Figuratively, my post-pandemic traumatic stress therapy has been binge-watching movies and film/TV series, thanks in large part to the many streaming apps available.

It has already transcended to more than a therapy for now, becoming more of a daily habit even if it means just catching one episode of a trending series, or partaking of a classic that we never get tired of watching over and over. And in this immersion, I can’t help but once again be disappointed and frustrated with our local film industry.

While there is a renaissance in film in general, and countries like Korea and those in Latin America have been churning out masterpiece after masterpiece, in the process enthralling a worldwide audience, our local film sector seems to struggle in trying to keep up.

I can tell that it’s not because they are not trying. There is the effort to level up, and ironically, the push and the initiative are coming from independent or indie film producers.

For the industry titans, I guess they are more contented with profiteering from the time-tested formula of sex, slapstick and poverty porn. Of course, there are a few exceptions, such as the fantastic period series Maria Clara and Ibarra, as well as Heneral Luna and the recent blockbuster Maid in Malacañang by the enigmatic genius Darryl Yap.

There are also recent local films that try to dwell on the complexity of human relationships, as well as tackle today’s societal issues but they rarely succeed, and this is where we now debate whether the problem is because the audience cannot relate, or because it is the film which can’t.

The recent local indie film that made quite an impression on us is Doll House, and it is indeed a refreshing work of art that evoked genuine emotional highs and lows and identity with the viewers.

However, films like Doll House are quite a rarity in an industry that is more interested in leveling down to the baser instincts of its audience. It is why perhaps there are even popular directors who believe they are God’s gift to showbiz even if what they are turning out are simply trash disguised as new-age cinema.

I recently viewed a film entitled Pamasahe and much as I want to be titillated by the sex scenes, some of which were unnecessary, my biggest sex organ up in my head got so confused with the plot line as well as the pacing that my entire being went limp.

It was really such a disappointment that I did not even get the boner that I was eagerly anticipating. Seriously, is the film about travel fare for sex, or is it about revenge, or just porn pretending to be art? In one sequence, I was even ready to conclude that the film title is all about extra-service massage therapy.

Overall, I wish for the sake of this industry that a real assessment be done by real artists who have authentic care and commitment.

We have what it takes to be another Korea. We really do. We do not lack the talent, skills, creativity and beauty needed in this industry.

All we need now is to hear someone who cares, and directly point at everyone in showbiz and shout, “Cut! Take 2!”
Mark my word.