There's Too Much Entertainment: Advice for Young Indie Filmmakers

The process of making a film here in the Philippines is possibly akin to threading a needle while wearing boxing gloves.

- SCOTT GARCEAU

The process of making a film here in the Philippines is possibly akin to threading a needle while wearing boxing gloves. Take Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., who took 20 years between writing his script for Pepot Artista and actually getting the resources to direct his imaginary coming-of-age film that's packed with Filipino touches and observations on the Filipino love of fame. The screenwriter and director known as "Doy" was at the Leon Gallery, of all places, presenting a print of his film to budding screenwriters, filmmakers, and students in the main exhibit area.

On the sidelines was Lisa Guerrero Nakpil who had the madcap idea to use the films from the "Second Golden Age of Filipino Cinema" as a takeoff point for "Reel to Real/Pelikula at Panayam," a series of talks by filmmakers given to aspiring filmmakers. Reel to Real has recently partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). The overall goal has to be this: for Filipinos to make more—and better—films. But again: it takes more than boxing gloves to thread that needle.