This book explores the complex interplay of culture and economics in the context of Philippine cinema. It delves into the tension, interaction, and shifting movements between mainstream and independent filmmaking, examines the film distribution and exhibition systems, and investigates how existing business practices affect the sustainability of the independent sector. This book addresses the lack or absence of Asian representation in film distribution literature by supplying the much-needed Asian context and case study. It also advances the discourse of film distribution economy by expounding on the formal and semi-formal film distribution practices in a developing Asian country like the Philippines, where the thriving piracy culture is considered as 'normal,' and which is commonly depicted and discussed in existing literature. As such, this will be the first book that looks into the specifics of the Philippine film distribution and exhibition system and provides a historical grounding of its practices.

Michael Kho Lim teaches at De La Salle University, Philippines and Monash University, Australia, handling units in film, media, communications, and cultural economy. An independent film producer, contributing writer, and early-career researcher, he also has extensive experience in the field of cultural and creative industries, holding various leadership roles such as executive director, general manager, and creative and managerial positions in content writing and editing.

Autorentext

Michael Kho Lim teaches at De La Salle University, Philippines and Monash University, Australia, handling units in film, media, communications, and cultural economy. An independent film producer, contributing writer, and early-career researcher, he also has extensive experience in the field of cultural and creative industries, holding various leadership roles such as executive director, general manager, and creative and managerial positions in content writing and editing.

Inhalt

1. Introduction: Film Distribution in Action2. Film Distribution in Film Studies3. The Making of Philippine Independent Cinema4. Now Showing: The State of Philippine Cinema5. Distribution and Exhibition as Intermediary Spaces6. Traditional Film Distribution and Exhibition Platforms in the Formal Economy7. Emerging Film Distribution and Exhibition Platforms in the Formal Economy8. The Semi-Formal and Informal Economies of Film Distribution and Exhibition9. The Philippine Film Industry, the State, and Cultural Policy10. Conclusion: Forward to the Economy, Back to the Culture