What lies ahead for vet and indie directors?
Call it the biggest gathering of Filipino film directors in recent history.
Cannes winners Brillante Mendoza and Raymond Red with the prolific master filmmaking team of Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. Veteran filmmakers Maryo J. De Los Reyes, Tony Reyes, Jose Carreon, Augusto Salvador, Kaka Balagtas and Mark Meily hanging with independent directors represented by Jim Libiran, Roni Bertubin, Jay Altarejos and Buboy Tan.
The event that got them together? The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines’ Directors’ Night held December 8, 2013 at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City.
Redefining the guild
Founded in 1992, the DGPI aims to function as a catalyst and guardian of the integrity of filmmaking and protector the professional welfare of its members while addressing the needs of the Filipino audience.
Being that it is a dynamic and progressive organization, it seeks to consistently redefine itself to the changing demands of the times not only in the country but also in the context of global cinema.
Which became the point of the gathering.
How to make filmmaking more sustainable?
In his welcome address, Joel Lamangan spoke of how the industry had changed. It once had a limited amount of producers and directors capable of being in the business of filmmaking but with the new technology, anyone is now capable of making a movie.
While this allowed greater freedom of expression, it also raised issues on the sustainability of filmmaking as an industry and a profession.
The challenge for the new DGPI, Lamangan said, is to reinvent itself to remain relevant in the current situation with programs designed to help not only its members but the entire industry as well.
A call to arms
Lamangan spoke of the dormancy of the guild in recent years and how a small group of members formed an ad hoc committee to jumpstart its new incarnation.
With Lamangan himself and director Mike Sandejas in the committee, they decided that the what they needed was a call to arms of the old guard and the introduction of new members that would help pave the way for the future.
Thus, the Directors’ Night was organized.
Renewing commitments
Aside from an almost complete attendance of invited guests, also on hand were Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Briccio Santos, MTRCB chairman Toto Villareal, award-winning editor Manet Dayrit, Brainchild CEO Bernard Dacanay and CMB Films president Jim Baltazar.
An official certificate of DGPI membership was given to each member renewing their commitment to the guild. Five new members were inducted, namely Tikoy Aguiluz, Marlon Rivera, Paul Soriano, Richard Somes and Jerrold Tarog.
Certificates of recognition were also given to past DGPI presidents Carlitos Siguion Reyna, Jose Javier Reyes, Mel Chionglo, Tony Reyes and the late Marilou Diaz Abaya.
The real work begins
Elections were then held and the new DGPI board announced.
President: Joel Lamanagan
Chairman: Maning Borlaza
Vice President: Mike Sandejas
Secretary: Rica Arevalo
Treasurer: Mac Alejandre
Membership Head: Ruel Bayani
Board Members: Paolo Villaluna, Ellen Ramos, Cesar Apolinario, Joyce Bernal and Soxie Topacio.
Despite the organizational agenda of the Directors’ Night, the event remained primarily a reunion of colleagues. The atmosphere was one of fun and celebration amongst friends.
Now that DGPI is active and renewed, the real work begins.
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