Reviving Filipino Cinema: Vilma Santos-Recto’s advocacy for the big screen
Award-winning actress Vilma Santos-Recto, known as the Star for All Seasons, has long been an advocate for revitalizing the Philippine film industry. At a recent event at the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati auditorium of the University of Santo Tomas, she passionately voiced her plea to bring back the allure of watching movies on the big screen. “Let’s value watching movies more on the big screen. We cannot argue or fight with technology, but the film industry remains our gem,” she emphasized.
Santos-Recto’s dedication to this cause was further demonstrated through her involvement in the CCP Cine Icon campaign, which kicked off in March 2023. The campaign, a collaboration between the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and various industry stakeholders, aims to showcase the rich cinematic history of the Philippines. Through screenings of classic films spanning from the ’70s to the 2000s, curated by esteemed filmmakers like Ricky Lee and the late Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the campaign seeks to reignite interest in Filipino cinema.
One of the highlights of the CCP Cine Icon campaign was a special screening held at the Frassati Auditorium, where Santos-Recto shared her enthusiasm despite not feeling well. “It’s true that I’m not feeling well, but I came here to see all of you because you represent the new generation. Throughout my years in the industry, this is my payback time,” she expressed warmly.
Beyond simply advocating for audience engagement, Santos-Recto has also thrown her support behind the restoration and preservation of classic Filipino films. Reflecting on the importance of this endeavor, she remarked, “Another advocacy that I intend to take is the safekeeping and restoration of old films. These films are valuable, and it’s a shame to let them go to waste.”
Moreover, Santos-Recto has called upon both the government and the private sector to contribute to the funding necessary for the preservation of these cinematic treasures. “This is really for the Z generation,” she emphasized. “I want them to know what happened to their mothers and grandmothers, to us, during these times.”
During the event at the Frassati auditorium, Santos-Recto engaged with senior high school students and faculty, stressing the importance of intergenerational communication. “Communication is important between today’s seniors and the new blood,” she asserted. “They also have to make time to listen to stories of what it was like when everything was done manually.”
Santos-Recto’s unwavering dedication to the Filipino film industry serves as a beacon of hope for its revival. Through her advocacy for the big screen experience, her support for film restoration initiatives, and her commitment to bridging the gap between generations, she continues to inspire both audiences and industry professionals alike. As the Star for All Seasons, her legacy extends far beyond the screen, leaving a legacy in Philippine cinema to be enjoyed by generations to come.
