MANILA, Philippines—Due to the global economic crisis, movie producers are now merely coproducing films and are constantly searching for new markets where they can exhibit their works and/or make bigger profit.

Digna Santiago, Film Export and Services Office executive director, reported that the country’s participation in the recently concluded Tokyo International Film Festival Commission Trade Show in Japan resulted in numerous inquiries on the possibility of foreign film financiers coproducing with Filipinos.

The inquiries were from producers based in Japan, China and Malaysia, noted Rolando Atienza, chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

FDCP joined the trade show in Tokyo’s Roponggi Hills last month. According to its website www.tiffcom.jp., the industry showcase, which coincided with the 22nd TIFF, is “an annual event that encourages global entertainment businesses by providing an efficient marketplace in Asia for all content holders and buyers in the world.”

During the event, Patrick Frater, journalist from The Hollywood Reporter, interviewed Atienza on the state of Philippine independent cinema. “Frater also asked to be sent regular box-office results from the Philippines,” reported FDCP Special Projects assistant Luigi Verzosa.

Independent film producer and San Francisco-based TV reporter Roger Garcia interviewed Santiago on the FDCP’s plans to promote Filipino films. “He asked where Santiago thinks Pinoy indie cinema is headed. He also said he’s happy that we are starting our own film archive,” added Verzosa.

The FDCP last month announced the creation of the National Film Archive of the Philippines or NFAP, which will take charge of restoring and digitizing 50 Filipino films, including classics like Gerry de Leon’s “Dyesebel,” Celso Ad. Castillo’s “Burlesk Queen,” Lino Brocka’s “Insiang” and Manuel Conde’s “Genghis Khan.”