First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has stressed the importance of bringing the Philippines’ creative industries to the international scene.

During the opening of the temporary office of the Manila International Film Festival in Makati City on Tuesday, Araneta-Marcos said marketing Filipino talents in the global stage is crucial not only for the advancement of Filipino filmmakers, but also for the promotion of national pride.

“The best way to help the movie industry is to tell the world that Filipinos are good, we’re talented,” Araneta-Marcos said.

Araneta-Marcos also emphasized the need to elevate awareness of the country’s creative industries by tapping key stakeholders.

She said the promotion of local talents and production of world-class films would develop the nation’s film industry and contribute to the country’s cultural pride and identity.

“There are so many prestigious film festivals across the globe, such as Cannes and Sundance. Here in the Philippines, we have the Metro Manila Film Festival and the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF),” she said.

“The key is for industry stakeholders to come together, discuss and explore ways to uplift the local film industry. It’s really about awareness and education,” she added.

Prominent creative industry professional Greg Garcia echoed Araneta-Marcos’ remarks, citing the remarkable influence of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the globe.

“OFWs are running the world right now. Their influence spans across industries, and that includes the global film landscape. Some of the best professionals in the movie industry are Filipinos, but they remain one of the best-kept secrets,” Garcia said.

Garcia said the time is “ripe” for the Philippines to send its best talents and films to the international stage.

“We have the opportunity to literally give the world our best people. And when you give the world the best, they give their best in return. That’s how we raise the bar for the Philippine film industry,” he said.

The overarching theme of the campaign “Give the World Our Best” calls on the Philippine creative industry to unite and take full advantage of international platforms.

In December last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is eyeing partnerships with Japan and other countries to increase its share in the global creative industries market.

This, as Marcos acknowledged that the Philippine creative economy remains a prime contributor to sustainable economic development and is expected to grow to USD3.4 trillion in 2028.

The creative economy amounted to PHP1.6 trillion and contributed 7.3 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, according to the 2022 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The creative industry currently employs more than seven million Filipinos. (PNA)