The Film Academy of the Philippines is undergoing a major restructuring under filmmaker Paolo Villaluna, with two stated goals: strengthening Philippine cinema's presence at the Oscars and other international awards, and improving protections for film workers.
Villaluna is leading the academy's revamp with focus on these two objectives. According to Deadline Hollywood, the newly restructured academy attended Cannes last week, meeting with film agencies, festival organizers, awards organizations, and campaign strategists.
The overhaul addresses both competition and worker welfare. The academy is prioritizing Philippine cinema's international visibility while strengthening labor protections for crew, cast, and production staff across the industry.
The Cannes visit signals the academy's strategic shift. By engaging with major players in the global film ecosystem, the organization is building relationships necessary for sustained Oscar campaigns and industry advocacy.
Whether this restructuring results in more Filipino films receiving Oscar nominations remains uncertain. With Villaluna leading the effort and active engagement at major film festivals, the Philippines is positioning itself competitively in international awards conversations.
