Quick on the heels of the sudden pullout of Veronica Velasco?s ?Last Supper No. 3? from Robinsons Galleria?s IndieSine, the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Multipurpose Cooperative (IFC) has decided to temporarily close the only mall-based theater in the country that exclusively screens indie movies.

IndieSine, a pet project of IFC, was opened three years ago, said vice-chair Raymond Lee, and was envisioned to showcase the works of independent filmmakers.

Paul Morales, IFC co-chair, told the Inquirer that the group ?intends to re-launch the IndieSine concept and pursue booking and distribution options.?

It?s a huge challenge, he admitted. ?We have to face the realities of business and hence redouble our own marketing efforts to break through and reach a wider audience. We?ll work on uniting our sector.?

In this forum with filmmakers, various issues were raised?particularly, the relative success of gay-themed films and how it impacts the indie scene.

Quite tellingly, the last film screened in IndieSine is Jonison Fontanos? gay drama ?Parisukat? which began its week-long run on March 10.

Adolfo Alix Jr.

It?s sad because for a while it was the most accessible venue where people can watch independent films. It?s really a struggle as indie films are still finding their audience, along with a concrete distribution system.

Pablo Biglang-awa

Honestly, I felt relieved with the decision. I?d like to spare others from (and warn them of) the recent traumatic experience (of ?Last Supper No. 3?). IFC should seriously review its existing agreement with Robinsons Galleria.

I really felt disappointed and it only affirmed my apprehensions about IFC?s ability to stand up against a theater management that is myopic to the needs of the indie film community.

The only upside (about IndieSine) is the rare opportunity to show to a mall audience. Sadly, with the present setup, it?s like buying a lotto ticket...even worse.

Cinemalaya, Cinema One and Cinemanila films are relegated to ?third-class? status there. In recent years, gay-themed films have enjoyed a growing ?captive? audience. Perhaps, IFC should consult the producers of these gay-themed films regarding sustainability.

Organizing on-site screenings for independent films can also be a worthwhile endeavor. It may not be as convenient as the current IndieSine mall setup, but it can be more fun and educational for the filmmakers and their audience as well.

Sockie Fernandez

It?s a pity if IndieSine closes shop. A cooperative for indie filmmakers is relevant, especially now. I think IndieSine should tailor-fit its programs to (address) what filmmakers have a hard time doing for themselves: Marketing, fundraising, production support, etc.

In the process, IFC can charge a certain percentage or that contribution could be worked out as an investment on the film. I think this would make IndieSine relevant and sustainable.

Francis Xavier Pasion

The reason for its (temporary) closure needs further discussion. It really takes time for a venue to build a good following.

IndieSine might want to publish a report or a study on the current state of independent films in the Philippines.

What types of indie films really made money? Is there a specific genre or type of independent film (for example, gay movies) that did well? How did internationally acclaimed films like ?Serbis? and ?Engkwentro? fare? Does international recognition affect the box office?

This development can indicate two possibilities: 1. There?s a limited audience for independent films in the Philippines; and 2. We are not producing the indie films that the market needs.

Even with its temporary closure, IndieSine can provide some insights on the current state, as well as the future, of independent films in the country.

Jay Abello

IndieSine is not closing shop. For years, IndieSine has always been the home of indies but not all films are accepted favorably by the audience. We?ve learned that. Every venue has its type of audience. You cannot force it. It has taken us awhile to accept this fact. We blamed our marketing and other factors, but actually it?s just a niche thing.

Some types of films are accepted there, and some aren?t. So now, we?re trying to look at it from that point of view. It?s really a refocusing more than closing shop. IndieSine will never close shop. It will just keep growing.

Cris Pablo

Like a phoenix, IndieSine will rise again. It was a unanimous decision to step back and rethink our strategies for our members. There is something big coming, which is why we decided to give ourselves time for these major plans to be executed well.

One thing the theater managers should consider is that digital movies are so adaptable that we can show our movies just about anywhere and earn.

However, there are obstacles (high cost of Censors? review fees, unauthorized public screenings in schools, piracy, expensive tickets) that could lead to the demise of indies.

The Department of Trade and Industry should look at the potential of indie movies as dollar-earning products and help us export and develop our films for the world market.

Theater managers should also move quickly because the digital revolution could lead to the establishment of venues beyond malls.

This is what?s great about going digital; it?s so portable.