultural development.
Yeah. Too dramatic. Nuff said.
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