The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” missed a shortlist foray into the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.
The Philippines has been a perennial submitter of film to the Oscars but always misses a nomination, much more, a shortlist victory except for the late Gil Portes’ “Mga Munting Tinig” which was reportedly shortlisted in the Top 7 or 8 ranking of about eighty (80) films submitted to the American Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) from various filmmaking countries in the world in 2003 at the 75th Oscars.
So long as Lav and his stakeholders did their best once the film was officially selected by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) to represent the country to the selection of the formerly categorized best foreign language film, they have given the Filipinos a shot in the arm attempt of recognition in the world stage, of Hollywood, at that.
It was Diaz’s best efforts beyond his control.
Some see political maneuvering in the choices but that is still something we don’t have no consciousness of, or basis at all.
They are all hearsays.
As long as Lav is content about his entry’s participation in the race, we must rally behind him with pride.
He did his best, made an outstanding movie for the whole world to watch, that is also already an achievement.
Even if his film didn’t make it to Oscars, its being distributed by Janus etc. around the world
Global awareness is a step to recognition of the highest order however complex and tedious it may proceed but initially, as all other aspiring and struggling Filipino films are made to comply, like those of Brillante Ma. Mendoza (“Serbis,” “Kinatay” etc.) et al of the current wave and those of Lino Brocka (“Insiang,” “Jaguar,” “Bayan Ko Kapit sa Patalim,” “Orapronobis etc.) et al of the past era, it may take a while to really land an Oscar nomination.
Some say we need enough budget to oil up our campaign in the Oscar-voting population but that is, again, overcalculation because we don’t have to try hard, especially raising big money just to get noticed in world cinema.
There are many ways to skin the cat.
Brocka didn’t have money when he represented his films at the world-renowned Cannes International Film Festival.
He was chosen based on the merits of his works not because he spent money for marketing.
As is, he was sincerely honored then and even after his death.
Lino was a sincere film artist who thought out a unique way of showing to the entire world what a Filipino film was and he was gladly accepted.
He presented the noir in Filipino sensibilities so he was appreciated, no sweat.
Decades have passed but his masterpieces are still drawing interest in restoration by knowledgeable, visionary and masterful foreign film enthusiasts such as Martin Scorsese who have pulsed the need of the public on Lino’s immortal opuses.
How many Filipino filmmakers have earned the respect and conviction of their fellow artists abroad that their works be preserved for generations to savor?
Lino’s “Macho Dancer” has been restored by Kani Releasing and scheduled for special screening on January 9 and 20, 2026 at Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
“Magellan”‘s fate is written in the stars and we don’t cry over spilled milk.
Filipino filmmakers must strive harder, work closer, dream bigger and most of all, advance the interest of the masses to which their art must serve.