Despite fluctuating audience turnout in movie theaters, the local film industry remains promising, with filmmakers exhibiting increased creativity and innovative story ideas in the post-pandemic era.
For producers and filmmakers, a persistent challenge is securing venues outside commercial cinemas that offer reasonable rates and don’t impose the pressure of delivering blockbuster results to keep films on the marquee.
Certainly, streaming platforms are an option today, but they also come with limitations and can’t accommodate every film.
Plus, every filmmaker would agree that nothing compares to the joy of seeing their creation come to life on the big screen.
This is why the opening of a new cinema in Quezon City represents a significant boost for both emerging and established players in the movie industry.
A VENUE TO HELP FILMMAKERS
Located on the 8th floor of the Victoria Sports Tower along EDSA Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City, the Victoria Sports Cinema, or VS Cinema, is the newest addition to the city’s micro-cinema venues.
Each micro-cinema is different and has a distinct personality, adding to its charm and appeal for movie fans.
While Cinema 76 offers a warm, intimate atmosphere and Sine Pop! has an art house-like identity, VS Cinema provides a homey feel with an aesthetic that mirrors a commercial theater, though on a reduced scale.
Read: Dr. Carl Balita, micro-cinema ang naiisip na solusyon upang buhayin ang film industry
For starters, the 55-seater cinema features La-Z-Boy seats, a Dolby Atmos 5.1 digital sound system for an immersive viewing experience, ample parking space for guests with vehicles, and is conveniently located near the MRT GMA-Kamuning station.
The venue is also available for private and public events, workshops, press conferences, and more.
But more than the state-of-the-art equipment, VS Cinema aims to become a space to accommodate filmmakers and give them a platform to showcase their works.
Director Gabby Ramos (Huling Sayaw ni Erlinda, When Magic Hurts) proposed the idea to the property’s management of transforming one of the spaces inside the building into a mini cinema.
“Bilang filmmaker, ang unang masakit na naramdaman ko nung nakagawa ako ng pelikula pagkatapos wala akong mapagpalabasan,” Gabby told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during a press conference on Sunday evening, September 8, 2024, following the cinema’s official opening.
“Umikot yung producer ko nagtanong sa mga avenues [commercial cinemas] na ito, ang mamahal!”
Gabby recalled telling the management during the pitch: “Tulungan ninyo po yung kapareho ko na meron namang pelikula.
“Kung meron lang silang avenue na magpapalabas sila, makakabawi agad sila.
“Itong mga filmmakers na ‘to, kagaya ko, makakagawa ulit ng bago.
“Ang sarap ng pakiramdam, ‘di ba, na after mo gumawa ng pelikula, mapapanood mo at mapapanood ng pamilya mo.”
OPEN TO ALL FILM GENRES
Before the official opening, VS Cinema back in July hosted a private screening of Brillante Mendoza’s film Moro before streaming on Netflix.
Read: Brillante Mendoza on non-inclusion of Moro in MMFF 2023: "Big stars ang pino-pokus nila ngayon."
Read: Moro, bakit walang theatrical release at diretso sa Netflix?
The cast of the said movie led by Piolo Pascual, Baron Geisler, and Laurice Guillen were in attendance that day.
Read: Laurice Guillen, napabilib ni Piolo Pascual; "nagdasal" sa scene nila ni Baron Geisler
VS Cinema aims to position itself as an inclusive hub, welcoming films of all genres, sizes, and budgets for exhibition.
“Ngayon po we are talking para magkaroon ng regular showing. Tatanggap po tayo ng kahit anong uri ng palabas sa sinehang ito. Hindi po tayo mamimili,” assured Gabby.
He continued, “Kung ito po ay isang malaking pelikula galing sa Warner, galing sa ibang bansa, o ito po ay pelikula ng estudyante, ito po ay short film.
“Hindi rin po tatanggi kung ito ay festival gusto ko rin dito na maipalabas muli yung mga lumang palabas.”
Films intended for commercial release, or those screened in mainstream theaters as well, are of course subject to ratings review by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and as intended by law.
Read: MTRCB says X-rating for Dear Satan is final
Filmmakers are encouraged to contact VS Cinema to learn about the specifics of booking the venue, which may include the option to give their film a test run before its official release.
Gabby elaborated: “Kumbaga mainit-init pa sa editing gusto mo ipalabas, open po iyan.
“Para naman makita ng mga filmmakers natin na bago nila ipalabas sa sinehan, napanood na nila sa sinehan. Hindi yung nagkakagulatan.
“Ilang beses ko na ring naranasan yun, nagkakagulatan sa sinehan kung ano yung sound, color pagdating ng pelikula mo pagdating sa sinehan dahil hindi siya na-review.”
Moreover, the venue aims to host screenings of classic and vintage films, allowing a new generation of viewers to experience these timeless works.
"Nung isang araw nga nag-uusap kami, sabi namin, 'Magbi-birthday na si Direk Maryo J. Ano ba yung mga pelikula niya?' Marami kasi ang gustong mapanood," said Gabby.
Gabby was referring to award-winning film and TV director Maryo J. Delos Reyes, who died on January 27, 2018.
He also cited how the works of Vilma Santos-Recto, national artist Nora Aunor, and the late King of Philippine Cinema Fernando Poe Jr. should be celebrated as well.
Read: Award-winning film and TV director Maryo J. delos Reyes passes away at 65
"Ano ba yung mga pelikula nila? Bakit hindi tayo magkaroon ng isang event na isang malaki?
"Iba pa rin kesa mag-YouTube ka, di ba? Nakatingin ka lang sa phone mo. Iba pa rin [kapag sa sinehan]," Gabby concluded.