1st Pinay councilor in the UK watches over Elstree Studios

MANILA, Philippines — It takes our very own Filipina compatriot, Cynthia Alcantara-Barker, the first-ever elected councilor in the United Kingdom to rediscover the counterpart of Hollywood this side of Europe.

Indeed, world film history has taken another turn for a Filipino to get involved meaningfully with the overseeing in Hertfordshire of Elstree and Borehamwood Film Studios, the sets of Hollywood’s blockbusters Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises in the 1970s. The Harry Potter series was also shot here.

The studios were also the location of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Blackmail, the first sound film in Great Britain in 1929. Some of the productions and recordings of the prestigious British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) television are also done here.

The Elstree and Borehamwood Film Studios.

Elstree Studios dates back to the early development of cinema as early as 1914.

Cynthia’s jurisdiction of Elstree town and Borehamwood borough is within her governing responsibilities as leader of the two districts. “I always visit Elstree and Borehamwood Studios as much as I could to see what’s happening there from a day-to-day basis. I am exercising my responsibilities over the studios as councilor,” informed Cynthia in an exclusive interview when she paid her San Pablo City hometown in the Philippines a visit early this year.

Cynthia was elected under the Conservative Party of David Cameron in 2015. According to former mayor of Borehamwood Charles Kelly who was with Cynthia at the time of the interview, the Filipino woman was unanimously chosen as a candidate by his party mates by virtue of her organizing spirit and altruism given the local communities in the twin town. “We believe in her talent and compassion for the members of the boroughs,” said Charles.

Jowee touring the Elstree Film Studios.

Elstree and Borehamwood being known as the Home of Film and Television, Rotary International and Cynthia spearheaded in October last year the showing in Reel Cinema in Shenley Road of the 91st Academy-nominated film A Star is Born which stars Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in her turf for the benefit of the elderly in celebration of Silver Week. “It’s an awesome film which tells a lesson about love and redemption,” smiled Cynthia.

Meanwhile, when controversial Fil-Briton filmmaker Jowee Morel went to the UK a couple of years ago, Cynthia welcomed and accompanied him to Elstree Studios and the Elstree and Borehamwood Museum. Jowee feasted on the rich cinema history of Great Britain and the world. “The studio and the memorabilia were all amazing,” Jowee quipped.

As councilor, Cynthia sees to it that she also preserves British arts and culture in her areas.