Richard Juan asks for support for Filipino films

Richard Juan took to his Instagram account to express his disappointment after a friend told him through chat that they don’t watch local films. The 28 Squared Studios CEO shared how it personally broke his heart as a new producer in the local entertainment industry.

Richard’s production company is behind the hit 2024 film, Under Parallel Skies, which stars Kapamilya actress Janella Salvador and Thai superstar Win Metawin. 

READ: Win Metawin, Janella Salvador’s ‘Under Parallel Skies’ to be released in more countries and regions

In the screenshot of the conversation the Pinoy Big Brother alum shared on his Instagram, the friend shared that they didn’t have time to watch local films. Richard only responded with a simple “lol” to end the conversation.

“This really highlights the challenge that all we Filipino filmmakers face, because let’s be real — lahat tayo may mga kaibigan na ganun din. I get it, not every film will resonate with everyone, and that’s 100% fine. Criticism is part of it naman talaga. But dismissing all local films outright? Wag naman? Sobrang sakit talaga,” he wrote in the caption.

Richard added that despite his own friend dismissing local films, he acknowledged that this is the reality Filipino producers have to live with. 

“When they say they want to watch 'international films,' they always think Hollywood films. Pero hindi ba pwede international film din yung Filipino film?” he asked.

READ: ‘Under Parallel Skies’ director shares lesson from film: ‘You only have one life to live’

“Being the first Filipino romance film distributed by THE Warner Bros., many eyes globally are on us and the whole Philippine entertainment industry. Because what we have in 'Under Parallel Skies' goes beyond simply showcasing actors; but it also celebrates the Filipino and Asian creativity behind the cameras,” he added.

He then called on for everyone to support Philippine cinema which is slowly getting its groove back after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Let’s champion not just Philippine cinema, but also Asian cinema with immense pride. I am just so proud that our new (and relatively) small independent film production company @28squaredstudios for undertaking a project of this scale…and was able to execute it,” he ended.

Meanwhile, Under Parallel Skies is still showing in cinemas nationwide. The highly-anticipated film will make its international screening in several Asian countries such as Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand in the following weeks.