Actress Janella Salvador recently voiced strong criticism against the prejudice some Filipinos hold towards local films in favor of Hollywood productions, describing such attitudes as “arrogant” and “condescending.” Through her Instagram Stories, Salvador shared her frustrations, reiterating comments by her film producer, Richard Juan, regarding an incident where an acquaintance dismissed the idea of watching a local film.
Richard Juan, the producer behind Salvador’s latest movie “Under Parallel Skies,” expressed his heartbreak over the negative attitudes towards Filipino cinema. “It really broke my heart,” Juan conveyed on his Instagram, revealing the dismissive remarks he faced. This sentiment spurred Salvador to defend the local film industry, emphasizing that dismissing Filipino films does not denote sophistication but rather arrogance.
In her shared post, Salvador called out the elitist mindset, advocating for a greater appreciation of local creativity and storytelling. Juan further commented on the pervasive issue, pointing out that such biases make the filmmaking process more challenging and painful for creators who are passionate about showcasing Filipino culture and narratives.
Together, Juan and Salvador are promoting their film “Under Parallel Skies,” directed by Sigrid Bernardo and featuring Thai actor Win Metawin alongside Salvador, with Juan appearing in a minor role. The team’s efforts underscore their commitment to elevating Philippine cinema on both a local and international stage, advocating for the recognition of Filipino films as part of global cinema.