Fifth Solomon laments current state of Philippine cinema; asks for support

- Fifth Solomon expressed frustration over the difficulty of getting his film Lasting Moments shown in local cinemas due to preference for foreign movies

- He questioned the lack of government and institutional support for Filipino filmmakers and criticized the current revenue-sharing system and taxes imposed on local films

- Solomon compared the situation to South Korea’s entertainment industry, which thrives due to strong support and funding from their government

- The director encouraged the public to support Lasting Moments on its June 4, 2025 release and to advocate for more screenings in their local cinemas

Filmmaker and actor Fifth Solomon took to social media to express his disappointment over the current state of Philippine cinema, as his latest film Lasting Moments, starring JM De Guzman and Sue Ramirez, faces hurdles in securing screenings in local theaters. In a passionate post, Solomon revealed that their distributor has struggled to get the film shown in malls and cinemas, with many establishments prioritizing foreign films over local productions.

“NAKAKALUNGKOT NA LAGAY NG PELIKULANG PILIPINO SA SARILING BAYAN!” he began, noting how disheartening it is that Filipino filmmakers must practically beg to screen their own films in their own country. Despite the fact that foreign films tend to attract more viewers and revenue, Solomon questioned when Filipinos would begin choosing and supporting local stories. “Tila nanlilimos pa ang mga Pilipinong filmmaker sa sarili nilang bayan, para lang maipalabas ang sariling atin,” he wrote.

Solomon called for more robust support from the government, lawmakers, and institutions like the Film Development Council of the Philippines, emphasizing the need to fix what he described as a broken system. Drawing comparisons to South Korea’s globally influential entertainment industry, he highlighted how adequate funding and structural support have helped Korean films and culture achieve worldwide recognition—even without relying on the English language.

The Lasting Moments director also raised concerns about the economics of local filmmaking, questioning if a 50-50 revenue split between cinemas and producers is fair, especially with additional deductions like the 10% amusement tax and 12% VAT per ticket. He asked if Filipino films can still compete in theaters in the age of streaming, where audiences have more convenient options.

As Lasting Moments prepares for its June 4, 2025 release, Solomon invited viewers to support the film by requesting local cinemas to screen it. “Magbaon kayo ng tissue — at ng pagmamahal para sa sariling atin,” he urged, capping off his heartfelt plea with a reminder that cinema is a reflection of national identity and culture.

Here is his full post:

“NAKAKALUNGKOT NA LAGAY NG PELIKULANG PILIPINO SA SARILING BAYAN!

Papunta na tayo sa playdate ng pelikula kong Lasting Moments (June 4 Wednesday), kaya nagbigay na ng update ang aming distributor. Sabi nila, hirap daw kaming makapasok sa mga sinehan. Iilan pa lang ang pumayag na ipalabas kami. Ang dahilan? Mas pinaprioritize daw ng mga sinehan at malls ang mga pelikulang banyaga.

Masakit at nakakalungkot isipin. Tila nanlilimos pa ang mga Pilipinong filmmaker sa sarili nilang bayan, para lang maipalabas ang sariling atin.

Oo, siguro nga mas tinatao at mas pinipili ng mga manonood ang foreign films. Oo, mas kumikita siguro ang malls at sinehan sa mga banyaga. Pero kailan natin uunahin ang atin?

Nasaan ang suporta? Nasaan ang konkretong aksyon ng ating gobyerno, ng mga mambabatas, ng Film Development Council of the Philippines? Bago tayo tumakbo at magparada ng festival sa ibang bansa, baka kailangan muna nating ayusin ang bulok na sistema rito.

Tandaan natin: ang sining gaya ng pelikula ay repleksyon ng kultura ng isang bansa.

Tingnan natin ang industriya ng Korean entertainment—may sapat na suporta at pondo mula sa kanilang gobyerno. Dahil dito, kahit hindi Ingles ang kanilang pangunahing wika, naipalaganap nila ang kanilang kultura sa buong mundo.

Ngayon, kilala na ng iba’t ibang lahi ang mga Koreanong pelikula, TV series, fashion, make-up, beauty products, pagkain, at turismo.

Paano ba natin mahihikayat ulit ang mga Pilipino na manood ng pelikulang Pilipino sa sinehan?

Tama ba na 50-50 ang hatian ng kita ng sinehan at producer?

Tama ba na may 10% amusement tax at 12% VAT pa sa bawat ticket na kinikita ng pelikula?

Sa panahon ng streaming, may laban pa ba ang pelikulang Pilipino sa sinehan?

Ngayong June 4, 2025, inaanyayahan ko po kayo na panoorin ang Lasting Moments sa mga sinehan. Magbaon kayo ng tissue — at ng pagmamahal para sa sariling atin.

Kung nais ninyong mapanood ang aming pelikula, Lasting Moments, sa sinehan, mangyaring tumawag sa pinakamalapit na sinehan at hilinging ipalabas ito.”

Sue Anna Garina Dodd, known professionally as Sue Ramirez, is a popular Filipina actress, model and singer. She rose to stardom as a cast member on the ABS-CBN remake of the TV drama "Mula Sa Puso." She is also known for her performance with Zanjoe Marudo in "The Broken Marriage Vow." She is the girlfriend of Victorias City's Mayor Javi Benitez.

In a previous report by KAMI, Sue Ramirez was asked about her rumored relationship with Dominic Roque during the MMFF 2024 media con. She attended the event to promote her movie 'The Kingdom' with Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual. Viral photos of Sue and Dominic sparked questions about their real status. Moreover, Sue shared she’s happy and that they are enjoying each other’s company.

Earlier, Sue Ramirez took to IG Stories and reshared a photo of her at the wedding of Charlie Dizon and Carlo Aquino. The actress could be seen in the photo with a sad face. There is a stark contrast between the smiling face of Charlie and the gloomy look on Sue. She then joked in the caption that she really was happy for Charlie, except that she was simply thinking of her "sinaing."

Source: KAMI.com.gh