Filmmakers must open eyes of voters (Part I)

by Brillante Ma. Mendoza

In the most recent elections, many actors and celebrities ran for public office. Some won, many lost. Even before the election period, there had been widespread criticism and disparagement from citizens who questioned the competence of celebrities in politics, arguing that governance is not their expertise.

Valid criticism or not, politics is a game of perception and communication, and a celebrity automatically has a significant advantage in the elections due to nationwide name recognition. This is why politics has become a ‘retirement job’ for many actors—they see it as an almost guaranteed path to power and income, even if they may severely lack knowledge in public leadership and lawmaking.

Before, I had spoken about the involvement of entertainers in politics, and I always urged actors who succeed in the elections to also champion the film industry and its workers, as this is a subject they should be familiar with. Certainly, celebrity or not, if voters have decided to put you in office, it is only incumbent to use that power to serve all, and be humble enough to educate yourself if you find your experience and credentials inadequate. Bravery is required when we throw our hats in the political arena with the intent to do good, but it’s probably brazen to desire to go there unprepared and in ignorance—and even be proud of it.

I will be the first to say that we can aspire to perform different roles, and if one has genuine passion for something, they can pursue it. But I will also say that we must work hard to be worthy and qualified for the job we are applying for—and have the integrity to carry the responsibilities and sacrifices attached to it.

Take being in the film industry: if an aspiring actor cares about the craft, he must develop his talent, attend workshops at least. An aspiring director cannot just take over a production team—you must know how to lead, be familiar with the language, the camera, the design and editing methods; you must understand the voices of the people you make the film for. We cannot legitimately lead if we do not know the situation on the ground. True, deceit and connections can get you somewhere—but you yourself know that you do not deserve your success. Not that this matters to people who only honor façades. In my case, for example, I can frankly say that my achievements are the result of personal effort and perseverance, with my team—not the influence of politicians, especially celebrity ones. Yes, we ‘beg and borrow’ from public and private groups to create films, but I trained like any beginner, and built my life through hard work. In entertainment or in politics, training and competence is necessary; you do not know what you do not know.

Critiquing politicians, voters and factions (whether from the political left, right, or industry sectors)—is a right. We must evaluate, though we too risk becoming arrogant, assuming our intellectual and moral superiority exempts us from scrutiny. We must admit that the problem comes from both the candidates and the voters. The ill-equipped winning politicians rely heavily on advisers and staff to draft policies and laws for them, often rubber-stamping whatever their teams propose without real comprehension, the same way they are out of touch with the needs of their constituents. Later, they will also give seats to their relatives at the governing table. (To be continued)