Bill rewards PH filmmakers, stars who shine globally

A bill granting up to P5 million in incentives to Filipino filmmakers and artists winning top awards in international film festivals has moved  closer to becoming law.

House Bill No. 7823 or the “Film Industry Incentives Act,” principally authored by Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymond Villafuerte, was approved by the chamber on second reading before it went on recess last week.

The measure hopes to spur the growth of the local film industry, which includes both mainstream and independent productions.

Under the bill, Filipino filmmakers and producers whose works have earned the highest recognition for technical or artistic excellence in notable international film festivals, will be granted incentives.

A full-length feature or documentary film that wins an international award will be given P5 million, while a short feature or documentary film will be given P3 million. Such films will also obtain an “A” rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board.

An incentive worth P2 million will be granted to a film director, lead artist, scriptwriter, cinematographer, editor, production designer, musical scorer, sound director, and audio or video technician who has received the highest international awards. If there are more than one winner, the reward will be equally divided among the awardees.

Another P1 million will also be given to supporting artists or technicians who earned the highest honors in their respective categories.

The bill applies to international film festivals that have been handing out awards for the last five years and are well known for their global character, audience size, and the quality and breadth of their programs.

Through the incentives, the state will encourage the production of more high quality film projects for both the local and global markets, the bill read. It will also help in promoting Filipino culture and tradition with fresh insights and artistic integrity through filmmaking.

The bill’s implementing rules and regulations shall be promulgated by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in coordination with the Film Academy of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and Arts.