Award-winning filmmaker Raymond Red recently shared his insights on the evolving landscape of Philippine cinema. Now actively involved with the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Red acknowledged that while the local film industry is going through changes, there is a collective effort to find ways forward.
When asked during a press conference on July 30 in Quezon City about his reaction to people saying “hindi maganda ang sitwasyon ng pelikulang Pilipino sa ngayon,” Red pointed to the ongoing discussions within key institutions and groups.
“Yan talaga ang discussions lalo na ngayon that I’m involved with the Film Academy of the Philippines,” Red said, noting that he’s also in constant coordination with FDCP Chairperson Joey Reyes and fellow members of various industry groups such as the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) and Lupon ng Pilipinong Sinematograpo (LPS).
These concerns, Red explained, have been recurring topics across various industry groups and communities he is part of.
“Yan talaga ang discussion all over e. I mean hindi naman natin ma-deny. Sabi ko nga kahit sa Hollywood and then sa Europe yan ang ano. Locally, may struggle. Sinasabi nila walang kumikita sa industry. So, as an industry, it’s really struggling. As cinema, pag sinabi kasi na cinema, we’re talking the whole cultural art form heritage niyan e. Not only the industry, di ba? And it will include young people, students.”
He acknowledged that the definition of cinema continues to evolve, especially with the influence of digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
“And now cinema, kasama ang ano yan ang bagong cinema e, — online, TikTok, YouTube. That’s cinema. Ina-absorb natin yan e. Moving images yan nai-infuence tayo, ina-absorb. So, a lot of people nga say yan na bagong mainstream e. Nanonood sila ng vertical cinema, and so on. So, in that sense very much alive siya. Pero as an industry, its really struggling.”
Despite the shifts in viewing habits and evolving definitions of cinema, Red emphasized that the local film industry continues to face significant challenges. He said that addressing these concerns has become a key focus within the Film Academy of the Philippines, where efforts are being made to find long-term solutions.
Red said, “So, now na nasa FAP kami, yan ang major discussion. Yan ang mandate na how to really revive the industry and help it. It’s going to be a big challenge.”
“Pero Director General Paolo Villaluna is really up to the challenge. Tinanggap niya yung position. Lahat naman kami magkakasama kami niyan. Nag-MOWELFUND, nag-independent filmmaking and we have our own things to do pero sige tanggapin natin itong challenge na ito. And yan ang main discussions ngayon,” he continued.
Raymond Red is also Co-Festival Director and Creative Consultant of CINEGOMA, with Xavier Cortez serving as Festival Director.
CINEGOMA: RK RUBBER FILM FESTIVAL is an open film festival by RK RUBBER ENTERPRISE CO. that features resiliency, grit, determination, and will power!
Now on its 6th year, CINEGOMA is calling for entries for the 2025 edition. The festival is open to all finished short films — students, professionals, amateurs, even RK insiders — with no registration fee.
Theme: “May kwento ang bawat laban — kaya oras mo na para ikwento ang sa’yo.”
The 6th CINEGOMA Film Festival accepts entries across five categories:
- Student
- Commercial
- Professional
- Artificial Intelligence
- RK Exclusive (for RK Rubber employees)
All films must be 10–15 minutes long, original, and aligned with the theme. RK Rubber and CineGoma logos must appear in the opening and closing credits.
🎬 Register for FREE here: https://forms.gle/GWk6RcVxv7JWiP8S7
📅 Registration Deadline: August 5, 2025
🏆 Cash Prizes & Awards include:
- Best Picture – ₱25,000
- Best Student, Commercial, Professional, and AI Film – ₱15,000 each
- Awards for Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography, Acting, Musical Score, Trailer, and Poster (₱3,000–₱5,000)
CINEGOMA 2025 celebrates the creativity and storytelling talent of Filipinos from all walks of life. Films that reflect real-life battles and the human spirit are given a platform to be celebrated and seen.
TATAK MNL 
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