Ronnie Lazaro wants more venues for indie films
Ronnie Lazaro is happy over the status of independent films in the country. But he knows it still has room for improvement.
At a press conference for winners of the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) first Sineng Pambasa, Ronnie, who was named best actor for “Ang Mga Kidnaper ni Ronnie Lazaro” said he approved of the government’s efforts to support independent films.
“I like the idea that at least finally the government is taking its hand and investing into our independent cinema writers and directors. And they are targeting the grass roots in the different islands, provinces and cities all over the Philippines. This is very good,” he said.
Ronnie was particularly excited about how the new FDCP program will promote the emergence of new talents, and of course new stories, in the Philippine independent cinema landscape.
“To me, I see that this will encourage jobs and open (venues) for creativity because we have so many stories to tell. Ubos na yung Maynila, eh!”
More Venues
For Ronnie and many others, the problem lies in the lack of venues after the festival in Davao and the screenings at the University of the Philippines Film Center in Diliman, Quezon City.
“I’m excited because what happened in Davao should be interesting—I want to see it here in Manila. I hope they get to show this in major malls… Ako tutukan ko ‘tong grupo na ‘to, you know, push them to make them to come up with a show, like maybe show it in Quiapo, something like that.”
He believes it would be ideal to have a marketing arm to keep the cycle going.
“We need a marketing arm. Meron tayong mga marketers pero kalat-kalat, eh. Kanya-kanya, grupo-grupo yan, eh. Dapat may ganong (grupo) nay yun lang ang focus because, ang laki ng market, ha?”
Ronnie shared his award with an ensemble of veteran film and theaters actors including Nonie Buencamino, Dwight Gaston, Soliman Cruz, Epy Quizon, Hector Macaso, Mon Lee and Raul Morit.
