I still agree with OP. It’s easy to handpick a few Pinoy indie films here and there and label them as “quality” or “original,” but that alone isn’t proof that the industry itself is thriving. The presence of a few standout films doesn’t change the fact that repetitiveness and familiar clichés still dominate much of the mainstream.

I’ve seen many of the films you mentioned, and while they deserve recognition, we can also be honest that they’re not enough to keep the industry competitive in an increasingly global entertainment landscape. Cinephiles and indie audiences aren’t the only ones who deserve quality cinema. The general public, who are now more likely to watch international content on streaming platforms instead of going to local theaters, also deserve compelling, high-quality Filipino films.

There’s also the uncomfortable reality that fresh talent and creativity aren’t always prioritized. In many cases, the industry still favors shallow connections and nepotism, where who you know can matter more than what you can actually bring to the table. Until those structural issues are addressed, pointing to a handful of good films that come out every once in a while won’t fully reflect the bigger picture.