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 Panoramanila Pictures Co., a new film outfit composed of young Filipino filmmakers coming from both independent and commercial cinema industries, is looking forward to the Philippine and international premiere of its first feature film, “Ploning.” The film, shot entirely in Cuyo Island, Palawan, stars popular Filipino actress Judy Ann Santos.
Panoramanila fuses independent cinema spirit with commercial filmmaking sensibilities. It has its sight on an emerging inspired age of Philippine Cinema with creative and production excellence, elevating the industry as a major player in the Asian Region.
The new company is committed in producing feature films that are values laden, culturally rich, well acted, fully marketed and business driven. And to address capital constraints, it developed an equity-sharing scheme (joint venture agreements) among its cast and key production staff; and raised funds through investors, mostly private individuals. When the film earns, the investors also reap profit based on the shares allotted to them. "For now, Judy Ann Santos and our key production staff are enjoying this kind of arrangement," said Jourdan Sebastian, executive creative producer.
Popular Cuyonon folk song, “Ploning” is the main inspiration for the film. It presents the story of a Cuyonon woman’s promise, her struggle with hope and love told from the point of view of a young boy.
“For this maiden project, Panoramanila intends to portray a more beautiful and scenic Philippines. It wants to veer away from the stereotype images of third world poverty, sex and gambling trade and violence proliferating from current crop of Filipino films recognized in international film festivals,” added Sebastian.
There has been a dip in mainstream film productions in the late ‘90s to the present, which prompted the renaissance of independently produced local films. With ready access to more affordable video and new media technologies, more and more of the Philippines' independently produced films, mostly in digital format, are exhibited in a number of international film festivals. But most of these films were made with no sound business plan intact. Most of the filmmakers behind these works would naturally go back to square one, scavenging necessary funds for their next film.
Panoramanila looks into long-term and sustained business strategies in order for the company to produce more cultural and values laden films in the coming years.
“Ploning” is independently produced but will be marketed and distributed commercially in the Philippines and internationally. It is shot with live sound and in the traditional 35mm film format.
“Ploning” coincides its lead actress’ 30th birthday and opens in cinemas across the Philippines on April 30.
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