Pinoy director urges more support for indie films

HONG KONG – Director Brillante Mendoza says he’s grateful for a cash award from President Arroyo after his best director win at the Cannes Film Festival in May, but urged his government to do more to support independent cinema.

“I’m thankful that she gave me a commendation and she gave me an award that could really help me in paying all my debts in post-production because I still have a lot to pay,” Mendoza told CNN’s Talk Asia program in an episode that aired Wednesday.

“But I was hoping for more genuine support, not only from her but from the government because it’s not easy for us filmmakers, especially independent filmmakers, to do these kinds of films and to fund our films,” the 48-year-old former production designer added.

Mendoza did not say how much money he received from Mrs. Arroyo.

The Filipino filmmaker, who made his first movie in 2005, won best director honors at Cannes with “Kinatay,” a dark drama about a poor police academy student whose side job draws him into a world of crime.                 – AP