Every filmmaker reaches a quiet phase where the magic fades. Scripts feel forced. Edits feel pointless. The excitement that once fueled you goes silent. But burnout isn’t the opposite of love—it’s proof of how much you’ve already given. This piece explores why falling out of love with film might be part of learning how to love it differently.

January always feels personal. Between the noise of new beginnings is a familiar promise we keep making to ourselves: this is the year I finally take filmmaking seriously. Why 2026 Is the Year You Finally Start Filming is about letting go of readiness, paying attention to everyday Filipino stories, and realizing that filmmaking begins the moment you decide to notice—and record—what would otherwise disappear.

I used to think Christmas movies were too predictable to matter. But somewhere between familiar scenes, repeated lines, and the quiet moments they bring back, I began to understand why Christmas movies feel like coming home. They don’t surprise us because they aren’t meant to — they comfort us, reminding us of family, forgiveness, and the places and people we return to every year.

The industry loves speed. But the filmmakers who last? They take their time. If you feel behind, this one’s for you.