The success of the 8th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is yet another milestone for the country’s indie film industry. The festival’s endurance to withstand controversies for eight eventful years is an achievement in itself, add to that the kind of films the festival has produced over the years that gave the country much recognition from international award-giving bodies.

However, the festival seemed to have taken a dismal turn for the last couple of years.

Because of the prestige and recognition that indie talents and filmmakers reap here and abroad, mainstream movie producers and talents were lured into the scene and inevitably altered the indie landscape.

True to the name that this 8th Cinemalaya carries, mainstream talents went in full force to invade the supposedly independent film festival. Industry bigwigs and renowned personalities  including Dennis Trillo, Ronnie Lazaro, Luis Alandy, Dawn Zulueta, Alessandra de Rossi, Mylene Dizon, JM de Guzman, Jodi Sta. Maria, Zanjoe Marudo and Rez Cortez, among others, joined the battle for recognition against nearly anonymous talents. Even Ananda Everingham, leading actor of 2004 horror film Shutter and one of Thailand’s most popular actors, had his shot at the festival in the entry, Kalayaan.

Last July 29, the festival has given its awards for various categories, and, quite unsurprisingly, seasoned actors, actresses and directors bagged some of the major awards. Eddie Garcia won Best Actor for “Bwakaw;” Joross Gamboa won Best Supporting Actor for “Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino;” while Judy Ann Santos, Agot Isidro, Iza Calzado and Janice de Belen all won Best Supporting Actress for “Mga Mumunting Lihim.” This film, directed by no less than Jose Javier Reyes himself, won Best Screenplay.

Before Coco Martin and Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros happened, it was indie film talents who go into the mainstream for a shot at fame – which was a normal and understandable course. But things suddenly went in reverse. Perhaps, everything that’s free and independent is bound to be invaded.

This sudden twist in Cinemalaya, when left unmitigated, might prove detrimental to the interest of budding indie talents and the film industry in general.

The Indie Invasion

Cinemalaya  exists to help budding filmmakers improve their craft and express their vision and artistry without the shackles of commercialism. It exists to provide a venue for young filmmakers who work on a budget to showcase their artistry and be given a chance to be recognized.

It is also where young and promising actors and actresses who aspire to make it big in the mainstream industry are given a chance to show the world what they got, in hopes that they be discovered by major filmmakers.

Unlike commercial movies, indie films are often limited in terms of marketing, distribution and funding. Because of this, one might wonder as to why industry giants who already made it big in the movie scene are still going indie, and hence, joining indie festivals such as Cinemalaya.

One reason, perhaps, is their desire for artistic freedom. Unlike in the indie landscape, film directors and talents are shackled by commercialism in a bid to bag huge revenues, never mind the story’s depth, the film’s quality or the actors’ performance. In mainstream movie-making, the actors’ marketability is more important than his acting skill. In mainstream movie-making, public clamor is the top consideration in making a film, as is the case with GMA Film’s Yaya & Angelina and Boy Pickup the Movie.

In commercial film-making, revenue is everything, which is why mainstream movies are often boxed up in sophomoric love stories, odd fantasy films, chick flicks and feel-good teen movies where the leading actors and actresses are the hottest love team of the time. Which is also why reality show contestants suddenly turn into movie actors and actresses, regardless if they can act at all or not.

Mainstream movie directors are also perhaps lured by the amount of prestige and recognition that indie films get from international award-giving bodies. Kinatay, an indie film by Brillante Mendoza, won the Prix de la Mise en Scene in the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in France. Mendoza also won the Best Director award for the film, besting Kill Bill’s director, Quentin Tarantino himself. And who would forget Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, which grabbed 15 international awards including best film, best actor and best picture.

The independent film industry is where art is not merely for art’s sake. It is where the real battle of craftsmanship and artistry happens. It is where free expression takes place, albeit odd, wild, absurd or unpopular.

Admit it, with the quality of commercial films these days, there are very little chances of making it big in the international moviescape.

With mainstream personalities invading the indie movie scene, it’s almost the same with the case of doctors getting a degree in nursing to up their chances of getting a job abroad.

Indie no more

While the move may be beneficial to mainstream talents and directors, this seemingly growing trend could already be taking its toll on the supposedly independent film industry.

With seasoned actors and actresses invading the indie landscape, the margin of opportunity for fresh talents to be recognized is getting narrower and more limited. And with seasoned directors entering the indie scene, small-time indie film directors are being forced to wage war against industry giants with deeper wallets, wider networks and stronger influences.

For the film industry’s sake, get out of the indie scene. When indie filmmakers get discouraged to compete with gargantuan rivals, the industry’s chances of developing and discovering precious gems might be put in peril. When young and inexperienced talents get intimidated by industry iconics, our chances of discovering another Coco Martin might become far-fetched.

Instead of crowding the indie film industry, mainstream filmmakers should instead improve their craft and not settle for substandard commercial junkies. Mainstream movie producers should invest in good quality films – with actors, screenplays and cinematography that are worthy of international recognition. Maryo J. de los Reyes did it in Magnifico in 2003, we can do it again.

Take risks in looking for and developing fresh talents and not settle for actors and actresses who are all-face but have no talent.

The Metro Manila Film Festival is the best place to start. Stop producing films like Enteng Ng Ina Mo or any other mergers with Enteng Kabisote.

While indie film-making is not exclusive for indie filmmakers (as film-making is an art that’s open to all), Cinemalaya should give small-time indie filmmakers a level playing field to showcase their craft.