The future of local cinema is bright, this, if only due to young filmmakers like Ken Leviste.
Only 25 years old, Ken, who is also an instructor at the Far Eastern University focusing on multimedia arts, has enjoyed recognition for his accessible and award-winning film “Crushmate,” which won a number of trophies at the 2023 Gawad Sining Awards, including the People’s Choice Award, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay.
Many deemed the film a “breath of fresh air” inasmuch as unlike some of his peers, Ken is not really into films that are dark, cluttered, in an effort to appear profound, weighty.
His is easy to digest, charming and very, very entertaining.
Beyond that, Ken is eager to teach, influence others – something that didn’t escape notice.
Just recently, the Excellent Filipino Awards recognized him as National Inspiring Educator of the Year.
Ken is naturally moved, deeming the honor a huge milestone.
“Nakakataba po ng puso sobra ang maparangalan ng ganitong klaseng award,” he said. “Toally unexpected and a huge honor. Nawa ay maka-inspire ako ng ibang educators to continue with their work and keep on nurturing, inspuiring young minds.”
Ken would go on to dedicate the award to his mom, Shirley, a former high school teacher.
“Siya po ang unang nagturo sa akin, he said. “Siya po ang unang gumabay sa akin. Ang kanyang sipag at tiyaga ang nagsilbing pundar para makapagtapos ako and pursue my dreams. At ngayon, dahil po sa kanya, ako na po ang nagtuturo ang nagbibigay ng inspiration sa students ko.”
In a virtual chat, Ken shared with us his future plans.
“I have a new series in the works. It will involve the same people I have worked with in ‘Crushmates.’ ‘Flying High’ ang working title niya and it’s a coming-of-age series. Ang plano for now, is to have it released via YouTube,” he shared.
Nothing has changed in terms of his hopes and dreams.
“Ang akin naman talaga is just to continue honing my creativity and inspire others to do the same. Despite the awards, I still think and feel like I need to do more. Ang end goal is to become a well-known, award-winning blockbuster mainstream director. An industry staple.”
Asked what he thinks is it that prevents local films from earning notice globally, he shared, “Meron naman na, kahit paano. Napansin na rin naman tayo sa Cannes through the works of Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz pero I understand the question. Siguro, for us to break out globally, like what is happening with South Korea e, kailangan natin ang government support. Sobra akong naiingit ako sa South Korea dahil suportado ang industriya nila ng gobyerno. Hopefully we’d get there sooner rather than later.”
Is the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) not doing enough?
“FDCP helps a lot and I’m happy lalo na yung tulong nila sa young filmmakers. Marami akong kakilala na natulungan na nila in terms of grants. Hindi naman malaki pero kahit paano meron.”
His advice to others raring to follow his path?
“Ang biggest learning ko sa journey ko is that, you shouldn’t do things for money. Do it for the love and everything follows.”
