A vision for Dabawenyo cinema
For Franky, Davao’s film industry stands out because of its people.
“Stories, albeit can be similar, will never be a Dabawenyo story if a Dabawenyo did not make it. All films that come out of Dabawenyo filmmakers have that special Davao heart and soul attached to it,” he said.
As a director, Franky prioritizes passion and collaboration over perfection and allows himself to risk experimentation and “crazy ideas”.
“My approach is to create an environment where first-timers feel at ease and taken care of,” he shared
Looking ahead, Franky is eager to explore new creative territories and is excited to pursue his first feature-length film this year, and hopefully a Bisaya musical. His goal is to reconcile his love for music and filmmaking in a unique and meaningful way.
To aspiring filmmakers, Franky advises, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because mistakes can be beautiful too. Filmmaking shouldn’t be so complicated, so just do. I always return to Ratatouille’s quote, ‘Anyone can cook.’”
Franky Arrocena’s journey from Davao City to the global stage is a testament to perseverance and passion. Committed to nurturing young talent and sharing Mindanawon stories, he continues to inspire Davao’s film industry. KBP
