Saving Philippine cinema

TBA Studios had a grand launch last July 26 in which they introduced their new film projects. Aside from Goyo: Ang Batang

Heneral (the anticipated follow-up to Heneral Luna), Birdshot and Weeping River, they also announced the release of Carlo Obispo’s 1-2-3; Raya Martin’s Smaller and Smaller

Circles (based on the 2002 mystery novel by F.H. Batacan); as well as a film adaptation of

The Mythology Class, a graphic novel by Arnold Arre, to be directed by Jerrold Tarog.

Together, the partnership of Tuko, Artikulo Uno and Buchi Boy (which have joined to form TBA) has been a dominating force in the local indie film scene, and it doesn’t look like they will lose their momentum.

One interesting factor driving TBA’s successes is the youth. The local independent film industry has garnered its biggest audience yet via social media, pointing out the reception to Heneral Luna as an example, with online buzz generating during its release. The same thing can be said of I’m Drunk, I Love You, whose viral hashtag #SaveIDILY kept the film in theaters.

In an interview after the launch, Jerrold Tarog acknowledged this phenomenon and relationship with the young audience. “When I started, it was way different. Hirap na

hirap kaming maghanap ng audience. Ngayon, malinaw na na nagkakaroon na ng solid na support,” Tarog said. “To be honest,hindinamanmagsa-succeedang(Heneral)Lunakung

wala ang youth. Sila naman talaga ang gumawa ng pelikula. We’re just hoping na hindi lang sa Luna (ang support) kung hindi sa iba pang mga pelikula na nilabas ngayon.” “Puwede kaming gumawa nang gumawa (ng pelikula) pero kung walang manonood, bale wala rin, so we’re really grateful na may ganoong support,” Tarog added.