Richard Gomez tables measures to revitalize the local film industry

By Billy Begas

Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez has tabled two measures aimed at boosting the entertainment industry he started from years ago.

In House Bill 936, Gomez proposes the creation of the National Film Archive to be managed by the Film Development Council.

Gomez said his measure “brings to life, gives meaning and fleshes out the intent of the constitutional provisions” on arts and cultural heritage with the aim of promoting local film arts and building and preserving Filipino film.

“This bill rests on that hope or chance, however slim and diminishing, that some copies of ‘lost’ Filipino classics may still be found, acquired and preserved for the benefit of our present and future generations,” said Gomez.

He pointed out that the film industry is much more than a commercial enterprise designed for public entertainment. “Motion films reflect human and social conditions, dramatize people’s struggles towards total liberation, and enhance our understanding and appreciation of our social values ​​and national identity.”

In House Bill 1428, Gomez seeks to provide cash incentives and non-monetary benefits to actors and actresses who bring pride and honor to the country by winning international competitions.

“This bill would be one more step in the right direction to make the arts a respectable and decent source of income for our artists,” Gomez added.

Gomez expressed his hope that the bill would “correct, to a limited extent, the decades of neglect, discrimination and sometimes even stigma suffered by artists in a society that prides itself on being democratic and calls itself a human”.