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Filmmaker Erik Matti Calls Out Eddie Garcia Law ‘Exploiters’

The ‘On the Job’ and ‘Honor Thy Father’ director called out film workers for using the Eddie Garcia Law as an excuse to avoid fully committing to filmmaking, likening the process to “going to war”

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erik matti
Photo from Erik Matti/IMDb

Erik Matti took to Facebook and Instagram to vent his frustrations with film workers who, he believes, are exploiting the Eddie Garcia Law (EGL), which was passed in May 2024 to regulate work hours, prevent workplace discrimination, and ensure safety and collective bargaining rights. The law was enacted after veteran actor Eddie Garcia’s tragic death in 2019, caused by a neck cervical injury from tripping on a cable on set.

“To those producers and directors who adhere to the EGL but are bogged down by film workers who still make our lives difficult despite that, PM me privately,” writes the On the Job director in his Facebook rant. In his lengthy post, the director criticizes film workers who, in his view, use the EGL as an excuse to avoid fully committing to the filmmaking process.

“If [film workers] choose to not be on the set despite giving them everything the EGL asks from us, then they would be better off in a 9 [to] 5 job where they can just show up,” writes Matti. “They don’t need to make movies.”

Matti continues to dig deeper into film workers, calling them out on their “laziness” and willingness to “compromise” on a job that requires so much creative dedication. “This is not about passion,” Matti adds. “This is about what’s right. To keep making movies that still matter.”

Some netizens quickly pointed out the flaws in Matti’s rant. “It’s a film INDUSTRY, Erik,” one Facebook user wrote. “People are just trying to make a living and need better wages and hours.” Other users showed support for Matti, sharing their own struggles with similar workers. “I support workers rights but I can guess and sympathize where you’re coming from,” wrote another user. “Minsan yung sobra laki ang mga ulo, gusto mas boss pa kesa [executive producer] at Direk at walang gana sila kumilos.”

This is not the first time the director has used social media to air his thoughts. Matti has built a distinct online persona, sharing his opinions from topics ranging from the Golden Globe-winning horror film The Substance to the conduct of lawyers in Congressional hearings.

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