SAN PEDRO, Beatriz Maxine 2017-89028

Film 103 MWX R. Tolentino

Creative Output

Ang Sinehang Pinoy: A Model of the Ideal Independent Filipino Cinema

Increasing development of independent Philippine cinema houses raises consciousness
of various ways of life within the country as films are cultural institutions. With independent cinema
houses such as Cinema Centenario, The CCP Arthouse Cinema, UPFI’s Cine Adarna and the
like, Philippine cinema – whether mainstream or independent, becomes elevated as part of
cultural exchange and discourse in the country.
I was motivated to do a creative output after reporting on South Korean Cinema – how
South Korea improved their film industry and culture and successfully introducing this through the
Korean Wave. I was also reminded of the two years I’ve lived in the United Kingdom (UK) and
how every public establishments such as cafes, libraries, theatres, and cinema houses helped
me adjust to the change of environment with their displays of local news and events. In my opinion,
these kinds of promotion of culture is something that we could and should do to improve our own
film industry and foster Filipino cultures, and a cinema house could be a step towards that
direction.
This independent cinema house aims to give Filipinos access to films that enrich their
knowledge and appreciation for films made by Filipino filmmakers and the film movements in
country. My main goal for this output to present a new format of cinema outside malls, and making
a physical model instead of a paper discussing cinema houses helps visualize what Sinehang
Pinoy can be. I took inspiration from cinema houses from the UK such as the Odeon, Vue, and
Cineworld, which have multiple locations around the UK. Similar to these cinema houses,
Sinehang Pinoy will be able to cater to more audiences, is easy to replicate in different regions of
the Philippines, have displays of local news and events, and promotes film festivals. The
difference that Sinehang Pinoy will have is that different locations will promote their own local
films as a priority (e.g. a location in Cebu prioritizes to screen films made by Cebuanos) and every
month will have a celebration of either a national holiday or local festivity. This format of cinema
house will not only lessen the forced consumerism malls have towards their audience, but will
also give independent filmmakers a solid platform to share their works of art.

Bibliography
Estrella, F. (2018, January 12). 13 places to watch movies outside of mall cinemas. Retrieved
from: http://nine.cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/film/2018/01/12/13-places-to-watch-
movies-outside-of-malls.html
Palmer, A. R. (2016, August 09). The Importance of Independent Cinema. Retrieved from:
https://www.cineroom.co.uk/features/the-importance-of-independent-cinema
Independent Cinema Office. (N/A). Independent Cinema Office – About us. Retrieved from:
https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk