Emille Joson: A voice for women's generation
Cinephiles worldwide have long been longing for narratives with empowering messages. Surprisingly, the genre was resurrected by the #Metoo movement.
An American movement started by activist Tarana Burke in 2006 as an awareness campaign to protect women, it resurfaced in 2017 as a Twitter hashtag in light of the Harvey Weinstein controversy.
The movement boosted growing awareness in the media, leading to meaningful discussions and initiatives aimed at increasing general diversity—specifically addressing racial, women's, and LGBT empowerment not just in films but in studio premises itself.
One notable example of the impact of the #Metoo movement on film narratives is Emille Joson's "Adivino," This Filipino short film, which was nominated for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival, tells the story of a con artist fortune teller haunted by a powerful man. It became a sleeper hit in Western countries and developed an insightful reputation for Joson in writing social realist concepts.
Although most of her work was already acclaimed in local and international circles, this was her first time being recognized by Hollywood celebrities, who followed her on social media and congratulated her.
Amid these talented people's appreciation towards her work, the royalty she receives, the left and right virtual interviews/news features, her schools, like Asia Pacific Film Institute and St. Francis De Assisi Montessori School, celebrated her journey and success.
The 31-year-old award-winning filmmaker is known for doing quality films. These acclaimed movies are Ice Idanan's "Sakaling Hindi Makarating" with Alessandra De Rossi, her award-winning screenplay-written film "Pagari: Mohammad Abdullah" with Teejay Marquez, the short film she produced "My Second Mom" with Indie Princess Mercedes Cabral, Kim Legaspi's "Fervent Wish" with Trina Legaspi and Ivan Payawal's C1 Original Film "The Comeback" with Kaye Abad.
Aside from doing films, Joson is also the COO of their family business, Alaga Producers Cooperative, known for exporting products, producing parades/ concert shows, and church charity work. On their social media pages, you will see some celebrities who worked with them: Patrick Garcia, Paul Salas, Katrina Velarde, and Jonalyn Viray. Angel Locsin-arce once collaborated with them for donations during the pandemic with the help of De Rossi. Joson is also planning to put up her film production soon. (Manila Bulletin Entertainment)