Yes to streaming platforms, no to cinemas? Acclaimed director talks about alarming trend in film industry

National

FILIPINOS are increasingly avoiding cinemas for locally produced films, according to Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Jose Javier Reyes.

The FDCP's recent survey reveals that only those in the A, B, and a small portion of the C socioeconomic classes regularly attend cinemas.

Reyes shared these findings at a media event, revealing that people from the D and E classes have almost entirely stopped going to the movies.

The survey, which has been sent to major film producers and the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines, shows that only C1 class individuals, and not even C2 or C3, continue to frequent cinemas.

Reyes highlighted an alarming trend, noting that the cinema audience has become very limited. For example, “Deleter,” a major hit at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in 2023, attracted viewers who could afford higher cinema ticket prices.

Many now prefer to wait for movies to appear on streaming services instead of spending P500 on a cinema ticket.

Reyes also pointed out a significant shift in viewing habits, stating that the concept of "return viewers," who used to watch a film multiple times in theaters, has nearly disappeared.

He said, nowadays, people watch a film once and then wait for it to become available on streaming platforms, which has greatly impacted ticket sales.

The FDCP Chair discussed the unexpected success of films such as “Un/Happy for You” and “Rewind,” attributing their popularity to the appeal of well-known love teams like Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, and Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

The nostalgia for these popular pairings and the high production value of these films contributed to their box-office success.

Reyes also addressed the rising expectations of movie-goers, who now demand production values comparable to high-quality streaming content. Platforms like Netflix set a high standard with their international content, leading people to be hesitant to spend on films that do not meet these expectations.

Looking beyond the Philippine market, Reyes emphasized the importance of a global perspective.

He cited the success of Pat Boonnitipat’s “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” as an example of a film that, despite being distinctly Thai, resonates universally due to its compelling story.

To address these issues and promote local cinema, the FDCP launched Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) this September.

The celebration, themed “Tuloy ang Tradisyon ng Pelikulang Pilipino,” began with a screening of the 1980 film “Aguila” and a mini-exhibit honoring National Artist for Film Eddie Romero at the Metropolitan Theater.

Throughout the month, the FDCP will screen classic films by 11 National Artists at cinematheque centers in Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao, and Nabunturan, featuring discussions and talkbacks.(MyTVCebu)