The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
More than a month after his latest film Ma’ Rosa was chosen as the Philippines’ official foreign-language film entry to the 89th Academy Awards, prize-winning director Brillante Ma. Mendoza on November 3 became the first beneficiary of the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) Golden Statue Assistance Program in an effort to boost promotion for the movie.
In a statement, the FDCP said it created the Golden Statue Assistance Program to “provide financial and service assistance to films competing for high-ranking international awards, such as the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.” It added that its creation is part of “its mission to further [enrich] our local culture through the medium of cinema.”
In an interview with the FDCP, Mendoza expressed gratitude in receiving the film agency’s help. He said he was honored by the recognition for the Oscars, but admitted that the journey for Ma’ Rosa had just begun.
“Being chosen by the [Film Academy of the Philippines] to represent the Philippines is only the start of the battle…. The moment na mapili ka, napili na ‘yung film mo. Ano ‘yung next step—that is the most important thing. [The moment you’re chosen, that your film was chosen— the most important thing is your next step],” Mendoza said.
Asked on what a nomination and a win for Ma’ Rosa would mean for him, Mendoza said he has always dedicated all the accolades he received to the country.
“I think I owe it to my country, kasi kwento naman ng pelikula ko ang Pilipinas. Kwento ng pelikula ko ang mga Pilipino. I’m just giving it back to them. [I think I owe it to my country, because the Philippines makes the story of my films. Filipinos make the stories of my films. I’m just giving it back to them],“ the filmmaker said.
Mendoza’s selection as the Golden Statue Assistance Program’s first beneficiary came six months after Ma’ Rosa won for star Jaclyn Jose the best actress award at the 69th Cannes Film Festival, the first time a Southeast Asian performer garnered the prize.
In the film, Jose plays a stoic sari-sari store owner and part-time drug dealer who, with her husband, is arrested by the police, who then tries to extort money from them.
Ma’ Rosa is the second Mendoza film to win an award at Cannes. In 2009 Mendoza himself won the best director prize for his film Kinatay (Butchered). Last year, his Supertyphoon Yolanda drama Taklub (Trap) debuted in the film festival’s Directors Fortnight section to positive reviews.
Ma’ Rosa is one of more than 80 films from all over the world vying for a nomination for best foreign-language film in 89th Oscars, which will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 26, 2017. TMM