Executive Vice President of GMA Pictures Nessa Valdellon shared her insights into the hurdles faced by filmmakers at this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Her remarks highlighted the financial pressures on film producers, even as ‘Green Bones’, GMA Pictures’ entry, experiences a surge in box office performance following its accolades.
Valdellon described the tough competition among entries, especially for high-budget productions.
“This MMFF could be a potential bloodbath for those who spent 60 or 70M on their movie (and that’s almost every film that looked big and glossy),” Valdellon said, underscoring the risks faced by filmmakers.
The success of ‘Green Bones’ at the Gabi ng Parangal, where it won Best Picture, has translated to increased cinema exposure. The film started with 47 theaters on its opening day and expanded to more than 100 theaters by the third day. Industry analysts predict further growth as audiences respond to its critical acclaim and festival victories.
Valdellon noted the high costs associated with making movies, which include taxes, cinema owner shares, and increased production expenses due to new labor laws benefiting film workers.
“Each production literally needs to earn three times its production cost only to break even!” she explained. She also urged moviegoers to support the industry by watching MMFF entries, adding, “This is how big the taxes and cinema owners’ shares are. Also, the new law has made all movie workers’ lives better — but increased prod costs by a mile.”
“So if you love film, kindly watch as many MMFF films this year as you can afford to watch and are interested in.”
Valdellon’s candid remarks sparked reactions from notable industry figures.
Director Avid Liongoren commented on the financial challenges for producers, pointing out the burden of VAT absorption by filmmakers. “Tumbling talaga na ang VAT absorbed ng producers lang at walang share ang sinehan coz they are in the space rental biz kuno & not entertainment @_@,” he said.
Film archivist Leo P. Katigbak advocated for tax exemptions during the festival, stating, “Sana at least for the filmfest, taxes are waived so a larger share goes to producers. Politicians always praise cinema, but the support falls short.”
Veteran director Joey Javier Reyes supported Valdellon’s concerns, describing this year’s MMFF as a “bloodbath.” He emphasized the need for systemic reforms in the industry: “There is a need to rethink so many things about the festival and the system of film productions if we are to survive. Stakeholders must work together on this.”
Valdellon expressed hope for better outcomes despite the challenges. “We’ll do what we can Sir and follow your lead. Am worried for most of the MMFF producers and expecting we’ll all end up making smaller films in the coming years given the results of the 50th. Pero, laban pa! There’s New Year and weekend still coming up,” she said.
The 50th MMFF, which began on December 25, will run until January 7, 2025, across theaters nationwide.
