Gov't film agency to boost PH presence at the Oscars

For the first time, the Philippine government will help fund the campaign for the country's Oscar entry through the revitalized Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), now led by newly appointed Director-General Paolo Villaluna.

- ROBERT REQUINTINA

ROBERT REQUINTINA

"Magellan" as the Philippines' entry to the Best International Feature category, director Lav and lead actor Gael García Bernal have been actively campaigning for Academy votes in the US, Asia, and Europe.

"I am glad that for the first time, the national government will support the Philippines' Oscar film for the campaign," said Paolo during an interview at the launch of the new FAP in Quezon City. "Dati meron naman like P1 million pero alam na hindi yun kasya sa campaign. (There used to be something like P1 million, but we know that it's not enough for the campaign.)"

Paolo cited how other foreign governments spent on Oscar campaigns for their entries. "Anora spent $18 million, India spent a billion pesos. Of course hindi naman ganun kalaki ang pwede natin isuporta (Of course, we can't support that much). I cannot divulge the amount, but it is substantial. It's not wow, but enough for a decent campaign."

The Philippine entry to the 2026 Academy Awards is "Magellan," which is directed by Lav Diaz. "I am happy to announce that for the first time, nasa Top 15 tayo ng Variety list. (We are in the Top 15 of the Variety list.) And that's good. So on Dec. 16, we're crossing our fingers."

Since the announcement of Magellan in a Nov. 6 article in Variety, Magellan was placed among the Top 15 contenders for Best International Feature Film, and the Oscar prediction site Gold Derby currently ranks it 12th.