Meryll Soriano says indie film funding remains limited in Cinemalaya

The actress champions Cinemalaya as space for passion and creative freedom, even as mainstream stars enter the indie scene.

Meryll Soriano remains a firm believer in the power of independent cinema, saying projects like those in Cinemalaya offer something mainstream work cannot: A space for passion, purpose, and creative freedom.

“I believe that art is for everyone. Everyone should be given a chance to try,” Soriano said in an interview with radar Entertainment, as she addressed the ongoing conversation about mainstream stars entering the traditionally indie-focused festival.

While the shift once sparked debate, Soriano sees it as a sign of progress rather than intrusion.

“I’m so proud that it’s open for everyone. And there’s no discrimination anymore,” she said, recalling how different things were when Cinemalaya first began. “In 2005-2006, when Cinemalaya started, our awards night was full of people but we were all in slippers. Because it was really not mainstream. It was for people from the province, who have stories.”

For the actress, breaking barriers between mainstream and independent spaces is long overdue.

“When an artist goes to the theater, there’s always a feeling that, ‘oh my God, it’s embarrassing. This is theater.’ But it shouldn’t be like that, I think. And I believe that the barriers can be broken now. And that’s progress for me,” she said.

More than access or recognition, however, Soriano underscored what independent filmmaking gives artists on a deeper level.

“When an artist wants to breathe, when he wants to create art in Cinemalaya, it’s for the soul. Yes, I do have that feeling,” she declared.

She pointed out the stark contrast between mainstream work and indie projects in her own career.

“I do TV because I have to work, and that’s where I earn. But when it comes to independent cinema, it’s really your passion, your soul, your voice. So, there’s a big difference. And it’s true, an artist can really breathe.”

At the same time, Soriano acknowledged that challenges persist within the indie scene, particularly when it comes to funding.

“It’s still the same. It’s still hard to get funding. And that says a lot,” she said. “Of course, we have growth in FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines). They have big grants this year, for short films, for animation… so at least that helped.”

“But for Cinemalaya, I didn’t see any change in funding. Of course, I’m not a producer, so I don’t know the numbers or the facts. But yeah, the feeling of independent cinema is still the same, which is sad,” she added.

Still, Soriano sees that limitation as part of what sharpens the craft. 

“We’re not like the mainstream that gives a big budget. And also, that pushes the creativity of the production, the vision of the directors, of the producers, the actors. That’s what’s good about it. The thirst and the desire to make your film better—you’re there.”

Soriano’s ties to Cinemalaya run deep. She first made waves in the festival’s inaugural year in 2005 with Aloy Adlawan’s “Room Boy,” which earned her Best Actress honors. She went on to win again for Mark Meily’s “Donor” in 2010 and has remained closely associated with the indie scene through the years, with multiple acclaimed performances linked to the festival, cementing a decades-long relationship that spans from its early days to its current editions.

She now returns to the Cinemalaya screen in “2 Valid IDs,” directed by Maan Asuncion-Dagnalan, where she stars alongside Pokwang, Joey Marquez, and Zaijian Jaranilla. The film is part of this year’s lineup of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, which runs from Aug. 6 to 18.

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