Award-winning filmmaker Jarell Serencio hopes for a possible partnership with the city government on maximizing the use of film as an educational tool on raising awareness among students regarding relevant issues.
Serencio, the first FAMAS best director for short film awardee coming from the region, said it is good to be recognized but the real purpose is to extend the message and content of film to the students regarding social issues.
“We have this kind of film-making, storytelling that we relate to social issues so hopefully there will be a chance that the message would reach to the students and other institutions,” Serensio said.
He said the filmmakers alone cannot mobilize this initiative, they need the support from the city government.
“The important (thing) here in making stories is not just for theaters and gaining an award but of course to the people… to the students. They need to know the situation of the children in this community and other stories that (occur) in Davao,” he said.
Councilor Pilar Braga, council committee chair on education, science and technology, culture and arts, also said that filmmaking is one of the strongest medium for education as she enjoined the community to support the local filmmakers.
Braga said the city government is “always there to help you but you should tell us how can we help you.”
“Generally, we can’t use public funds for private use but the government can help in many ways like promoting and looking for sponsors for the different projects,” the councilor said.
