Ricky Lee reflects on writers being 'invisible' in Philippine cinema: 'Wala sa trailers, wala sa credits'

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Ricky Lee opened up about the often-overlooked role of writers in the local film industry.

In his interview with Pia Arcangel on "Power Talks," the National Artist for Film and Broadcast admitted that he had always been a shy person and the spotlight can make him feel awkward and uncomfortable.

However, Ricky has chosen to process and embrace this attention as he sees the focus not on him personally but also as an opportunity to shine a light on the writer, which he thinks is an invisible role in the industry.

"Sinabi ko sa sarili ko na 'Hindi. Ang binibigyan nila ng atensyon [ay] 'yung writer, not just me.' And ang writer invisible sa industriya natin. Wala sa trailers, wala sa credits," he said.

Looking back at his experience, he recounted the release of the iconic film "Himala."

"When it first came out nung 1982, wala ang pangalan ko sa poster. But that time, idea ko 'yun. Ako ang pumili kay Ishmael Bernal, ako ang pumili kay Nora Aunor. Inilako ko 'yan for six years, and then sinali sa contest ng ECP kaya naano, so that's mine," he said.

Per Ricky, the lack of visibility of writers continues today.

"'Pag tumingin ka ngayon sa poster, hanapin mo doon sa box 'yung pangalan ng writer na ang daming mga kasamang iba pa. Eh ang writer, katuwang ng director dapat eh. Nando'n sila sa box," he said.

He firmly believes that the attention given to writers today is not enough.

"So sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na the moment na nag-focus sila sa akin, ang binibigyang attention [ay] 'yung writer na invisible. And I'll do this. I should do this," he said.

In March, Ricky's debut novel, "Para Kay B," debuted on the theater stage.

This 2025, he plans to revive his legendary scriptwriting workshop. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News