ANTOINETTE JADAONE & DAN VILLEGAS

The Philippines has a storied history when discussing its film industry. At one time, we ranked third in number of films produced annually, behind only America and India. It is often lamented that we no longer produce at the same level as we once did.

But that may well be changing. With a crop of up-and-coming local talent, Philippine cinema may well be on its way to a new and brighter future.

Among the brightest torchbearers are Antoinette Jadaone and Dan Villegas. Their collaboration on English Only,

Please recently won many top awards in the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival. Notching Best Original Story and Best Screenplay for Jadaone and Best Director for Villegas, the victories have cemented a base from which the two budding iconoclasts intend to build a promising future cinematic history.

Jadaone and Villegas also do not confine themselves to singular skill sets. Jadaone is not only an award-nominated and winning writer, she too directs. Villegas himself is as an experienced cinematographer as he is a director. They are passionate about telling local stories that resonate with everyone from all walks of life. Together or on individual projects, these two behind-the-scenes artisans should be watched as closely as their work should be.—AS