The recent controversy surrounding the film Quezon has exposed a deep and troubling issue within Philippine filmmaking — the failure of some filmmakers to draw a clear line between artistic freedom and ethical responsibility.
The central issue is not about stifling creativity or denying filmmakers their artistic license. It is about transparency and accountability. If the true intent of the film was to present satire — as director Jerrold Tarog later admitted, albeit unapologetically — this should have been made clear from the very beginning. A simple disclaimer or acknowledgment in the film’s marketing, trailers, or press materials would have spared the public confusion and controversy. Unfortunately, ambiguity sells better than honesty, and this ambiguity has now backfired.
Interestingly, some have argued that consulting the descendants of President Manuel L. Quezon was unnecessary. But that argument misses the point entirely. The issue is not about whether the Quezon family was consulted; it is about concealment of intent. The filmmakers’ failure to disclose that the work was meant as political satire misled the public into expecting a faithful historical portrayal. To reveal this only after being confronted by Quezon’s descendants appears less like artistic candor and more like damage control.
Had there been transparency and humility on the outset, even a simple acknowledgment of error — the public reaction, particularly that of Mr. Ricky Quezon Avanceña, might have been very different. His frustration is understandable. It is deeply troubling to discover that a film honoring one’s ancestor was, in fact, meant as satire, which was apparently deliberately omitted from all promotional materials to make the movie become talk of the town. Reports that he was discouraged from speaking further only compound the problem.
What is even more disappointing is the way some sectors have chosen to defend this misstep under the convenient banners of “creative license” and “freedom of expression.” These principles are vital to art, but they do not absolve anyone of ethical responsibility. Freedom of expression does not equate to freedom from accountability.
Equally misplaced is the argument that “there are no perfect heroes.” This line of reasoning is a red herring that distracts from the real issue. The debate is not about Quezon’s perfection or flaws but about the filmmakers’ integrity and respect for history. When a film purporting to depict a revered historical leader conceals its satirical nature, it undermines both the subject’s legacy and the public’s trust.
Filmmakers and producers must remember that with creative freedom comes moral responsibility. When portraying real figures — especially the country’s heroes and leaders who fought for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty — there is an obligation to uphold honesty, accuracy, and respect. If the work is fictional, satirical, or loosely based on history, it must be clearly labeled as such.
Transparency is not censorship; it is a basic ethos that must guide every artist and storyteller. It is not a limitation but a principle — one that upholds integrity, respect, and truth. Without it, creative freedom becomes mere indulgence, detached from responsibility.
Cinema is not merely an avenue for profit or personal ego. It is — or ought to be, a powerful medium for education and nation-building. Films should inspire critical thinking, unity, and patriotism, not sow confusion, division, or opportunistic exploitation of historical figures.
Maybe it is time for filmmakers to reflect on their next projects by going back to the basic question: “What is our purpose in making this movie?” The country’s film industry is already gasping for air, weighed down by senseless productions and profit-driven objectives that fail to uplift or enlighten. And as the nation continues to grapple with political and social polarization, divisions once aggravated by blind partisanship and the fanatic loyalty fostered by the previous Duterte administration, the call for unity has never been more urgent. Like a broomstick, this nation cannot stand strong unless its strands are bound together.
Isn’t it time for the Philippine film industry to rise above profit and ego, and create films that provoke thought, awaken conscience, and rekindle patriotism?
What do you think?