Allen Dizon is more appreciated abroad than in his own country

Because he's more visible in indie films,  Allen Dizon is not as familiar to  Filipino moviegoers the way mainstream actors are. But step out of the country and go to Hanoi (Vietnam) and Harlem (New York) and filmmakers recognize him.

The actor-producer just won Best Actor at the 3rd Hanoi International Film Festival for his quiet yet moving take on a poor coffin maker in “Magkakabaung,” an entry to the Metro Manila Filmfest New Wave section which will have screenings on December 17 to 24 at SM Megamall and Ayala Cinemas.

Mixed feelings

Allen won by unanimous decision over Hollywood actor Ralph Fiennes (Shindler’s List), Korean actor Go Soo, award-winning actor from India Na See Ruddin Shan and Vietnamese actors Trung Anh and Tran Bao Son.

“Ibang country pa ang nag-appreciate sa kin,” Allen, who also won Best Actor at the 9th Harlem International Film Festival last September, said.

Allen has mixed feelings about those twin victories. Yes, it makes him feel on top of the world. But it saddens him because it only shows how little government is giving to Filipino films and its artists.

“Ang impression sa mga Pinoy sa international film festivals ay magaling silang umarte,” Alllen told Yahoo Philippines.

No government support

Too bad they’re not getting badly-needed government support.

“Nakakalungkot na walang support from the government at least. Sa Hanoi, para kang nasa Cannes and Oscars. Sobrang laki ng red carpet. Lahat ng local TV networks don, live ang coverage (sa filmfest),” laments Allen.

Another award-winning actor, Cherie Gil, also feels for her talented local counterparts.

“Nanghihinayang kami. Sabi namin ni Cherie, kaya natin ito,” Allen relates.

With government help, he thinks local films can be a source of revenue for the country and can give jobs for many Filipinos.

Low on budget, high on creativity

“Mas marami nag magpo-produce (ng films). Maraming Pilipino ang magkakatrabaho.”

He notes how Filipino films, though not as well-funded as their Asian counterparts, can compete with the best. What it lacks in budget, it more than makes up for in terms of creativity.

“Maganda ang reputation ng Filipino films (abroad). Pang international quality ito (think National Artist Lino Brocka, Lav Diaz, Brillante Mendoza, Ishmael Bernal, Joel Lamangan, Maryo J. delos Reyes, Peque Gallaga, Jeffrey Jeturian, Adolf Alix, Francis Xavier Pasion, etc.).”

But are the powers that be listening?