Well this is rather unusual.
A month after showing his film at Cannes Film Festival, Brillante Mendoza has reportedly accepted an invitation from incoming Communications Secretary Martin Andanar to “direct” the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, ABS-CBN News reports.
“Sa sobrang galing ni Brillante, sana ay tanggapin niya ang aking imbitasyon na kung puwede ay siya ang mag-direct ng SONA ng susunod na Pangulo,” Andanar said.
(“He’s so talented. I hope he agrees to direct the next SONA of the incoming President”)
To which, Mendoza replied, “Why not?”
Mendoza and Andanar were seen being chummy at the special screening of Mendoza’s film Ma’ Rosa held on Tue, Jun 28, at SM Megamall in Ortigas.
Andanar was all praises for the award-winning director. He was one of Mendoza’s workshop students last summer.
We’re not exactly sure if the offer was serious, but whenever there’s a government official supporting the endeavors of our country’s artists, that’s a good thing.
Andanar confirmed that he reached out to Mendoza to ask for suggestions on how to boost the country’s independent filmmaking scene. However, he was quick to clarify that no government position was offered.
“Some of them got in touch with me already asking for suggestion kung anong puwedeng gawin,” Mendoza confirmed. “Sana maging positive at magtuloy-tuloy din gaya nang this administration kung paano sinuportahan ang indie filmmaking,” he added.
(“I hope this continues, just like how this administartion supported indie filmmaking”)
