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Finally, something that [award-winning independent filmmakers] (http://says.com/ph/kulture/don-t-call-yourself-a-film-buff-yet-if-you-haven-t-seen-these-solid-filipino-indie-films) have been waiting for!
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On 20 July, Senator [Grace Poe] (http://says.com/ph/news/you-can-t-leave-home-without-this-cheat-sheet-on-may-9) filed Senate Bill 165 (SB165), or the Philippine Independent Film Incentives Act!
SB165 aims to give monetary incentives to independent films that won Best Film awards in notable international film festivals.
"**We have a great pool of artists and creators who have brought honor to our country through the outstanding films they have produced. It is high time to recognize them and encourage the rest of our indie filmmakers to make their mark, as we help the industry flourish**," said Poe, according to a press release statement posted on [GracePoe.ph] (http://gracepoe.ph).
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The bill also states the government will give P3-million to award-winning short films (20 minutes or less), and P5-million to feature films (120 minutes or less) that are internationally-recognized
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The lady senator, who literally grew up in the industry since her father (Fernando Poe Jr.) was a cinema icon and her mother (Susan Roces) is an actress, supported the act by citing highly-acclaimed films of multi-awarded Filipino directors and producers
Poe has also mentioned Brillante Mendoza who, along with the rest of the for [Ma' Rosa] (http://says.com/ph/kulture/watch-brillante-mendoza-s-latest-cannes-entry-trailer) cast, earned a standing ovation in the recent Cannes Film Festival.
Mendoza also won the Best Director Award in the 2009 Cannes Film Festival with his film, *Kinatay*.
"The independent film industry has my unwavering support. **Our filmmakers and actors have added greatly to the wealth of our culture and heritage.** It is only proper for the government to acknowledge their efforts," added Poe.
