31 films by 31: Gian Arre on creating opportunities instead of waiting for them

Filmmaker rethinks the “perfect project” mindset in today’s indie scene.

Completing one film can take years. For Filipino filmmaker Gian Arre, it has resulted in more than 30 films by the age of 31.

The writer, director, and editor has built one of the most extensive filmographies among young independent Filipino filmmakers, with works ranging from short films and documentaries to feature-length productions screened in local and international festivals.

Despite the milestone, Arre said the number of films was never a target. “It was never a conscious effort regarding quantity,” he told radar Entertainment. “It was only in the last year when we were compelled to actually take a few steps back and look at what we’ve done so far.”

According to Arre, his steady output comes from an interest in constantly creating. He cites the excitement of working with different collaborators, exploring new ideas, and revisiting old concepts from fresh perspectives as reasons why projects continue to emerge.

Holding on to your ‘silver bullet’

He also credits a production approach that embraces limitations. Instead of waiting for ideal circumstances, Arre and his team build projects around the resources already available to them. This allows productions to move forward without adding unnecessary elements that could complicate a story.

The approach contrasts with a common belief in filmmaking that creators should wait for a single major opportunity or hold onto a project until conditions are perfect. Arre disagrees with the idea that a filmmaker’s career depends on one defining work. “I may be in that small but growing camp of filmmakers who are against holding onto one pristine ‘silver bullet’ of a concept,” he said.

While he understands why some filmmakers carefully guard their most ambitious projects, he believes that mindset can discourage people from making films that are already within reach. He noted that the film industry today offers more avenues for filmmakers than it did a decade ago, making continuous creation increasingly possible.

Rather than focusing on a perfect debut or a breakthrough project, Arre prefers to spend his time developing skills through active production. He sees filmmaking as a process of trying different approaches, exploring new genres, and learning from each completed work.

Waiting for the perfect opportunity

His filmography includes award-winning projects such as “Paano Maging Babae,” which won Best Short Film at the Metro Manila Film Festival, the Cinemalaya-winning thriller “Tether,” and the documentary “In the Trenches of the Pink Revolution,” which earned recognition from Gawad PASADO. His latest feature, “Ang Lihim ni Maria Makinang,” has also screened in festivals across Asia and Europe.

Outside production, Arre has participated in several industry development programs, including the Ricky Lee Screenwriting Workshop, FDCP Full Circle Lab Philippines, Cinemalaya Film Lab, Sikap Animation Lab, and Cinepanulat Screenwriting Lab.

For Arre, making films has largely been a matter of continuing to work. “People who love doing this will never run out of good ideas,” he said. “But they will run out of chances to make them if they keep waiting for the perfect opportunity.”

With more than 30 films completed before turning 32, Arre’s career highlights a production-driven approach that prioritizes making films whenever possible rather than waiting for ideal conditions.

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